Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Marathon News

Well, I have to confess that I was unable to cross the finish line:( There is no telling just what makes a good run happen---do all of the stars have to be aligned just so? They weren't for me on Sunday. I was able to complete 19 miles...my longest run ever. I will continue to train and make another attempt after the first of the year. And since one of my other teammates was unable to run because of an injury, we will be able to train together and try again!
I am super proud of Jess and Vicki who did the whole thing. They are phenomenal women who made it all the way to the end. I am also super proud of the whole ARG team who have stuck it out all of these months. We wouldn't have been able to accomplish anything that we have without each other. Even the members who were unable to run were there with us for childcare and moral support!
A few things I did learn:
  1. Next time plan the Italian vacation post-race. Carbs are good for running but a weeks worth of pasta and pizza (oh yeah, and gelato and tiramisu) may not be the best diet pre-race!
  2. Marathons are not scary. Not everyone is out there to run it in 2 hours! They can be a lot of fun....so don't let nerves get the better of you and prevent you from sleeping the night or two prior to the race.
  3. If you are going to have to wait around awhile from arrival to start time, don't eat breakfast before leaving the villa. Bring breakfast with you and eat while waiting for the starting gun (a man we dubbed Chef Boyardee heeded this advice and seemed to be eating enough breakfast for all of us!)
  4. Even when you think you have all the problems worked out, chafe spots, clothing issues, shoes, etc., new ones spring up for no apparent reason. I now have 3 toes that are purple, one in particular that is swollen and purple and I am just praying the toenail stays on! Yuck!

There will be pictures forthcoming. We are going to have a big photoswap and I'll post them later. I just wanted to let everyone know the outcome. I am disappointed with myself but only more motivated to try again!

6 comments:

Mary Beth said...

At least you had the guts to enter the race. You are brave and I am proud of you even if you didn't finish.

Mom on the Move! said...

You all are SOOOO my heros! You are 'real' people out there running. You made a goal and you got there and that's pretty dern good. It can only get better/easier/faster (at least that's what I tell myself and I am only doing 5Ks).

Anonymous said...

19 miles! Wow! I am proud of you and your effort! I know I couldn't do it. I'm glad to hear the outcome. Don't be disappointed in yourself - you did what you could and you can keep trying! : )

The Gutsy Mom said...

Do you know how FEW people in the world can get out of bed and run 19 miles on any given day? VERY, VERY few. You are an amazing, unique, accomplished woman, and I am so proud to know you and to be a member of Team ARG. I am looking forward to running many more miles together this year and in years to come. RUN ON!

Aloha Ya'll! said...

That is awesome that you made it 19 miles! I wouldn't even be able to WALK 19 miles!

Anonymous said...

You amaze me! I am so worried I won't be able to walk the 20 a day next summer. I can't even imagine running a marathon. Micah & Jordan went with me this morning and I couldn't hardly even run at all. You are my inspiration, so keep running and so will I. Love you!!