Sunday, May 25, 2008
5:00am and I am wide awake, well before my alarm was set to go off. The room had a nice chill from the cool air coming in from the open window. There was a sense of calm, surprising for me on a race morning. I had slept well, exceptionally well, considering that most nights before a race I suffer through a restless night. As I lay in bed enjoying this moment, I realize that Gerri is also awake.
After a quick shower, I begin to get dressed. My running gear was all readied last night. Compression shorts first, to eliminate chaffing, then my Race Ready shorts. Next came the Tough Strips Band-Aids to cover my nipples. This step is critical to avoid the dreaded nipple bleed that I have suffered from in races as short as 10K’s. Heart rate monitor next, then my new white shirt with a red detailed stripe on top. This shirt had two small pockets in the back, one of which I placed my iPod Shuffle and ear buds just in case I decided to use them. My race BIB #1259 was already attached.
I grabbed my Cinnamon Raisin Bagel, ate that along with half a banana and half of some form of power bar. All this was downed with about 10-12 ounces of water. I hydrated very well the day before, so didn’t want to overdue hydrate and have to spend lots of time in Port-A-Potties or taking “natural breaks.”
I put on a newer pair of Balega thin socks, and then laced up my Brooks Adrenalines. I placed the chip on last night using the zip tie, which always scares the hell out of me. I have been running in numerous pairs of Brooks Adrenalines for a little over a year, but had recently purchased some Mizzuno Wave Riders which I had used for some recent runs. The Mizzuno’s felt great and were much lighter. I debated running the marathon in the Mizzuno’s but decided that since I had no completed any long runs in them, I would run the risk of foot/blister problems. The Adrenalines had never given me any blister issues, so I stuck with the tried and true. The last piece of gear was my Fleet Feet hat, a necessary evil to keep the sweat out of my eyes and off my sunglasses.
After several trips to the bathroom (a pre-race necessity for me), I grabbed my Clif Shot Blocks, some Accel Gels, and a piece of gum. As we get ready to leave the room, Gerri says “Are you ready to go change our lives.” Those words will stick with me throughout the day. We headed downstairs around 6:15am to wait for the race shuttle bus that would take us to near the start. Gerri and I were the first ones waiting, but were soon joined by others. The buses were running late, but eventually the first bus arrived, we loaded up and were soon getting off near the waterfront.
The race started at 8:05am, with the wheelchairs starting at 8:00am. We walked up Battery Street, the hill at Mile 15. Not halfway up the hill, I realized that I was winded. Not a great sign with 26.2 miles ahead of me. As we reached the top of the hill, we crossed the street and headed towards St. Paul’s Cathedral. We attended a small ecumenical service for runners and supporters of all faiths. The service lasted from 7:15am until 7:30am and consisted of prayers, songs and blessings for the runners. This simple service provided some laughs and moments of calm before the challenge ahead.
As we came out of the church, the atmosphere had changed. The start area and streets were filled with racers and supporters. We walked into Battery Park, used the Port-A-Potties and checked a gear bag. The PA system was blaring with instructions and asking runners to start moving into position for the start. I was surprisingly calm. Gerri and I moved towards the back of the pack, around the 5:00 pace sign. We stood talking for a few minutes, sang the national anthem and then the wheelchairs were off. It was time to go our separate ways, so we kissed and wished each other luck.
Approximately 7,000 people were entered including about 1,500 Men, 1,000 Women and 4,500 Relay entrants. This consisted of teams of 2 to 5 individuals, so not everyone was at the starting line. I stood there, going over my game plan in my head. Don’t go out to fast. Be sure to stay hydrated getting 1-3 cups of water/Gatorade at each station. Keep good running posture. Half Marathon time of 2:18 or about a 10:30/mile pace. Run up Battery Street. Survive, finish and have fun.
