The Marine Corps Marathon was an amazing event. The course, the sights, the spectators - everything was on such a grand scale. It will be very tough to beat the energy around this event.
So how did I do? Out of the gate, I felt pretty strong. Rob and I got to the first water station and we lost each other. This was probably a blessing for both Rob and I. I felt that I would have anchored him and I didn't want to feel like I had to run faster - at mile 2 I was free as a bird. I felt great, so my taper worked pretty well. At mile 13 I was sure that I has 4:15-4:30 in the bag.
Mile 18 had other ideas. At this point I was already fearing the dreaded wall everyone was talking about. I didn't run into that issue. However, somewhere between 17 and 18 my right foot felt like it was going to tear in half. I had foot issues during the latter half of my training, but this pain was different. The big beefy tendon on the inner part of my foot had stabbing pains. I instantly started to walk. When walking hurt I jogged. The cycle continued until I reached the finish line at 5:31.
Was I upset...for about a second. Then I realized that I did achieve my main goal - finish a marathon. And if I had to run a marathon everyday to see that smile and excitement coming from my mom, then where's tomorrow's race? My support crew was second to none:
Pop: Old faithful. He has been at every event this year. He's been my support crew with no questions asked. He really has learned the ropes along with me this year. He's been a great sounding board when I am over critical of my results. "Chalk it up to learning", he says. And as always, he's right.
He was truly one of the main reasons that made my mile 18 decision to keep moving on without complaining quite simple. Between seeing the soldiers at each station, which should've been motivation enough, I kept on thinking "For Pop". I think I may have said it out loud once...not sure. Probably after the beer station :)
Can you already smell next year, SAG Daddy?
Mom: I believe she thinks I am nutso for all these crazy events I get into and probably questions my sanity on a daily basis. But I think this one was different for her. She absolutely glowed when I saw her at the end. To know my mom, you know she is petite (I think that won't get me in trouble). Her hug at the end felt like a huge wrestling-style bear hug. Maybe she was hugging for more than one?
Aunt Barbara: Two words - Mile 23. Cold, tired and pain-ridden - a spark plug, whirlwind of photographic excitement ran up to me like a Whirling Dervish. I was a little confused at first, but after a second realized it was Aunt Barb. The energy she exuded made me want to vomit at first, but then I kinda latched on to her excitement. I really want to thank her (you) for supporting me. It was really nice to have you at the event, but especially at the finish line.
Zack: You're fired.
Kara: You got Zack's job if you want it!
Rob: Thanks buddy. You're an inspiration to me. Thanks for making sure I followed through on this one. And way to knock out an incredible time!
