OAF in my 1st marathon along the beautiful Biloxi Coast!
What an experience. I was the 1st female to cross the line in my 1st ever marathon (yes it bears repeating).
While I fell short of my sub 2:42 goal and ran mid 2:43s, I
really cannot be too disappointed as this was well under the 2:45 marathon standard
required to run in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
The training build was very difficult, with lots of miles
and long workouts. I had a gradual build with 4 weeks ~80 miles and one 90 mile
week. I hit four 20-22 milers, never having run over 18 consecutive miles in my
life before this. I nailed the 6:08 goal paced long workouts, the longest being
over 12 miles, often averaging under pace. Come race day I was ready.
Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating. At the start
it was already just shy of 60F and humid. However, the worst was the 10mph head/cross
wind. My average for the 1st 3
miles was conservative, then I inadvertently picked it up a little too much,
catching the lead female. She said she was so happy to have someone to run with,
and we ran side by side clipping off 6 flats before catching up to two 6 feet
tall dudes. We ended up getting behind these guys and ran in a train at 6:08
pace for about 8-9 miles. I think she dropped off about a mile or so before I
did.
My quads wanted to quit at 30k. Super painful, burning, on
fire. I think it was mostly because I underestimated how much the new {LONG} distance
and constant headwind would fatigue me. I practiced both depletion runs (22 miles)
and fueling with Maurten 100 gels every 3 miles (as I did in the race) so I don’t
think it was a fueling issue, although the sun had come out and dehydration is
a possibility. It’s difficult to drink a lot from tiny cups, although I
practiced this also, and was grabbing cups more often than every 3-4 miles as I
had planned.
I finally made it to the bridge at 24 miles, willing my legs
to go just a bit farther. At this point only the lead biker was with me. He was
yelling at people to get out of the way – “MOVE OVERRR,” “LEAD FEMALE COMING
THROUGH!” While I was cursing under my breath at each turn and bridge grate I
had to change my stride for, legs aching in protest. I tried so hard to smile
after 30k, while it hurt so bad.
Now it was 25, rushing down the first downhill of the race,
another sharp turn – shit – then uphill and turn to the finish, quads seized up
and I collapsed. I literally couldn’t get up. I thought my quads would either
snap or turn to jello. Plus wasn’t I done?! Just leave me in peace. No, I don’t
want to stand up and get out of the way (ARE YOU CRAZY?! // how are people
standing after having run this far). I deserved this spot, sprawled across
the finish line not caring how ridiculous I looked but feeling the stares. No,
I really would rather not hold a banner and get my picture taken. Yes, thank
you I will take a wheelchair and some chicken broth and 6 ice packs and lay on
a stretcher in the shade.
After who really knows how much time had passed I was “ready” to get up, according to the EMS staff. Painfully I was able to stand and hold the banner at the finish with a large grin stretched across my face. Acknowledgement that I had conquered a huge feat finally reaching my mind and heart, I was filled with gratitude for my body and mind for pulling me through to a finish and respectable time.
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