At 8:05 the race started and at 8:08:50am I crossed the starting mats. The first few miles were going to be through the downtown area. Tree lined residential neighborhoods and the pedestrian marketplace. The course took an almost immediate left turn and the street had a slight elevation which meant all you could see ahead was thousands of runners heads bobbing up and down and lots of colorful attire. The streets were lined with thousands, perhaps tens of thousands cheering us on. The pace was good; the temp was in the high 50’s, low 60’s and my body felt well.
I wanted to break the race up into two 10 mile races plus a 10K to finish, but the course had four distinct loops that made this mentally challenging. As we finished this first section, it was clearly a nice easy 5K, although the cheering crowds and slight uphill through the pedestrian mall got my pace and heart rate up.
Mile 1 10:48 (Avg HR 150/Max HR 159)
Mile 2 10:22 (148/153)
Mile 3 10:13 (151/161)
The first relay handoffs were done and the “new” runners took off at a faster pace. You had to resist the temptation of keeping up with these runners because they were only running 5-6 miles. Half a mile of city streets and we entered the second section, a 4.4 mile out and back on a section known locally as the Northern Connector or Beltway. We immediately started down a long, steady hill which of course meant that we would be climbing it on the way back. We shortly started to see some of the Marathon and Relay leaders coming back on the opposite side of the highway.
Normally I hate running on highways or large open areas, but this wasn’t bad. Visually it was attractive. You could watch the runners ahead of you as well as those already coming back. There were several bands and water stations. Many of the runners chose this time to wait in line for the Port-A-Potties or hit the trees. I looked for another Greenville runner, but never did see him pass by. Near mile 6 we reached the turn around and headed back. I saw Gerri when I was around mile 7, and gave her a yell and smile. This 2nd section of the course ended up back in town around mile 9. My times were a bit faster than I wanted as was my heart rate, so I really tried to begin holding myself back some.
Mile 4 9:55 (152/157)
Mile 5 10:22 (150/154)
Mile 6 10:17 (156/162)
Mile 7 10:28 (155/161)
Mile 8 10:49 (155/162)
Mile 9 10:15 (162/167)
The next course section lasted from about mile 9 thru mile 15. This loop once again went through downtown, including downhill this time thru the Church Street pedestrian mall. The course then headed south through residential neighborhoods. This section was not visually stimulating, and crowds were few and far between. You would come across some sections were neighbors would be out cheering you on, banging pots and pans and spraying you with their sprinklers.
The sprinklers were a good thing because although the course had plenty of well stocked water stations (almost every 1.5 miles on average and more frequently at the end), the sun was getting higher overhead and the temp was rising.
Mentally I was still sharp, and physically I was pretty good except for a small annoyance in my left Achilles. After winding through one more neighborhood and up a steep but short hill we entered Oakledge Park. This marks the beginning of the bike path as well as the halfway point.
Mile 10 10:13 (157/165)
Mile 11 10:38 (162/167)
Mile 12 11:02 (159/166)
Mile 13 11:06 (161/171)
I had reached the Half Marathon almost exactly on targeted pace at 2:17. I took a mental check on my body and decided it would be best if I used a Port-A-Potty to relieve some bladder pressure. This was the first time in any race that I had stopped to use the facilities, but with 13 miles to go, I didn’t want to have issues in front of the crowds. No wait, in and out. Okay, I knew my Heart Rate was beginning to climb, a sure sign of oncoming fatigue caused by poor conditioning and rising temperatures. I had done a good job of hydrating but had not fueled, except for the Clif Shot Blocks that I keep tucked between my cheek and gum to suck on and keep my mouth moist.
So I decided to open and down and Accel Gel before the upcoming water stop. I had a 2 or 3 cups of water to wash it down and I loved the orange flavor. A few minutes later, I was having serious stomach issues. I never felt like I was going to spew, but was having lots of stomach cramping. Way to go Jeff, great decision on the fueling!
At the same time, I started to notice some issues with my left foot. Small rock, blister? I stopped, took my shoe and sock off and everything looked fine. Put it back on, ran less than a 1/10th of a mile and the bottom of my foot felt like I was running on sandpaper. Another stop, shoe and sock off and carefully wiped my foot, wiped off the sock and took care of whatever issues I had felt.
