MY FIRST MARATHON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM A MARATHONER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My friend Abbie took this photo!
Yesterday I ran the Chicago Marathon and finished with an overall time of 5:37:42. It took me longer than I thought it would to finish, but I am extremely proud of myself nonetheless. I have a lot to say, so let’s get this party started!
WARNING: This is VERY long. No shame! Skim and read what you want – I organized it in to segments for that purpose. The segments will be THANK YOUS, THE RECAP (probably where most people will want to go), THOUGHTS ON MY PERFORMANCE, THOUGHTS ON THE CHICAGO MARATHON ITSELF, QUESTIONS FOR YOU, HOW I FEEL and WHAT NOW?
THANK YOUS
First of all, I have to say THANK YOU to all of the amazing spectators, whether I saw you or not, it means a lot that you were there. I know that Nilsa, Kevin, Amy, Elizabeth and Jen (a reader who did IM Madison this year!) were out there from the blogging world. A few of my college friends (Mike, Jennie, Tom and Sarah) and our close friends Eric, Abbie, their daughter Alice, and Abbie’s sister Rachel were there as well. And of course, Steven was out there cheering for me! He was such a trooper and made it to a lot of different spots to see me and I am so happy he did!
Also, I must say THANK YOU to all of my friends (bloggers and non bloggers) and family who sent me emails and texts to ask how I was doing! It meant SO MUCH to me to know you were thinking of me. Seriously. You guys are awesome.
THE RECAP
I went to the Expo on Saturday with Erin. It was the first huge race expo I had ever gone to! I had a fun time, and bought myself a new visor (seen above!).
Steven and I stayed at Erin and Jason’s house overnight on Saturday (thank you Erin + Jason!). At 5:45ish Sunday morning Erin, Steven and I rode the blue line in to Chicago. We met up with two of Erin’s running club friends on the train. We stopped and used the bathroom at Erin’s office before the race (thanks Erin!) then made our way to gear check. Amazingly, I ran in to Shari, the woman I ran most of the 20-miler with! I said good luck to her, then went to check my bags. After that, I said goodbye to Erin (and her friend Jacob),
and goodbye to Steven,
then I went to look for Carla and her friend Tracy. Carla and Tracy were in the bathroom line and it wasn’t moving, so we finally left the line around 7:30ish (after the gun had already gone off for the elites) and made our way to the open corral. This is when I realized I checked my sunscreen without putting it on! I was freaking out, and called Steven, who assured me I would be fine. Thanks for calming me down Steven!
It was an obstacle to get to the open corral, but I passed Bobbi on the way there! What are the odds, right? I was really pumped to see her and wished her good luck!
We got to our spot somewhere near the 5:00 pacer and waited until about 8:00 to cross the start. It was 59° F when we crossed the start.
Then we were off!
I knew Steven was at mile 1 and was super excited to see him (funny note, I was already off by .2 miles by mile 1!). His bright yellow shirt really stood out! I selfishly used our nice camera during the run and gave him an old crappy one to use, so the only photos he got of me were at mile 1 (because the camera was messed up). But you can see me under the arrow below, and I am using this photo as my masthead right now.
I felt great – my legs felt fresh and I was in a good mood. Unfortunately, Carla and Tracy left to use the bathroom after mile 1, so I only got to run a bit with them! But I was still enjoying myself, running along, taking everything in. I kept telling myself to take it nice and slow. My plan was to start slower mile splits and finish with faster ones.
I had pre-programmed a bunch of texts in my phone so I could tell Steven where I was and he could look for me. We planned to see each other at 1, 4, 11, 17 and 26. I saw him at 1, and told him I was nearing 4, and he told me where he and his friend Eric were, but I missed them. Oops! I kept trucking along. I really enjoyed the first 6 miles of the race because they were mostly in the shade. Then we got near Lake Shore Drive and were in the sun.
Yuck. At this point, I realized my back and shoulders were REALLY TIGHT. I have mentioned this before – how when I do yoga the day after I run I can barely move my neck. Well, I am not sure if it is from tensing up, or my running top being too tight, but it really hurt. It was a constant ache for the rest of the race.
Also, at this point, I realized my cell phone stopped working from getting too sweaty (I had it in my pouch then moved it to my bra so I could hear it). It still does not work. If you are trying to get a hold of me, that is why I am not responding to calls or texts. I tried not to be upset about my phone and passed it along to Steven when I saw him next, so I wouldn’t think about it.
I had a lot of fun running through Boystown and was really excited to see Steven, Abbie, Rachel and Alice at mile 11. Steven ran with me a bit and asked how I was doing. I said “thirsty” but I had water. That is just how I felt. I bet it was in the 70s by then!
At mile 12, I stopped to take a walk break, and then saw a bathroom with no lines. I decided I better go – I was having slight cramps. When I got back on course, I realized at that point there was no way I would meet my 5:00 goal. Although I passed the half marathon point at 2:30:27, I knew I couldn’t do that for the second half. My friend Gina got a text of my predicted finish time after I passed the half – it was 5:30:49 – pretty close, right?
I am not sure how I knew at this point I would not make my 5:00 goal. The sun was intense and I was fading, but I still felt strong and energized. I just knew it wouldn’t happen.
Honestly, a lot of times during the race, I thought, I wish I was running this with someone. I felt a bit lonely, despite the huge crowd.
So after the half marathon point, I started taking a one minute walk break every mile, then, around 17 or so, started walking quite a bit more. There was not much shade and I just felt blah. The temperature reached the mid 80s, and while I was telling myself “you trained in this heat!” the truth is, I DID NOT. I ran short runs in the heat. On the weekends, I got up early to run when it was cool, and in the shade. Live and learn!
