It's done! 18 weeks of training paid out with last weekend's race. I ran it in 5:13, which was slower than the time I had in mind (I was anticipating under 5:00; my idealized "I am a Kenyan" time was 4:30... but one day i'll get there) but considering the main goal was to finish strong, I am unbelievably, jumping-off-the-walls happy with my time. I ran a pretty steady, consistent pace throughout and was joined by my mom just before km 27 (which was a much needed help- I felt like lying down on the road right there and giving up, I felt like I wasn't going to finish). I definitely regained some of my confidence though when I realized that slow as I might be running, I was one of the few people who were still running at that point. People around me were limping, walking, or running at that pace where it looks like more of a shuffle than anything else. The fact that I was still able to run at the pace I had started at made a big difference (popping some advil helped too!) My mom left me around km 38 (4k to go!!!) and I battled the last few kilometers out on my own. I was able to pick the up pace a lot in this last leg (for those familiar with running jargon, I had been running between a 7-7:30 min kilometer throughout, and I picked it up to a 6-6:30) where I (oh so modestly) passed probably around 30 people. The faster tempo, plus knowing I was so close, made those last 4 kms fly by. I just kept running until I saw the next km marker. Those red flags were my favourite by the end of the race. In the last 500m I picked up the pace even more, and I sprinted full out across the finish (I'm positive there is a great picture out there of me crossing the finish line. I can't wait to find it).
With the exception of probably about 7kms in the middle of the race, I throughly enjoyed the experience, and definitely plan one doing another marathon (probably Scotiabank 2013, I want to do triathlons next summer, and marathon training takes up too much time to do both).
I know I say this often but marathon runners should be able to use their bibs to get handicap parking after the race. I couldn't walk the rest of Sunday OR the next day. I basically was confined to one floor of my house because I couldn't make it down the stairs.
I feel like I have so much more I want to talk about regarding my experience.. but I'm having a mental block right now :) My brain/body still isn't functioning at its normal (and brilliant) level, although I do now have full use of my legs again, which is appreciated. But my toes are still too bruised to wear normal shoes, and it is very cold out. :(
Until next time! Time to go post some pictures. :D
No comments:
Post a Comment