Bottom line - didn't make goal time- but still on cloud 9. Can you say thank you endorphins?! Day started off well. Met up with Sole Sisters and took the bus up together. We started with a prayer- really loved that, started the day off just right. I can thank that prayer for the peace I felt all race despite many obstacles.
It RAINED, RAINED and RAINED some more. White singlet probably NOT best choice for today. ha ha.
The first 6 were great, good pace (8:30ish) went by fast. I was mentally prepared to be challenged on miles 7-11 and I was! ONLY it didn't end at mile 11, it lasted until 14! Then I could pick it up on & off for the rest of the race. I would have a good couple miles then struggle again. Did stop for 2 calf massages which was really nice.
Pretty much ran my own race. Would see my Sole Sisters come & go, stayed with Shelly for most of the last half.
Fun to see Kim about mile 17- since I missed her at the blogger party last night I was happy to see her along the way. She was very strong despite some serious knee issues. Think she still smoked me in the end.
Saw another chica with a FRB singlet and a cute pink running skirt. Yelled "go FRB" and she gave me a nice wave, but I couldn't catch her. Who were you wonderwoman?
This was a tough race!! The rain didn't help. About the last 3 miles I knew it was sketchy at best that I could break 4:00. I would have had to pick it up to 8:00 and I just didn't have it. However I kept up the positive self talk and at this point I would normally be crushed, but I wasn't. I just smiled and enjoyed the cheering fans along the end of the route.
Felt a great since of accomplishment. Probably earned about what I deserved due to my "erratic" training as Brent would put it (good adjective).
Got 'er done. Had a good time with good friends. Enjoyed every minute of it despite the rain.
1 ugly toe, a couple more are questionable. At this point of course I'm saying I've had my fill of Marathons. Maybe just halfs from now on- but give it a few months.
So fun to see you all briefly at the blogger party. Sorry I didn't stay too long. Can't wait to read ya'll's reports!
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