Not much of the course was shaded like this! It was more like this –
I put my music on around mile 14 (I could barely hear it because of all the crowd music, but it was there). I saw Carla again around mile 16. Then I saw Kevin and Katie around mile 17 and was SO HAPPY to see them! I stopped and gave them a hug and said “This is awful! The heat is killing me!”
I saw Steven shortly after, and he walked with me a bit. He was so encouraging! He told me I was averaging 11:30s and that was how he was keeping track of me. I knew I wouldn’t average 11:30s after that, but didn’t tell him. I should have so he could have seen me at mile 26. He waited there but I never came when he thought I would so he went to the runner reunite area.
And after that, the rest of the race was a lot of running then walking, with very liberal walk breaks. As soon as I stared walking more, I could feel I had blisters all over my toes!
I talked to a lot of random people (I asked a lot of struggling/injured people if they were okay). I saw a girl that ran the 20-miler and talked to her. I saw Janelle, the woman misszippy blogged about, and talked to her (she was leading her blind cousin on the race). I met a guy from New Jersey who had his knee scoped three weeks ago. I saw a coworker and asked for a sweaty hug. I saw another coworker at a water station, who also gave me a hug. I saw a guy in an Eiffel Tower Costume and told myself there was no way in hell he was beating me.
I met a woman from Iowa near the finish and encouraged her to run the last mile with me. I WAS SO HAPPY TO SEE THE “1 MILE” SIGN. I finished that last mile at about an 11:00 pace.
I even saw Kevin and Katie again near the finish!
And done!
I got my medal, a ton of food, a cold towel. And made my way to runner reunite. I ran in to Erin’s friend Jacob, so we walked there together, and met up with Steven, Jason, and Erin! I was so happy to see them all! Lots of sweaty hugs!
How we really felt –
Jason and Steven, our awesome spectators! I love the sign Steven made!
Me, Jacob and Erin
I immediately took my shoes off and put on flip flops. My toes were so swollen, and my long toe looked like it was trying to grow another toe on to it (picture here if you’re interested).
Erin, Jason, Steven and I hobbled our way to the blue line to go back to Erin and Jason’s place. We ordered Thai food. I still wasn’t hungry, but knew I needed to eat! After chatting a bit, we headed home. No shame. I wore my medal the rest of the night!
Running stats (notes for future reference for me):
Shoes/Outfit: I wore my Brook Adrenaline GTS 10s sans inserts. I vaselined up and had no bra area chafing – just chafing around my crouch, which really, really hurts. I did get a sunburn. I took my knee brace off around mile 20. I didn’t feel like I needed it. Steven said my shirt was not that distinguishable enough. I had to iron the “B” in the morning, and the “T” was peeling a bit at the end of the day. People said “Kimbo” or “Kimbot.” Not many people said my name. I need to use darker letters and just “Kim” next time.
Food: I had a tri berry GU at 6, half a peanut butter cookie Lärabar at 13, a piece of licorice around 15, a vanilla bean GU at 17, a piece of a banana around 21, and the other half of the Lärabar around mile 24. I was worried about feeling hungry but felt fine – probably because it felt too hot to eat.
Water: I took water at EVERY stop. I filled up my water bottles many times and have no idea how much I drank. I did not want to become dehydrated. And the water wasn’t sloshing around in my stomach or anything. My bottles kept falling off toward the end – I think I wasn’t putting them in right. And it was a challenge to bend over and pick them up. I also took ice/water to pour down my back.
Walk Breaks: I took a one-minute walk break every 3 miles until mile 14, then walked a minute every mile until about 17 or so, then walked when I felt like it. Oops.
Overall Pace Stats: Distance: 26.5 | Start Temp: 59° | End Temp: 83° | Time: 5:37:45 | Avg Pace: 12:45 | 1: 11:18 | 2: 9:57 | 3: 11:18 | 4: 10:48 | 5: 11:01 | 6: 10:58 | 7: 11:25 | 8: 10:56 | 9: 11:14 | 10: 11:32 | 11: 11:10 | 12: 11:04 | 13: 15:02 | 14: 10:59 | 15: 12:14 | 16: 13:05 | 17: 13:36 | 18: 13:15 | 19: 12:28 | 20: 13:43 | 21: 14:22 | 22: 16:02 | 23: 17:46 | 24: 14:40 | 25: 17:15 | 26: 15:07 | 27: 10:46
Here is a link to the garmin stats.
THOUGHTS ON MY PERFORMANCE
What exactly happened? Why did I do so well in the first half then fall apart? Was it the heat? Was I under trained (I didn’t do speed work or intervals)? Am I a lazy runner? Am I too overweight? Was it just mental? Does it even matter?
No.
When it comes to the end of the day, I still finished my first marathon. It was a messy one, but I am proud of myself, and will have to use what I learned in Chicago for my next race! I feel like I did the best I could, in those conditions.
I do think a bit of the mental thing for me was being “alone” on the course, and not having many personal spectators. I can not even describe how invigorating it is to see someone you know cheering for you. I found myself wanting to see more people I knew. It really gave me energy. I shouldn’t rely on that.
THOUGHTS ON THE CHICAGO MARATHON ITSELF
Spectators: Hands down, the best thing about the Chicago Marathon is the spectators. There were very few spots on the course lacking spectators, and I bet there would have been even more if I was a faster runner! Seeing all of those people really pumps you up, especially when they call your name and cheer for you.
I saw A LOT of cool signs and took a few pictures of my favorites. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of the Star Wars signs or the Zac Efron cut-out cardboard figure sign!
I love this sign this runner was wearing: “Caution: This Vehicle Makes Frequent Stops.”
I also saw a lot of cool outfits:
And many spectators hand out candy and food, hence the licorice I snagged!
