I can't help it. I kind of like running. I kind of like to talk about it. I like to type about it. I like for you to read it. I know you LOVE reading about running too. RIGHT???
So, this past weekend, I did a marathon in Indianapolis. It was called the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. I was incredibly excited to be doing a marathon in my hometown. I also had high hopes of breaking the four hour mark. We will get back to that in a minute.
It was very neat to be running on the streets that I knew. I thought the race was well put on. Indianapolis does it right.
So, the morning of...it was cooold...and there was a chance for rain. I wasn't worried though, I was pretty happy that I was about to do my first flat, cold marathon. I think it meant good things.
I started off the marathon with the 4:00 pace group and stayed with them until about mile 8. At this point, I started pulling ahead. I passed the halfway point at 2:00:26. This confused me a little because the 4 hour group was still behind me and the pacer has paced many marathons and says her miles stay almost right on. I was hoping to be slightly under 2 at this point, but I was feeling good so all was ok.
I was keeping on and keeping a decent pace...Also, I was wearing pretty cool Marathon Maniac arm warmers, so I was meeting all kinds of neat people along the way.
Well, then...at Mile 23 I hit a snag. I know some of you know about it, but I'm not going to write about it on here...for my mom's sake. (Sorry mom...don't worry). Well, I lost some time that mile and mile 24...but miles 25 and 26 I was able make up a lot of it.
I was trying HARD to get finished under 4 hours. I was giving it all I could possibly give... I came close...oh so close!
4:00:32. So, next time...it goes down.
I felt comfortable the whole way except for the tiny little hang up. So I know I did it right. I know if I do the next one with the same kind of care and effort to keep my pace under control, I have it.
So after the race, it was sooo cold. I had to be reminded to get my medal... Andy was at the finish line, and he handed me a chocolate milk. My fingers were so cold, I couldn't open it. It was starting to sleet harder and harder and I was wet. My little emergency blanket thing was flapping in the wind. I could barely walk. So, I found a chair, I sat. I cried. We then walked to my friend Jimmy's hotel, and I pretty much cried the whole way I think because I was soooooooo cold. I got in the hot shower and even it wasn't getting me warm. Wow, it took a while to warm up. My lesson learned...I WANT MY DOWN COAT at the finish line in a cold race...and maybe a wheelchair.
Finally, I got a picture with my medal...I don't look tired at all...huh?
Needless to say, I have never felt like I have earned a beer more than this one...ever!
