This one was great, for the most part. I did have another anxiety attack (SO frustrating!!) at mile 11, but I kept going and willed myself back from it--I wasn't going to let that stop me this time. Just for the record, these make my legs go weak and turn to jelly...not cool in the midst of a marathon. Once I got through it, I got my legs back.
Miles 23-26 sucked. No surprise there, but that was where it really turned mental. That was where I really had to push myself when my legs were telling me to knock off the running crap and call it a day. Sorry, legs...mama had a point to prove -- to herself.
There will always be those who are (a lot) faster, but I'm pretty dang proud of myself. I trained diligently - and enjoyed it - and accomplished my goal time (well, my goal was four hours, so I'm just going to have to be okay with those pesky 44 seconds).
My parents, the girls and I had a fun, albeit quick, Portland trip. We missed Daddy, but what can ya do. I got the special treatment and rode in style in the back o the 'ole mini while Papa drove.
Yesterday, we got to the hotel, unpacked, and headed back out to pick up my race packet at the expo. We walked around by the water a bit, then met a fellow SC alum, Colleen, for a pasta dinner. It was fun to see her after quite a few years, meet most of her family and some friends, and get some last minute tips from a now-Boston qualifier!
(Austen got that stuffed kitty ^^^ from a boy at Alfy's pizza last week. He was playing the grabber-thing game and gave it to her. I like that. And she liked it too...was ecstatic.)
We then went back to the hotel for sleep--ha! Austen slept in a bed with me and coughed/kicked me in her sleep for the first few hours. I think I finally slept solidly from about 1:30-4:50. Oh well, she's a cute cougher/kicker.
Poor Grammie slept in a chair because her new shoulder is still pretty painful, and the bed just hasn't been cutting it.
My dad and I got up bright and early to head to the start line. He dropped me off and I made my way to corral D. It was freezing, but I'd much prefer that over too warm.
The crowd had a moment of silence for Boston (the security at this race was very tight), sang the National Anthem and Sweet Caroline, and then we were off.
It's so amazing -- feeling this comradery with so many other people doing the same thing, and there's so much support for others. I feel the same when I'm out running and exchange that little wave with fellow runners. Makes my heart swell.
My cheering section met me at the finish line, and K could hardly wait to give me the "fruit cup" she had made special for my race. It even came with a coaster to hold under it. She was so proud. And apparently, she made everyone one of these for breakfast, too. So proud.
After the race, we headed back to the hotel so I could shower (believe me, it was in everyone's best interest) then packed up the car to get lunch at Red Robin. I may have consumed two pieces of cheesecake on the way there. It was served last night at dinner and I just couldn't bring myself to eat it the night before a long race. It was torture, I tell you. Cheesecake is my kryptonite (did I use that right? Sounded cool...)
I got my celebratory beer and the girls were excited to be at good 'ole Red Robin.
We drove to Multnomah Falls to do a little sight seeing, grabbed coffee, and headed on our way. Stopped for some road trip junk food and mini pumpkins (for preschool tomorrow), and here I sit, loungin' in the mini, writing this stream of conscousness post.
^^ This is called, "Mommy wanted a cute picture and kid wasn't having it." We basically dragged them around for two days, so, fair enough.
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Well, I did it how I knew I could. I'm happy, and now I'm going to give my legs a much deserved break. Gotta stay off the 20 milers for a bit.
1 comment:
So inspiring Lis!!!! So proud of you.
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