I gave lots of high fives to spectators, and talked to a lot of them. And I did some dancing too – to YMCA, Single Ladies, and We Will Rock You. I think Charity Village had the best “organized” spectators. Those charities really cheer on their runners (well, ALL runners).
A lot of people were spraying us with water too! LOVED it! (I had to make sure to cover the Garmin though).
THANK YOU SPECTATORS!!!
Volunteers: The volunteers are AMAZING! There are so many of them out there, giving you water, and being encouraging. They also handed out vaseline and sponges with water. I did not take a sponge, but walked over a lot of them.
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
The course itself: The course is flat. I cannot imagine what hills would have been like in that heat. People always say it’s too crowded, but at my pace, it wasn’t! Score for me!
You see SO MUCH of Chicago and it really is a treat. I probably WOULD run it again, if I could somehow guarantee it would be cold.
The Gatorade/Water stations were VERY evenly placed. They did a wonderful job with them! However, I felt like they were dangerous because they were so slippery… then sticky. I wasn’t planning on my shoes feeling so sticky! And of course, many people walk through those (I didn’t at first) so that was tricky. It was just a new experience for me!
Some stops were supposed to have bananas, but they were mostly gone or not cut up while I was there. Oh well. I did grab part of a banana at one point.
I heard a lot of people complaining about the way the race was organized (getting from gear check to the start, getting to runner reunite, etc.) but I really thought it was okay. I expected it to be a big clusterf*ck. I mean, there are 40,000+ people running it!
So overall, A LOT OF FUN. It wasn’t exactly what I thought it would be, but it was still exciting.
QUESTIONS FOR YOU
- Any insight on what happened to me in the second half?
- Is it OKAY to throw GU wrappers on the ground in the aid station areas?
- Any advice on training for the next marathon?
- What should I do now to recover?
- Is there a Garmin Watch that doesn’t die after a marathon? Maybe the 305?
- What was your first marathon like?
- Have you ever spectated at a marathon?
- I’ve been thinking of getting a new type of shoes – is now the time to try some out?
HOW I FEEL
My legs are stiff, my feet are swollen (enough to affect my walking) and my upper back is still sore. I really feel tight in my IT bands, and have a bit of left heel pain. BUT… I finished injury free. GO ME! I expected to be sore like this. I am sure it will go away soon.
WHAT NOW?
This will be a low-key week for me. I want to let my body rest. I am running a 5K on Sunday, but just for fun. My long term plan is to keep my mileage up so I can run half marathons for fun.
Also, I need to lose about 20 pounds, so I will be working on that! I lost about 15 during training, but have a ways to go. I run faster, and easier, when I am lighter.
I do think I will do another marathon someday! I would love to run one with Erin, when we are the same pace again.
THANK YOU FOR READING ALL OF THIS
I wish I could write concise recaps like Adam or Marcia. Maybe they will give a tutorial? (It took me over 2 hours to write this and edit all the photos. Lame! Any tips on that?!)
CONGRATS TO ALL OF THE FINISHERS!!!
I cannot wait to read all of the other recaps!
Kim! I am so proud of you!! I definitely know how hard and discouraging hot marathons are – they suck you dry and leave you dizzy and tired. Combine that with the mental struggle of marathons (I’m pretty sure everyone reaches a point where they think “why the hell did I sign up for this?”) and it’s bad. YOU FINISHED. You RAN. You trained and you did it! Don’t focus on what you thought it would be v. what it was, or on the time. Focus on what you could control: your training, your running, your finishing. And you did ALL of those! You started what you finished and you ran hard! You are inspiring, strong, and a marathoner!!!!
That is what I am going to try to do – just think that I did it! I will admit though, I am up at 3:30 am because my brain would not shut up – it is still thinking about the race! Is that normal?
CONGRATS, MARATHONER!!!!!
I think you put out a fantastic performance for your first marathon. Given that it’s the first time you’ve done the distance, the pavement, the heat, everything, you did great. If you’re going to really try to shoot for another marathon and want to be stronger at it:
1. You probably will be by default because you now know that you CAN do it, and you’ve done it before. You’ve been there, you’ve conquered that, it’s not getting in your way.
2. Depending on what your body will put up with (no injuries!) you may want to do more than one LONG (20-22 mile) run. From what you’ve written, it sounds like your struggle in the later parts of the race were mental. More long long runs will teach you that there are ups and downs and that you can push yourself after you go through a down. It’s a hard thing to do, but with training, you can teach yourself to pick it back up and beat that ‘down’ portion of the race that you’re going to get.
And it’s perfectly fine to throw Gu wrappers at an aid station. I always try to throw them in an area that already has dead cups, because they are going to be cleaned up anyway – it’s easier to ensure that it’ll be cleaned up and not missed.
Congrats, congrats, congrats, congrats!!!!
Thanks Lauren!
I have read a lot of bloggers who do one marathon then incorporate another longer run in to their second one, for that same reason. Great tip! I will make sure to do that. I do need to figure out how to ride the ups and downs without crashing!
Congrats to you! I am so happy for you– a Marathoner now! You did great taking charge of your injury and training, and it showed. The conditions were not all ideal and you still crossed that great finish line! 🙂
THANK YOU!!! 🙂
Hi Kim-I have been following your blog for a while now and was axiously awaiting your race report. Congratulations on a great race. You did awesome. I hope you are very proud of yourself. I had registered for the Chicago marathon and got a stress fracture during training. I am still so bummed I wasnt able to run it this year but am so happy for you. I’m hoping to run it next year. It would be great to see you at the race again!! Congrats again and I hope you get some well deserved R&R this week!! PS Love your blog!!
Hi Laura! Thank you for following and reading my report! You are such a sweetie for leaving a comment!