Suddenly my smooth race was anything but. A bathroom stop, stomach cramping and shoe/foot issues. And the narrow bike path was not the solution. The promised Lake Champlain was beautiful when visible, but it seemed like the more chain link fence and railroad tracks on the right were overwhelming. Where were the beautiful views of the lake and mountains that I had envisioned in my head for the past six months?
Mile 14 12:55 (156/166)
And just when I needed it, I heard it off in the distance. Bang….Bang….Bang. The sound began to fill me ears as I got closer. This was the sound of the Taiko drummers and I knew I was getting close to the Mile 15 and the Assault on Battery Hill. BANG, BANG, BANG! I forgot about my problems and pushed on towards the pounding beat of the drums.
The lake was in full view on my left as we neared the downtown area again. We turned right and up a short steep hill going away from Waterfront Park. This hill was nothing compared to what was coming up. As we reached Battery Street we turned left and now had to deal with what is known as the Assault on Battery Hill. This is a steep hill, six blocks long or about 1/3rd of a mile. The top of the hill was near the starting line. The street was lined on both sides by thousands of spectators. On the left was the sound we had heard for the last mile. About 20-25 Taiko Drummers were whipping the crowd and runners into a thumping frenzy. It was an electric atmosphere and one of my fondest memories of this race.
One of my goals was to make it to the top of the hill without walking, and I achieved that goal with flying colors. Unfortunately by the time I reached the top, my race was about over. The ascent raised my Heart Rate, caused some lactic acid buildup and caused my Achilles to go from a small annoyance to a major concern.
Mile 15 11:27 (163/171)
Mile 16 11:14 (165/178)
We now entered the fourth section of the course. About 6 miles on North Avenue on rolling hills and thru residential neighborhoods, followed by the last 4+ miles heading south on the bike path. My goal for the 2nd half of the race was to try and run 11:30 miles on average, a full minute slower than my 1st half pace. Except for Mile 14, I was okay so far, but that was going to come crashing down on me with every step I took.
My left Achilles was now hurting more than at any point in the race or my training. My biggest fear was a complete rupture at this point. It obviously caused me to alter my running gait because I soon was having pain in my right Achilles, right knee and right hip. I tried to push on, constantly repeating my race mantra, “RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION, RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION.” But my body and mind could no longer continue and I slowed to a walk. I urged myself on after a brief walk break, but once I started running again I could not sustain it for long.
The heat, the pain, the mental fatigue started to get the best of me. I could no longer force myself to run for extended periods of time and finally gave myself permission to walk and run. I continued my mantra even when walking, “RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION.” The distance seemed to be standing still while the time was flying by. I now needed the water/Gatorade. I need the sprinklers in the neighborhoods and I sought out the shade, moving from one side of the street to the other if it gave me a few precious moments of shade.
Mile 17 12:54 (155/171)
Mile 18 12:28 (156/166)
Mile 19 14:01 (149/163)
Mile 20 12:25 (154/164)
Mile 21 12:26 (154/165)
We finally reached a short, steep downhill segment and were back on the bike path. It was nice to be in some shade, and it was a bit cooler because we were close to Lake Champlain, but where was it? In my mind, I was sure the last 5 miles were along the lake, and I guess they were, but the lake was not visible until you reached the park near the finish line. Sure you caught a glimpse here and there, but it was nothing like I had imagined it.
With 5 miles remaining, I still thought I had a shot at a sub 5:00 marathon. I guess it just goes to show that your mental acuity is not very good at this point in the marathon. I kept calculating and re-calculating in my mind what I needed to do, but with about 2 miles left, I knew my sub 5:00 was not a reality. I ran when I could, walked when I couldn’t, like most of the runners near me. I talked with walkers and encouraged those that slowly passed me. They would return the favor when they stopped to walk and I was jogging past them.
