As noted yesterday, I did eek out a 1 minute PR for which I am absolutely grateful. I appreciate all the congrats and all your words of “any PR should be celebrated”. YES, at 26.1 I pushed so I could raise my arms in triumph and feel that the pain was in some way worth it…but really I felt like the second photo and I still didn’t meet my goals.
Of course I had an A time goal {which I kept to myself} and a general goal of sub-4, but those who have followed my journey here know: I don’t run for the clock.
My major goal is always to finish with a smile and not with the negative thoughts that took over during those last sick six miles: “why do I keep doing this?!” “maybe I just don’t have what it takes to be a good marathon runner” “this has to be the last one of these I do.” This is why I can say in one breath, I’m happy for a PR, but it wasn’t the race I wanted to have.
RACE BREAK DOWN
- 9:59 – Followed my plan to take it easy on the bridge going up
- 8:54 – Enjoying the downhill without over doing it
- 9:28 – What’s with the funneling in to less lanes, pace jumped all over during this mile
- 9:07 – Finally able to settle in
- 9:00
- 8:57
- 8:57
- 9:09
- 9:01
- 8:58
- 9:09
- 9:00
- 9:07
- 9:04
- 9:35
- 10:51 – Trapped behind other runners going up bridge
- 8:54 – Trying to make up time on the downhill
- 8:33 – Running freaked out about the time lost
- 8:59 – Settling back
- 9:09
- 9:19 – Uh, oh, starting to feel dizzy
- 9:24 – You know that feeling where the color drains from your face before you get sick…me too.
- 9:43 – Hung my head as I started to walk and the most awesome spectator, very softly said “It’s ok to walk the up hills, you’re fine”.
- 11:05 – Started running, stopped to check on another runner who was down on the curb alone
- 9:58
- 11:02 – Couldn’t find the switch to flip in my brain to push hard even with the huge crowd support.
Watch final miles was 26.5.
THE FINISH LINE
Certainly I’ve finished marathons and been tuckered out or in once case injured. But usually I am able to just keep moving and celebrate my achievement by grabbing some free food, walking around and chatting with other finishers.
This time was different and not just in my head. During the 45 minutes it took me to get to David {and I took the early exit option!} I had no less than 4 medics, 3 spectators and 2 racers ask me if I needed help. I was shuffling along slowly, but I was shaking violently and couldn’t stop.
I could tell by David’s face and actions that I didn’t look well…then people in the subway were offering me clothes and seats left and right. Blue lips, red eyes and a neon jacket all shaking definitely grab attention. It took a number of photos and some filters before we agreed I could even show a finishing photo that didn’t look so horrible!
But as a very wise friend of mine said:
“No matter how tough it was, it’s more important that you crossed the finish line.
If you didn’t finish, you’d have to change the name of your blog…
just easier to finish, albeit in pain.”
HIGHS
- VIP police escorted buses to the start line, neat experience
- Starting next to Noelle and Caitlin allowed me to stay calm and enjoy their excitement
- I followed my pacing plan really well
- Seeing Michael J Fox cheering at mile 22
- Personally I didn’t notice the wind all that much, except on bridges
- Happy I kept my hat and gloves for the entire race
- Walking around with my medal the day after, still my favorite thing :0)
LOWS
- Banana peels – no seriously, a lot of slipping and sliding around water stations {definitely saw folks fall}
- Getting caught in the crowd on the last bridge. I couldn’t get around and my pace dropped horribly which messed with my mind too
- Garmin distance of 26.5 even though I tried hard not to spend time weaving
- The road funneled in a few times, again trapping me behind slower runners
- Late start time confused my eating patterns. Not sure exactly how to better practice this
FUEL
After more thinking, this is largely where I think things went wrong. I couldn’t figure out what to eat before, but feel it was sufficient, just very different than normal. However, during was a fail.
5:45 AM – Love Grown Hot Oats
6:30 AM – 1 TBSP peanut butter
8:30 AM – 1/2 packet Vega protein and pre-workout energizer
9:00 AM – 1 TBSP peanut butter, bread
roughly 450 calories, looks pretty good.
During race: 8 oz Vega electrolyte water {Didn’t finish my handheld even}, 3 chews <<couldn’t stomach more
Post race: Just felt so nauseous I couldn’t get anything including water down until about 5:30PM
Yes, I am proud of myself for finishing another marathon.
Yes, I’m already going back on my finish line statement that “I’m just not meant for these things”.
This is why marathons are so funny:
You have a great race and find yourself wondering how much more you can achieve
You have a bad race and find yourself vowing to prove you can do better.
Trials are mandatory. Misery is optional. << This quote sums up how I feel! I’m not sad or wallowing about this race, I’m grateful for the finish and learning from it!
More from NYC:
My overall finish
Marathon tips from Ryan Hall and Deena Kastor
Post marathon blues recovery plan {funny, but true}
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Gratitude Journal
Nov 6
I am grateful for all the amazing people who stand outside for hours, upon hours in cold and rain and other elements to cheer and support their running friends.