My first marathon was supposed to be in Kansas City in October of 2009, but I also had a stress fracture and had to pull out. This year, I had three in May, but was able to recover in time! So, you will make it back and be able to run next year! Just keep training smart 🙂
Are you in the Chicagoland area?
Thanks again for commenting!
I’m so happy we finished!
You can definitely throw Gu wrappers on the ground at the aid station. The volunteers with rakes and brooms will take care of them. I just try to throw them to the side so they’re out of them main path.
And I don’t think you were undertrained at all. It’s just like I said yesterday: you have no idea what your body will do at a new distance (or in that sucky weather!) I bet the next one will be easier because you’ll know what to expect. I mean, I did all the speed training and the tempo runs and I still faded hard.
The next one HAS GOT TO BE EASIER! It has to! How could it not be, right?
I am not sure if the next one will be Chicago. The weather is too unpredictable. The temps are still above average this week. WTF? Seriously, WTF?
I am so proud of you for finishing strong! I hope your knee feels good this week!
Congratulations! I absolutely loved reading this recap — it makes me want to get my butt in gear and do some real running (aka stop half-assing it). You should be SO proud!
Thanks Erin!
And running is running. Don’t discount it! If you are getting out there, it counts! 🙂
Kim, I am so proud of u! Sounds like u rocked ur first marathon! You did it, u are marathoner! woo hoo! I have to say that heat probably had something to do with ur second half, sounds like it got pretty brutal out. I have personally noticed that I do really good the first 10-13 miles then start struggling more too. I’m hoping I can work on this overtime. I loved ur comment the other day about dreaming I was running the marathon with u. I guess I hadn’t realized u were doing this one alone, which should give u even more props! 🙂 but I think u and I run a similar pace so maybe there could be another marathon in ur future (once I survive my first). Anyways enjoy the day resting those legs, u deserve it! Great job Kim!!
Thank you Linz! You are totally going to rock your first. Are you running it with your TnT friend?
For the next one, I need to figure out how not to fade after 13. I noticed that as I progressed with each long run, I faded about 2 miles out. Maybe I need a 26 mile training run. Ha. Scary!
Good luck this Sunday! I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
I am so, SO proud of you for completing the Chicago Marathon! What an amazing accomplishment!
Thank you Etta! 🙂
I am just so darn proud of you and so excited. I might have stalked you a bit yesterday to find your time, but you know–nbd. Congrats–you did awesome and you finished!
Aww, thanks Erin 🙂 I was thinking of you and our shared 5:00 goal on Sunday. I thought “I know Erin will meet it even though I didn’t!”
CONGRATS MARATHONER!!! Great report! Don’t worry too much about fading in the 2nd half. It happens to a lot of runners, especially the first time (and for me every time!) The heat was most likely your #1 factor and the no shade. The sun will drain you over 26.2 miles.
Thanks Jamie! What have you found helps you avoid fading? Did that happen to you when you ran 2007? I have read your report (and love it) but do not recall!
How was the wedding? 🙂
I loved reading every minute of this recap. Partly because I’ve been there and could relate to a lot of your emotions. But, mostly because it’s been so much fun watching you along this whole journey … I needed this final chapter!
I’ve always said long distance running is 50% physical, 50% mental. You clearly have the physical stuff down (you can do it, you know how to deal with injury, you know how to persevere). I think for the next time, you should focus on those things that mentally got you down. Do a few long runs on your own. Run some with music, some without. Run in all sorts of conditions that might be replicated on race day. Try out different shoes on shorter to mid-distance runs. Introduce speed training and intervals maybe once a week (or once every couple weeks to start). All these things will help you become a stronger runner on race day, because you’ve “been there, done that” with a lot of the uncontrollable circumstances that appear on race day.
My first marathon … let’s just say this … I trained during the winter in flat Chicago … and ran the race in 80-degree, sunny San Diego, which is full of hills. My experience was full of highs and lows, just like yours. But, I learned so much about myself and couldn’t wait for the next marathon (which I did 4 months later – crazy)!
Aww, thank you for your sweet comment Nilsa! 🙂 I do need to work on the mental. Definitely. I just need to find some way not to think about how hard things are. Because really, they weren’t. Sure my neck and back were killing me, and I had blisters, but honestly? That is nothing compared to the pain I had with my stress fractures! It was just the sun getting me down.
I hope I get to a place where I can bring speedwork and intervals back. I miss them!
Oh gosh, did you ever write about your first marathon? I would love to hear about it some time!a
HUGE congrats!!!! How amazing you must feel right now!!
Thank you so much Anna!
When is your half?
Congrats Kim! I was thinking of you yesterday. Looks like you had quite the experience. You made me want to run a marathon (but not enough to actually sign up for one…)
I don’t have any answers to your questions.
Aww, thank you for thinking of me!
You should run a marathon someday if you feel up to it! Really, it was such a unique experience and I bet each course is different (the feel to it, I mean).
Awesome job! Congrats on your accomplishment! 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
YAY!! I loved every word. It was a tremendous event which earns the tremendous post. I am not a runner so I don’t have any great tips. I would just say to take easy this week for sure, lots of stretching and maybe an empsom salt bath or two. I liked Steven’s sign. That’s great you were able to see him throughout.
Thanks Paula! I have heard those epsom salt baths are great. Where do you buy that stuff?
I wrote a post today about Steven’s sign! I am happy you liked it! I thought it was clever 🙂
You should be able to find it at most grocery stores or at a drugstore. I have even seen eucalyptus and lavender scented.
Cool, thanks!
That is SO AWESOME! Congrats! You look so excited and happy. What an amazing accomplishment 🙂
Thank you Kim! 🙂
I’m so proud of you!!!