I knew I would finish, there was not way in hell that I wouldn’t. “RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION.” The last few miles gave me time to think. Could I have done anything different today? What could I do if my training had gone better and the injuries, job commitment and excuses had not gotten the better of me? I thought about my next marathon, wherever and whenever that may be. And mostly, I thought about Gerri. I knew if I was hurting, that she was probably hurting more. I knew she wouldn’t quit, and it bothered me knowing that she was probably an hour further back. I tried to send her positive thoughts, while still moving forward.
Mile 22 13:56 (150/165)
Mile 23 13:32 (149/160)
Mile 24 14:11 (145/161)
Mile 25 14:19 (146/159)
Mile 26 13:43 (145/161)
And suddenly, the path opened up. Lake Champlain sparkled in the sunlight. The mountains were now visible across the lake and Waterfront Park was awash in sounds of people. Runners and spectators all were celebrating their individual triumphs as well as the triumphs of complete strangers. And as I turned into the park to finish the last 3/10’s of a mile, mile right calf cramped. With thousands lining the pathways leading to the finish, this was no time for walking. I reach down, gave it a quick massage and started running. Down the boardwalk. “RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION.” Left hand turn on the grass. “RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION.” Another left hand turn on the pathway. “RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION.” And finally the finish line was in sight. “RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION.” The announcers, including Bart Yasso of Runners World fame were calling out the numbers and names of runners. I stopped my Garmin 5:09:58, 4 seconds slower than the chip time of 5:09:54.
Last .36 miles in 10:29 pace (162/167)
A quiet calm came across me as I finished. For a few moments, the pain stopped and time stood still. I had my chip cut off, received my medal, a bottle of water and space blanket. Against all odds, I had completed my first marathon. I soaked in the atmosphere and the moment, all to myself because I had nobody to share it with until Gerri finished.
I walked around, not knowing what to do. I got some food, bagels, bars and Ben & Jerry’s. I wandered around some more, retrieved our checked bag. While I sat waiting for Gerri, I got out my phone, called some friends and family and left them voicemails. I had finished and I was okay. I was better than okay, I was a marathoner.
5:00am and I am wide awake, well before my alarm was set to go off. The room had a nice chill from the cool air coming in from the open window. There was a sense of calm, surprising for me on a race morning. I had slept well, exceptionally well, considering that most nights before a race I suffer through a restless night. As I lay in bed enjoying this moment, I realize that Gerri is also awake.
After a quick shower, I begin to get dressed. My running gear was all readied last night. Compression shorts first, to eliminate chaffing, then my Race Ready shorts. Next came the Tough Strips Band-Aids to cover my nipples. This step is critical to avoid the dreaded nipple bleed that I have suffered from in races as short as 10K’s. Heart rate monitor next, then my new white shirt with a red detailed stripe on top. This shirt had two small pockets in the back, one of which I placed my iPod Shuffle and ear buds just in case I decided to use them. My race BIB #1259 was already attached.
I grabbed my Cinnamon Raisin Bagel, ate that along with half a banana and half of some form of power bar. All this was downed with about 10-12 ounces of water. I hydrated very well the day before, so didn’t want to overdue hydrate and have to spend lots of time in Port-A-Potties or taking “natural breaks.”
I put on a newer pair of Balega thin socks, and then laced up my Brooks Adrenalines. I placed the chip on last night using the zip tie, which always scares the hell out of me. I have been running in numerous pairs of Brooks Adrenalines for a little over a year, but had recently purchased some Mizzuno Wave Riders which I had used for some recent runs. The Mizzuno’s felt great and were much lighter. I debated running the marathon in the Mizzuno’s but decided that since I had no completed any long runs in them, I would run the risk of foot/blister problems. The Adrenalines had never given me any blister issues, so I stuck with the tried and true. The last piece of gear was my Fleet Feet hat, a necessary evil to keep the sweat out of my eyes and off my sunglasses.
After several trips to the bathroom (a pre-race necessity for me), I grabbed my Clif Shot Blocks, some Accel Gels, and a piece of gum. As we get ready to leave the room, Gerri says “Are you ready to go change our lives.” Those words will stick with me throughout the day. We headed downstairs around 6:15am to wait for the race shuttle bus that would take us to near the start. Gerri and I were the first ones waiting, but were soon joined by others. The buses were running late, but eventually the first bus arrived, we loaded up and were soon getting off near the waterfront.
