18 weeks of training
3 months running on ice and snow
5:30 am runs in the dark
9:00 pm runs in the dark
2 pairs of shoes
0 injuries (thank goodness)
482.3 miles of training runs
All leading to.....
a 26.2 mile race through Washington DC!
Finally the weekend came that we have been working, sacrificing, and yes literally at times throwing ourselves in front of insanity's doorstep for.
After arranging for our kids to be taken care of for three days and two nights.....the "stress" of a marathon actually seemed miniscule. I swear I was more nervous about how my kids and their care takers would do than anything regarding the impending 26.2 miles I was about to run.
I was excited to get away for the weekend and it was very fun to be in our Nations Capital (but I can catch you up on those touristy things later). I can honestly say I wasn't nervous about the race, just mostly nervous about if I was going to wear the right running clothes for the weather.
I did wonder if our time goal that we had set was either too high or too low. I just did't know how to be completely sure. We wanted to finish around 4 hours, averaging about 9:00 min miles; keeping them even splits throughout the entire race or negative splits for the second half. Even though this technically would be our second marathon....in all reality it was really my first, and I didn't know fully what to expect. I at least did feel physically and mentally prepared and really up for almost anything.
Here's how the day went:
5:40 am: we woke up and got ready.
Took our speedy taxi to the starting line and found our corral.
It wasn't too long a wait in the cold for the gun to go off, but did take more than 10 minutes to walk from our corral to the starting line!
The first half of the race was amazing. With over 17,000 runners you can imagine the enthusiasm of the runners and the crowd! It was invigorating. It took a lot of self control to not just run like a crazy person through it all! We kept it in check and our overall time was looking good and we were feeling great! In fact, I felt like it was almost just like another training run. High spirits throughout!
We finished the first half just shy of our last half marathon time (but feeling a gazillion million times better). And then we lost more than 12,000 of the runners who were "only" doing the first half. I felt the game change completely then. All too soon were gone the hundreds of cheering spectators, the wild distraction of mass running groups, even the beautiful and inspiring scenery. The second half of a marathon is not for the weak in heart. It becomes a new type of challenge that is really faced from within, as a lone individual.
We pushed through into the second half feeling just as great for quite awhile. Around mile 21 we passed the 4:00 hour pacers (woohoo! We knew we were sitting pretty to come in under 4 hours since they crossed the starting line at least 5 minutes before us) Hey what do you know they happened to capture it on camera!
It was around mile 22 or so that I realized the cramping that had developed in my legs wasn't going to go away. The last 4 miles weren't that fun. The last two were pretty disheartening. The last mile felt like the longest mile I've ever ran. The last .5 miles I thought would never end.
But I just kept telling myself that I could endure anything for 8 minutes or so. I pushed up the hill and around the corner and finished my race in under 4 hours at a 9 minute mile, with negative splits! How's that for attaining your goals!?
Of course there are always those questions of what if I'd done this or not done that? But really for the most part I really have no regrets and feel 100% satisfied with the entire experience - even with my choice of running attire!
We waited just a bit for my good friend and training buddy Rachel to finish (Way to go Rache!!). So grateful for a husband and friend who helped me through the LONG winter months of training. I think they all paid off!!
We basked in our sweet finishes
and headed to the hotel for a much needed shower and nap...and some fattening, greasy food of course (much deserved)!
Of course you physically have to be prepared for 26.2 miles...but those last few miles, it definitely comes down to mental strength and endurance to be able to continue putting your body through that kind of pain, endurance, and strain. Any marathon finisher, no matter the time it takes them, is an inspiration of endurance and strength - both physically and mentally - if I do say so myself. It is actually quite "spiritual" and touching to watch individuals push themselves to their limit and beyond and cross the finish line in victory!
I'm proud to be able to say I've done it twice now. Here's to hoping for another someday!
I wish I could have been at the finish line! It was the fact that it was a Reagan stadium or whatever that place is that held me back. I had never been there and didn't know anything about parking and then not knowing how Jeff's games would go etc. I totally missed out. Come run it again next year!
Posted by: LuAnn | April 12, 2011 at 09:12 PM
You are amazing! You have a willpower of steel to get through these winter months of training. Awesome!
Posted by: Jacy | April 06, 2011 at 04:04 PM
Hello Kristin et ta famille,
Une grande surprise pour vous ! te souviens tu de Paul le guitariste à Heure le Romain en Belgique ? Kristin ! Te souviens-tu de mon œuvre, « we’ll be together » Je suis content de vous écrire un petit mot sur votre blog ! super et magnifique. Je prépare une lettre pour vous l'envoyer au USA. voici mon adresse émail: paultalbot7512@hotmail.com; merci de m'envoyer votre émail, afin de correspondre. félicitation pour votre blog: il est super ! Quelle belle famille ! !
à bientôt, Paul.
Posted by: Paul Talbot: rue Quinettes 22/A 4682 Heure le Romain Belgique | April 03, 2011 at 06:08 PM
I am sad it's over. What an awesome few months. SO GLAD we got to train together. You are an inspiration. I can't wait until our next race...whatever that may be. Way to go on reaching ALL your goals. You guys are awesome.
Posted by: Rachel | March 30, 2011 at 06:48 PM
WOW. I am totally inspired. Not to run. No, but I love reading marathon stories. I admire it, you guys are awesome!
Posted by: Scooping it Up | March 30, 2011 at 04:50 PM
You guys are a great team. I am so inspired by you! but not enough to take up running any time soon.
Love you!
Posted by: Charyce | March 30, 2011 at 03:42 PM
You are awesome! I totally agree that a marathon is not for the faint of heart and it is spiritual in a way to be among a group of people pushing their bodies to perform great things. Rock on!
Posted by: Amy Kyle | March 30, 2011 at 03:17 PM
What an amazing accomplishment. I'm so happy all your hard work paid off and that you felt totally satisfied. Your photographer sure kept up with you well to get those great snapshots! (Ha, ha) Glad you got some awesome shots to put in your proof book and a wonderful medal too. Congratulations for your success. Love you!
Posted by: Grandmere | March 30, 2011 at 12:24 AM