Sadly, I looked and looked for Kimbot and could not find her… 🙁 But I was also not expecting to see so many orange shirts!
You did awesome. The weather was not great at all, but everyone really pulled through! Congrats congrats!!!
Thank you Amy! I am sorry you looked and did not see me. I know how stressful that is. I did think of you and your mom and aunt a few times during the race and that gave me energy. Thanks for being there!
First and foremost – CONGRATS!!!!! I too have no shame when it comes to waering my marathon shirt and medal post-race. I earned it!!!
Second – spectacular race report. I hope to put one up soon, but right now I am busy binging on Swedish fish and omlettes (yes, at the same time) that I can barely free my hands long enough to write this. Not only did you take us through the day with your words, you captured so many of the awesome sights of the course – I felt like I was right there all over again!
I too have disgusting blisters on my toes – I always wrap my arches (preventatively) with tape to prevent blisters, but never really worried about the toes – but by Mile 4 yesterday, I knew things were forming down there. Also – last minute decision to Body Glide the inner thighs = genius. Spared myself some pain.
Like you, I didn’t hit my time goal – but what a day! I really can’t complain because I loved (almost) every second yesterday.
As for your question about what fell apart for you – my guess is nutrition and salt. By the looks of your intake, I wonder if your body was fading from lack of calories. I was consuming at least 100 calories (Clif Bloks and GU Roctane) every two miles starting at Mile 6, and a salt pill in the mile in between GUs. I felt like I had enough calories to get me through, and the salt helped to keep the muscles from depleting too many electrolytes through salt loss (and I was covered in white salt when I finished so I knew I was losing a lot). Salt is a big thing for hydration, though most people tend to focus on just water.
I loved your take on this race, and perhaps you will be back next year – I bragged all day that this is a world-class event, and for all the people thta complained about organization, I would say – “hit up a smaller marathon and then compare.” i havent’ run this race since 2005, and feel like it has just gotten unbelievably better over the years. Literally not a dull moment anywhere on the course, plenty of hysration, wonderful and organized volunteers, and an incredible experience. although i may be biased being a Chicago girl myself, i really beleive that there is no other race in the world that compares to the Chicago Marathon.
Congrats again – you are a MARATHONER!!!
I cannot wait to read your report. Yum, Swedish fish. My fave!
Ha. Are your toes growing second toes on them? I finally feel like I can walk on my feet again – the swelling has gone now. And the chafing too! I vaselined down there. Maybe I should go back to body glide!
I think you may have hit something with the lack of calories. The sun made me not want to eat, but I should have. I had another larabar and a GU to take (lost the GU) and should have. I will work on that during training next time!
You ran in 2005, the year of the documentary? Schweet! I agree – people need to quite complaining. And I was very pleased with the hydration.
CONGRATS to you! And thanks!
Congratlations! I am so proud of you! I wish I could have done it this year. I should have just walked it (kidding!) I read the entire post because I am just so excited for you and wanted to know everything. Awesome!
Thanks Tori! I think some people do walk the whole thing. We walked that half so fast. I couldn’t walk that fast after running 17 miles. I actually thought “WTH? I walked that half faster than this with Tori!” ha ha.
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!
Big hats off to Steven, Kevin, Katie, and everyone else who came out specifically to support you. I can’t imagine running a marathon by myself.
(I had a veteran marathoner with me throughout my entire training process and during the marathon. I really don’t know if I would have done it without him. I’ll never be able to thank him enough. Thanks again, Jack LaRose!)
Again, congratulations. So awesome. Loved the recap.
My only advice is to keep it going and not do like me. Continue running and continue making it part of your life.
Thank you Jon! I do hope to do the next one with someone. Steven said “Maybe some day…”
Thanks for the advice! I did love the race and hope to keep running for a long time!
KIM!!! You did AMAZING! I nodded my head with you a lot – great race report. I too felt super alone, especially through the last stretch. It would have been so nice to have someone to run that part with, to keep me motivated. I’m so glad you got to see Steven so many times!
The race itself was amazing. My sister wants to do it with me next year…yay!
I ate way more than you did, even with a jacked up stomach. I didn’t want it at all, but I felt better after I did. And I was throwing GU wrappers at aid stations – sometimes I put it in my cup before throwing it.
My Nike+ told me I ran 28 miles. Yeah, I really need a Garmin…
I wish we could have run together. I wish I could have called you to see how you were doing. Of course, my phone does not work now. Oops.
That would BE SO COOL x 100000000000 if your sis ran with you next year.
What was going on with your stomach? Too much “different” food at the anniversary party?
Ha ha. Maybe you just need to recalibrate your Nike+!
Congratulations!
I have done several half marathons but never had a desire to do the full — but what I do to recover is to take about a week off running, and do gentle movements instead, like walking, swimming, and yoga. Then start running again with slow, short jogs.
I can imagine it did feel very lonely running in a crowd by yourself. Whenever I have done a race, I get really energized by people there to cheer for me. My favorite half marathon was one where I started talking to a guy I didn’t know and we ran the race together. That’s probably harder now that everyone wears headphones.
You definitely should be proud that you stuck it out in such difficult conditions. You look great in your t-shirt!
Thanks Jen! I will definitely be doing some yoga and walking this week. Walking is starting to feel better already! 🙂
I was hoping I would find a buddy like you did for that race! I think my pace and walking pattern were too scattered! Next time. And hopefully, I will have a friend to run with anyway!
Thanks again! 🙂
I thought about you almost all day yesterday! Seriously! Even when I was sucking wind on my mere 3.5 miles. YOU ARE A MARATHONER! YOU ROCK IT! I’m just so thrilled for you! What an accomplishment. And next time something seems to hard to handle? You just say to yourself, “I ran a freaking marathon. I can handle anything!” Congrats!