The race started at 8:05am, with the wheelchairs starting at 8:00am. We walked up Battery Street, the hill at Mile 15. Not halfway up the hill, I realized that I was winded. Not a great sign with 26.2 miles ahead of me. As we reached the top of the hill, we crossed the street and headed towards St. Paul’s Cathedral. We attended a small ecumenical service for runners and supporters of all faiths. The service lasted from 7:15am until 7:30am and consisted of prayers, songs and blessings for the runners. This simple service provided some laughs and moments of calm before the challenge ahead.
As we came out of the church, the atmosphere had changed. The start area and streets were filled with racers and supporters. We walked into Battery Park, used the Port-A-Potties and checked a gear bag. The PA system was blaring with instructions and asking runners to start moving into position for the start. I was surprisingly calm. Gerri and I moved towards the back of the pack, around the 5:00 pace sign. We stood talking for a few minutes, sang the national anthem and then the wheelchairs were off. It was time to go our separate ways, so we kissed and wished each other luck.
Approximately 7,000 people were entered including about 1,500 Men, 1,000 Women and 4,500 Relay entrants. This consisted of teams of 2 to 5 individuals, so not everyone was at the starting line. I stood there, going over my game plan in my head. Don’t go out to fast. Be sure to stay hydrated getting 1-3 cups of water/Gatorade at each station. Keep good running posture. Half Marathon time of 2:18 or about a 10:30/mile pace. Run up Battery Street. Survive, finish and have fun.
At 8:05 the race started and at 8:08:50am I crossed the starting mats. The first few miles were going to be through the downtown area. Tree lined residential neighborhoods and the pedestrian marketplace. The course took an almost immediate left turn and the street had a slight elevation which meant all you could see ahead was thousands of runners heads bobbing up and down and lots of colorful attire. The streets were lined with thousands, perhaps tens of thousands cheering us on. The pace was good; the temp was in the high 50’s, low 60’s and my body felt well.
I wanted to break the race up into two 10 mile races plus a 10K to finish, but the course had four distinct loops that made this mentally challenging. As we finished this first section, it was clearly a nice easy 5K, although the cheering crowds and slight uphill through the pedestrian mall got my pace and heart rate up.
Mile 1 10:48 (Avg HR 150/Max HR 159)
Mile 2 10:22 (148/153)
Mile 3 10:13 (151/161)
The first relay handoffs were done and the “new” runners took off at a faster pace. You had to resist the temptation of keeping up with these runners because they were only running 5-6 miles. Half a mile of city streets and we entered the second section, a 4.4 mile out and back on a section known locally as the Northern Connector or Beltway. We immediately started down a long, steady hill which of course meant that we would be climbing it on the way back. We shortly started to see some of the Marathon and Relay leaders coming back on the opposite side of the highway.
Normally I hate running on highways or large open areas, but this wasn’t bad. Visually it was attractive. You could watch the runners ahead of you as well as those already coming back. There were several bands and water stations. Many of the runners chose this time to wait in line for the Port-A-Potties or hit the trees. I looked for another Greenville runner, but never did see him pass by. Near mile 6 we reached the turn around and headed back. I saw Gerri when I was around mile 7, and gave her a yell and smile. This 2nd section of the course ended up back in town around mile 9. My times were a bit faster than I wanted as was my heart rate, so I really tried to begin holding myself back some.
Mile 4 9:55 (152/157)
Mile 5 10:22 (150/154)
Mile 6 10:17 (156/162)
Mile 7 10:28 (155/161)
Mile 8 10:49 (155/162)
Mile 9 10:15 (162/167)
The next course section lasted from about mile 9 thru mile 15. This loop once again went through downtown, including downhill this time thru the Church Street pedestrian mall. The course then headed south through residential neighborhoods. This section was not visually stimulating, and crowds were few and far between. You would come across some sections were neighbors would be out cheering you on, banging pots and pans and spraying you with their sprinklers.
