Sweet success

Me and my sister pre-race

I'm still in disbelief over yesterday's marathon, just can't believe that not only did that 3:45 monkey go flying off my back, but that I crushed it in the process.   Shaving off another 10 minutes from my previous PR is incredibly satisfying, but trust me, it's leaving me wanting more.

This marathon was an amazing experience, so surreal and definitely unlike any I've done before.  Yes, every marathon is virtually the same deal, get to the start, wait in line for porta-potties, avoid clipping someone's heel in the first several miles, run your heart out for 26.2 miles and go home with a medal.  Yesterday was that, but so much more.

Even with the major flight issues on Friday, I remained calm and felt at peace with whatever was going to happen.  I didn't have pre-race jitters, no anxiety or nervousness, I simply felt calm.  At 4am race day morning, it was pouring (although it looked like it was snowing at first).  Temp at 42 degrees, rain, winds at 15 mph, white caps on the lake, it was looking like a tough day to run 26 miles.  With trash bags covering us (along with 3 layers of clothing, hand warmers, and extra clothes for the finish), my sister and I headed to the shuttle busses for the long trip to the starting area.  My sister was running the half, so we split up once arriving at the busses.  The 40 min shuttle ride to the start was smooth, the starting area was very well managed, and the rain had slowed down to just a drizzle while the temps climbed up to the low 50's.

For the first two miles, I made sure I didn't run faster than an 8:30 pace, then slowly crept up to an 8:15.  I felt amazing.  The miles seemed to be going by so quickly, and my thoughts remained positive throughout!  I couldn't believe how good and strong my legs felt and how fast the race seemed to be going by.   With my pace tattoo guiding me, I was staying in front of the 3:40 balloon guy quite comfortably until mile 21 (but even then, he was just a bit in front of me).  Mile 21 was Lemon Hill, a steep hill then a flat section, then back up hill.  I conquered it no problem.  Mile 22 was my last water stop.  I was determined to run the remainder of the race without stopping (completely different from every marathon I've done).  I kept to the center of the road as I went through the last 4 water stations and really felt the burning in my legs, but mentally I was still strong.  It wasn't until mile 26 that I couldn't take it anymore, I walked!!!!!!!   Luckily, my sister happened to be right there taking pictures and yelled at me to get my butt in gear and RUN!  Goodness sake, I was seconds away from the finish!  At this point, the wind was in my face, my hands and arms were numb, and I was freezing.  But, with all the strength I could muster, I ran to the balloons crossing the finish line at 3:40:02.  I'm still in awe, disbelief, and a little bit frustrated with myself for walking!   But, I've finally done it and I'm so happy with myself for finally giving it all I've got until there was no more to give.  It feels utterly amazing.

post race picture, FREEZING!!!!!

My first leg back from Duluth was to Minneapolis where I had the privilege of sitting next to the American marathoner and Ultra-marathoner Mike Wardain!!!   http://mikewardian.com/about/   It was a great trip, I got great advice, and heard lots of stories of his running career and journey.  Then we both sprinted in the airport to catch our next flights.

So, next on my agenda, finish in 3:30.  

Mike Wardain after he finished Grandma's Marathon in 2:17.....I didn't dare tell him how excited I was about a 3:40 finish, it just didn't seem all that great in comparison. :)  Although, I am not paid to run.