Thank you for thinking of me! 🙂 I love reading about your journey in to discovering running!
Yay Kim!!!! Congrats, marathoner!! Awesome recap 🙂 Those signs that you took pictures of were hilarious! I would have loved to see them on a course.
As for the gu tossing, I saw a lot of people doing that. I felt weird about it since I was not at an aid station when I ate mine so I put the wrappers back in my pocket. Way to go girl!!!
Thank you! Did you see any funny signs? Can’t wait to read about your half!!!!!!!!!
Kim, I’m so proud of you! I was thinking of you and Erin a lot yesterday. Also, I will have you know that I read this entire recap. I don’t think it was too long. 🙂
Aww. Thank you Kate! 🙂 And thank you for your encouraging text! And for not thinking this was too long. Hee hee!
Congratulations Kim!! Loved the recap! Enjoy basking in your post marathon high : )
I’ve only spectated at the Boston Marathon and it was one of the most inspiring moments of my life. I think the marathon atmosphere is amazing and it makes me want to run a marathon so bad!
Thank you! I would love to see the Boston Marathon someday. I bet there are things about the vibe that are similar, but different.
A marathon will be in your future someday, right?
CONGRATULATIONS! Following your blog for over a year now and seeing your ups and downs through your injury, it’s like a pay off for all your readers to see you accomplish this! Great job sticking with your goal.
Considering that the very first person to run a marathon back in ancient Greece died as soon as he completed it, you did pretty freaking good! Major congrats on not getting injured!
Thanks so much Jen 🙂 You have always been a wonderful support! 🙂
And thank you for reminding me how proud I should be that I am not injured, after the year I had… it means a lot!
Wow, congratulations Kim!!!! I couldn’t agree more with everyone else: what a great recap! I so badly want to run a marathon now ;).
I can’t believe that a guy ran in a Eiffel Tower costume!! Did you beat him in the end?? 😉
Thank you! You should find a fun marathon after your half and your travels if you can not train as hard while traveling. Perhaps a full in the states?
I did beat him! I think he finished about 35 minutes after me 🙂
YOU. ARE. AWESOME.
Thank you!
Congratulations Kim!! You are a freaking marathoner…how cool is that 🙂 Your recap was great and helpful for us yet-to-be marathoners…loved the pics too!
Thank you Anne!
I was following you through the text updates. You should be very proud of what you accomplished.
Thank you for following me! 🙂
First off, I have followed your posts leading up to this and all I have to say is that I am proud to have seen you complete the marathon. Major congrats. All of us fans knew you could do it and your efforts to get here have not gone unnoticed. And an awesome recap. Love the photos. And how cool was that to have Kevin and Katie there to see you. They are good people (even though I’ve never met them or you in real life).
Having done a couple of marathons before in my life (back in the 80’s – I did several triathlons, two of which were full 26.2 mile runs), the first one I did really well the first half, but slowed down a lot the second half. Before I did the second one, I ran four 26.2 mile runs on my own and found that I kept a more steady and consisten pace during the entire run. Now granted, this is a run after doing a swim and bike ride. But regardless, running is a lot different than any other cardio sport. Biking, which I used to bike a good 600 miles a month (last time I biked like that was in the mid-to-late 90’s), but your stamina on a bike is a lot different.
I think shoes are a major part of running, which makes logical sense. I would say another pair that you can do 5k and 10k runs in to break them in would be in order. Other than that and my words above, I think the next marathon you run will have your times improve.
Thanks Marty. It means a lot that you followed all of my training! Kevin and Katie are awesome! We all need to do a meet-up!
Wow, so you did marathon training runs for your second race (what sounds like an IM?)? I do think I need to up the distance, if it is safe for me to do so.
I do want to get new shoes. I think its time.
Thanks for the tips! 🙂
YaY!!! Way to go KIM! That is amazing and fantastic! 😀 What an awesome achievement!
Try putting your phone in some rice for a day and see if that helps.
Thank you!
Still no luck with the phone. Oh well. Kind of ironic after my Friday post. Ha ha.
Woo! Congratulations, Kim!
Thank you Claire!
NICE JOB, Kim! You’re a marathoner – nobody can ever take that away from you. Your race recap was perfect! I loved all the photos. I agree with you about feeling lonely – I experienced the same thing. I think we are alot alike – I never hear that many people say that about races. Again, CONGRATS! You are now part of an elite running crowd!
Thank you Jen! And thank you for reading the long post!
Did you feel lonely during your IM? I was thinking, do you have a special watch that stays on THE WHOLE TIME during an IM? My watch died about 30 mins after the race!
Congrats!! It was super hot yesterday for the race and I am sure that affected you. I throw GU wrappers at water stations all the time. usually there really int a trash can.
Thanks!
I do think the heat was a huge factor! 🙂
CONGRATS!!! You are a MARATHONER!!! I was thinking of you and all the other runners yesterday! You did awesome and it was HOTT!! Great recap!!! Congrats on a great race!
Thank you! And thanks for thinking of all of us!
I hope you got all of your studying in 🙂
How amazing!!! You are so inspiring! I love this post and am bookmarking it for when I need some extra motivation! 🙂
Aww, thanks Amanda!
Congratulations, Kim! You are an inspiration! I could feel your excitement and energy in this post. Lots of healing love to you.
Thank you! I am happy it came out as excitement, because that is really how I feel!
YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!!! i am so so so so so so proud of you! HOLY SHIT DUDE, A MARATHON! that’s absolutely INCREDIBLE. you are like a superhero!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thanks Alice!
Hee hee, there were actually people IN superhero costumes! I wish I would have snagged a pic. I tried but they did not turn out. Anyway, I thought that was AWESOME!