The sprinklers were a good thing because although the course had plenty of well stocked water stations (almost every 1.5 miles on average and more frequently at the end), the sun was getting higher overhead and the temp was rising.
Mentally I was still sharp, and physically I was pretty good except for a small annoyance in my left Achilles. After winding through one more neighborhood and up a steep but short hill we entered Oakledge Park. This marks the beginning of the bike path as well as the halfway point.
Mile 10 10:13 (157/165)
Mile 11 10:38 (162/167)
Mile 12 11:02 (159/166)
Mile 13 11:06 (161/171)
I had reached the Half Marathon almost exactly on targeted pace at 2:17. I took a mental check on my body and decided it would be best if I used a Port-A-Potty to relieve some bladder pressure. This was the first time in any race that I had stopped to use the facilities, but with 13 miles to go, I didn’t want to have issues in front of the crowds. No wait, in and out. Okay, I knew my Heart Rate was beginning to climb, a sure sign of oncoming fatigue caused by poor conditioning and rising temperatures. I had done a good job of hydrating but had not fueled, except for the Clif Shot Blocks that I keep tucked between my cheek and gum to suck on and keep my mouth moist.
So I decided to open and down and Accel Gel before the upcoming water stop. I had a 2 or 3 cups of water to wash it down and I loved the orange flavor. A few minutes later, I was having serious stomach issues. I never felt like I was going to spew, but was having lots of stomach cramping. Way to go Jeff, great decision on the fueling!
At the same time, I started to notice some issues with my left foot. Small rock, blister? I stopped, took my shoe and sock off and everything looked fine. Put it back on, ran less than a 1/10th of a mile and the bottom of my foot felt like I was running on sandpaper. Another stop, shoe and sock off and carefully wiped my foot, wiped off the sock and took care of whatever issues I had felt.
Suddenly my smooth race was anything but. A bathroom stop, stomach cramping and shoe/foot issues. And the narrow bike path was not the solution. The promised Lake Champlain was beautiful when visible, but it seemed like the more chain link fence and railroad tracks on the right were overwhelming. Where were the beautiful views of the lake and mountains that I had envisioned in my head for the past six months?
Mile 14 12:55 (156/166)
And just when I needed it, I heard it off in the distance. Bang….Bang….Bang. The sound began to fill me ears as I got closer. This was the sound of the Taiko drummers and I knew I was getting close to the Mile 15 and the Assault on Battery Hill. BANG, BANG, BANG! I forgot about my problems and pushed on towards the pounding beat of the drums.
The lake was in full view on my left as we neared the downtown area again. We turned right and up a short steep hill going away from Waterfront Park. This hill was nothing compared to what was coming up. As we reached Battery Street we turned left and now had to deal with what is known as the Assault on Battery Hill. This is a steep hill, six blocks long or about 1/3rd of a mile. The top of the hill was near the starting line. The street was lined on both sides by thousands of spectators. On the left was the sound we had heard for the last mile. About 20-25 Taiko Drummers were whipping the crowd and runners into a thumping frenzy. It was an electric atmosphere and one of my fondest memories of this race.
One of my goals was to make it to the top of the hill without walking, and I achieved that goal with flying colors. Unfortunately by the time I reached the top, my race was about over. The ascent raised my Heart Rate, caused some lactic acid buildup and caused my Achilles to go from a small annoyance to a major concern.
Mile 15 11:27 (163/171)
Mile 16 11:14 (165/178)
We now entered the fourth section of the course. About 6 miles on North Avenue on rolling hills and thru residential neighborhoods, followed by the last 4+ miles heading south on the bike path. My goal for the 2nd half of the race was to try and run 11:30 miles on average, a full minute slower than my 1st half pace. Except for Mile 14, I was okay so far, but that was going to come crashing down on me with every step I took.