I’m SO SAD we didn’t meet up again after Carla and I lost you at the porta-potties! I ended up falling pretty far off of my goal, too, and finishing in 5:46 – I wish we’d seen each other again as I *truly* could have used the company and the motivation and I think we were piggy-backing for much of the second half.
Oh gosh! I wish we would have met up too! We both needed someone to talk to! What a tough race, right?
What is next for you?
Congrats to you. What an accomplishment!! You are a marathoner through and through!!
Thanks!
Did you see the “Don’t poop yourself” sign? Erin and I both thought of you when we saw signs like that (even though we weren’t together). 🙂
congrats on completing in harsh conditions. great report, well done.
Thank you marty! I see you ran it as well and am excited to read your recap soon! 🙂
Yay, Kim!!! You have motivated me to get back on my training schedule!!!
Thanks! Are you training for a specific race? 🙂
Congrats! My fiance and I were at the Chicago airport this afternoon, and I said, “Damn… it must be a REQUIREMENT to wear your Marathon t-shirt and medal around the day after!” We saw sooo many people sporting them.
Ha! Too funny! I bet I would have done it. I asked my husband if I should wear it to work today and he said no. Ha ha.
Thanks!
Congrats on finishing yesterday! It was brutal the last half and I totally commiserate with you. Excellent job on finishing! I felt the same way about the aid stations slippery+sticky and by the time I got thru the end well there was nothing left for us pokeys.
Thank you! I see you have a report up cannot wait to read it 🙂
Congratulations sister! 🙂 You are amazing and I love you!!!
Thanks sister! I love you too!
Want to hear my REAL dream? To run a half or full with my sister someday… what do you think about THAT?
Kim, you are SO AWESOME and such an inspiration!!! You finished and you didn’t get hurt, and wow, that alone is more than a lot of people can say! 🙂
I hope you bask in this accomplishment all week long and then some!
(also, I loved the race recap and did not think it was long at all)
Thanks! I am so so so happy I finished without injuries. Known ones anyway 🙂
Thanks again! 🙂
This was one of the best reports I have every read! I am going to go back and read it more thoroughly tomorrow- but seriously, you kicked it Kim!!! Way to go and now you are a marathon finisher!
Love the photos!
Aww, thanks Jill! You are too sweet! Thanks so much! 🙂
My predicted finish time after the half was 5:36 — HA! If you look at my splits, I kept a pretty even pace (my friends were mentioning that last night, apparently they were pretty impressed), and the one with the longest split was when I took my second visit to the port-a-potty (mile 13, I think). Once I knew I wasn’t going to make my 5 hour goal, I just ran according to how I felt, which is how I do in long runs anyway. Plus I walked every single water stop — except the walk lasted longer and longer towards the end.
It sucks I lost you at mile 1. Since I was DYING to pee at the start, I wanted to get over with. Tracy didn’t want to run by herself so she waited for me. I lost her at mile 12, when she started having a hard time with the heat and walked. It SUCKED running the rest of the time alone, not talking to anyone. It would have been a lot better with company. Being alone SUCKED. I was bored! I would have done better if I had company to distract me for sure.
I had no idea this was your first marathon — I thought I had read you ran the Wisconsin one (I think you mentioned something about a shirt?) and this was at least your second.
I think at the end, the heat got to a bunch of people. None of my friends met their time goal, and most were off by 30 minutes or so, so your story is similar to most people I know — even checking their splits they were way faster until mile 13, then slowly started to get longer and longer.
One of my friends had her legs cramp up at mile 18, and she fell on the course, couldn’t move her legs, crawled out using her arms until someone picked her up and out of the way. She was very dehydrated (despite drinking at every water stop and taking in the salt pills), and arrived at the finish line in an ambulance 🙁 (She was fine after her IV though, and disheartened that they wouldn’t let her jump back in.)
I heard Tracy also had to go to the medical tent as soon as she crossed the finish line…
It was the heat. Despite training in the heat, I not once ran at noon, when the sun is strongest. Plus, it was a lot cooler in the last few weeks leading up to the marathon, so you de-climitized as well.
So what is the next one? I promised myself I’d never do this again at mile 20 (I hit my wall around mile 19), but now I want to do another one! If only to get a better looking medal without a HUGE logo smack in the middle of it.
I am so excited you did so well Carla! Go you! I think the heat in DC this summer was a good thing, even if you weren’t out in it at the same times we were on Sunday.
I did mention the WI Marathon shirt when I ran my last 13-miler. I tried to be clear that I ran the half but wasn’t. Sorry about that. This was my first marathon!
At the expo, this guy was telling Erin that everyone would be off by about 30 mins. Crazy, right? At least I am not the only one who faded hard.
I feel so bad about your friend! Happy to hear she is okay though! And poor Tracy!
I want to do another too. In Canada. In January.
Congrats to you!
Congratulations, Kim! You ARE a marathoner!! Loved your recap!! I’m sorry you felt alone out there, but glad you saw Janelle and her cousin. Wow! AND I’m so glad you shared that it’s a flat course. Gives me hope that I might be ready to try it ….eventually. LOL BTW: seems your top was an excellent choice, oh, and you made it look pretty darn easy, no matter how you were REALLY feeling. 🙂 Soooo excited for you!
*hugs* from Orlando!
Thank you Robin! Janelle is so amazing! Simply put! And her cousin too, and the other cousin that ran with and warned of the blind runner coming 🙂
You should do Chicago! I can tell you all about it!
THANKS SO MUCH! I was thinking of you and your positive vibes during the race!
Kim: Steve and I are so freakin proud of you! We LITERALLY thought of you the entire day, and had to fight over the phone when a text came in to see your progress. When we got the last text that said you were finished, I was like, “Holy Crap! She just finished a marathon”!