My left Achilles was now hurting more than at any point in the race or my training. My biggest fear was a complete rupture at this point. It obviously caused me to alter my running gait because I soon was having pain in my right Achilles, right knee and right hip. I tried to push on, constantly repeating my race mantra, “RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION, RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION.” But my body and mind could no longer continue and I slowed to a walk. I urged myself on after a brief walk break, but once I started running again I could not sustain it for long.
The heat, the pain, the mental fatigue started to get the best of me. I could no longer force myself to run for extended periods of time and finally gave myself permission to walk and run. I continued my mantra even when walking, “RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION.” The distance seemed to be standing still while the time was flying by. I now needed the water/Gatorade. I need the sprinklers in the neighborhoods and I sought out the shade, moving from one side of the street to the other if it gave me a few precious moments of shade.
Mile 17 12:54 (155/171)
Mile 18 12:28 (156/166)
Mile 19 14:01 (149/163)
Mile 20 12:25 (154/164)
Mile 21 12:26 (154/165)
We finally reached a short, steep downhill segment and were back on the bike path. It was nice to be in some shade, and it was a bit cooler because we were close to Lake Champlain, but where was it? In my mind, I was sure the last 5 miles were along the lake, and I guess they were, but the lake was not visible until you reached the park near the finish line. Sure you caught a glimpse here and there, but it was nothing like I had imagined it.
With 5 miles remaining, I still thought I had a shot at a sub 5:00 marathon. I guess it just goes to show that your mental acuity is not very good at this point in the marathon. I kept calculating and re-calculating in my mind what I needed to do, but with about 2 miles left, I knew my sub 5:00 was not a reality. I ran when I could, walked when I couldn’t, like most of the runners near me. I talked with walkers and encouraged those that slowly passed me. They would return the favor when they stopped to walk and I was jogging past them.
I knew I would finish, there was not way in hell that I wouldn’t. “RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION.” The last few miles gave me time to think. Could I have done anything different today? What could I do if my training had gone better and the injuries, job commitment and excuses had not gotten the better of me? I thought about my next marathon, wherever and whenever that may be. And mostly, I thought about Gerri. I knew if I was hurting, that she was probably hurting more. I knew she wouldn’t quit, and it bothered me knowing that she was probably an hour further back. I tried to send her positive thoughts, while still moving forward.
Mile 22 13:56 (150/165)
Mile 23 13:32 (149/160)
Mile 24 14:11 (145/161)
Mile 25 14:19 (146/159)
Mile 26 13:43 (145/161)
And suddenly, the path opened up. Lake Champlain sparkled in the sunlight. The mountains were now visible across the lake and Waterfront Park was awash in sounds of people. Runners and spectators all were celebrating their individual triumphs as well as the triumphs of complete strangers. And as I turned into the park to finish the last 3/10’s of a mile, mile right calf cramped. With thousands lining the pathways leading to the finish, this was no time for walking. I reach down, gave it a quick massage and started running. Down the boardwalk. “RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION.” Left hand turn on the grass. “RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION.” Another left hand turn on the pathway. “RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION.” And finally the finish line was in sight. “RELENTLESS FORWARD MOTION.” The announcers, including Bart Yasso of Runners World fame were calling out the numbers and names of runners. I stopped my Garmin 5:09:58, 4 seconds slower than the chip time of 5:09:54.
Last .36 miles in 10:29 pace (162/167)
A quiet calm came across me as I finished. For a few moments, the pain stopped and time stood still. I had my chip cut off, received my medal, a bottle of water and space blanket. Against all odds, I had completed my first marathon. I soaked in the atmosphere and the moment, all to myself because I had nobody to share it with until Gerri finished.
I walked around, not knowing what to do. I got some food, bagels, bars and Ben & Jerry’s. I wandered around some more, retrieved our checked bag. While I sat waiting for Gerri, I got out my phone, called some friends and family and left them voicemails. I had finished and I was okay. I was better than okay, I was a marathoner.
1 comment:
You are my champion and my hero. I never could have done this without you there to inspire, motivate and support me. You are more than a marathoner to me - you are my best friend, my heart, my love, and my life. You are the BESTEST baby!
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