If I were you I would be like, “Hi, I’m Kim, I finished a marathon…” and I wouldn’t take that medal off for quite a while!
Thanks so much for the water picture, that was great!
Ha! Thank you! I love that you LITERALLY spent the entire day thinking of me. Wow! 🙂 I should wear the medal everywhere I go!
Kim, I am so proud of you for running the marathon! YAY!!!! I was so excited the text tracking worked!!!! It was awesome to be able to keep up with you!!!!
=^..^=
Aww, thank you! I am so happy you tracked me! 🙂
You did a fantastic job! You paid close attention to your body and went with it. The end result: You had a good marathon and were smiling. In my book, that means you did everything right.
Thanks!
Congrats on finishing your first (of hopefully many!) marathon! Glad to see your smiling throughout the pictures!
Thank you! I do hope there will be more someday. Someday!
Congratulations! So happy for you! And so sorry I wasn’t back in Chicago in time to cheer you on!
Thanks! 🙂
Congrats on your marathon! (I didn’t realize this was your first, I had in my mind that you ran one before but I guess you didn’t.) I remember the high I had from completing my first marathon (tip: #2 may be a bit of a let down for that very reason). Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
Thank you! I must not be a very clear writer, because another friend thought it was not my first. Oops. And thanks for the tip on #2. I probably would have expected it to be the same, but why would it be? 😉
Seriously you did a tremendously GREAT job on your first marathon! You’ll find that a marathon minus the intense heat is a totally different animal. You faded in the second half because the heat/sun wore on you in addition to the usual fatigue. There is no grass/minimal trees to absorb the heat and the pavement is unforgiving and course is much less exciting.
Eat and drink well this week, plenty of antioxidants.
I had IT issues after my first marathon as well. Roll them out and work on hip/glute strength as you go forward.
Congrats again! I love your pics!
Thanks! I remember you told me the second part of the course was less shady, but wow! Kind of makes me wish we just ran loops in the loop (*giggle*).
Congrats to you! 🙂
MARATHONER!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS girl!!! isnt it the best feeling??? sorry yours had to be on a day with such tough conditions but you didnt let that stop you! great job and hope you are basking in your marathoner glory 🙂
Thank you! It is a wonderful feeling! I still have a lot of energy! I wonder when I will finally crash and feel exhausted.
Congratulations!!
I walked a half marathon years ago and the spectators and volunteers were AWESOME. It feels so good to have people cheering you on.
I’m super proud of you!
Thank you! 🙂
Do you ever think you will do another walk like that? 🙂
Congratulations, Marathoner!! I’m so excited for you (and totally tempted to join you…what am I thinking? LOL)
I think the second half being hard was mostly the heat. It was REALLY hot out there. You did great!
Enjoy the rest & the 5K this weekend!
Thank you! 🙂
If you are ready to train, I do think it is a lot of fun. You should go for it!
Congrats!!!! You look SOOO happy in all of your pictures. Love it.
So, did you beat the effel tower guy?
There are sooo many things to comment on during this post, I’ll stick with the easy stuff:
Any insight on what happened to me in the second half?
It was a hot race and your first race. I think that happens to most during the same circumstances.
Is it OKAY to throw GU wrappers on the ground in the aid station areas?
I hope so, I do it in every race.
Any advice on training for the next marathon?
Consistency is key. Build off of your successes! (how is that for a generic touchy feely answer?) When is the next one you are targeting? What was your training like this time?
What should I do now to recover?
Guac. Lots and lots of guac. Honestly, by this point a quick 10 min jog will suck at the time but will help wonders.
Is there a Garmin Watch that doesn’t die after a marathon? Maybe the 305?
RunningLaur’s 305 lasted 9 hours during her 50K a few weeks back….
What was your first marathon like?
KC marathon. Hilly, completely bonked at mile 18. Walked for way too long….but still had a blast!
Have you ever spectated at a marathon?
YES@!!! It is way fun. I’m a follower, so I try to see whomever I am watching 4 or 5 times. the marathon goes by FAST if you are doing it that way!
I’ve been thinking of getting a new type of shoes – is now the time to try some out?
When is your next race? Now is probably as good of time as ever. Might want to give your feet a week or two to heal though.
Thank you Adam! And thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions!
I did beat the Eiffel Tower. Someone told me he finishes about 35-40 mins after me. Phew!
What do you mean about consistency? Like – tempo on Tues, intervals on Thurs, long run on Sat? Honestly, my training for this full was ALL over the place! I never got to do tempos/intervals because of my stress fractures. I just did two short runs during the week (I followed the FIRST plan and just used the total distance for speed work, etc). I messed up that whole week I was in Kansas City… I guess it was not consistent at all!
I don’t have a marathon in mind yet. Maybe spring (probably unlikely) or next fall again. Although, I hate training in the heat! 😉
Had guac on Monday!
I thought Lauren’s watch lasted that long. Schweet. My BiL just got the 310 for his bday (was on 10-10) and I can’t wait to see it when he visits this weekend.
I have a 5K for fun on Sunday. Would that be too early to just jog? I do want to try on some different shoes after that!
How do I get to be one of those people who runs back to back races? A coworker had a friend running Chicago on 10-10 and Grand Rapids on 10-17. With time? Inspire me, Adam! 🙂
Wow, congratulations!!!! I definitely don’t have any words of wisdom since I’m not a runner but I’m proud of you!!!!
Thank you Bethany! 🙂
CONGRATS! Great Recap! 🙂
This was a tough race and no one I knew made their time goals. It just got too hot!
I did take a sponge and OMG best marathon treat ever! I also enjoyed all the fun signs, the spectators handing out candy and orange slices, and the last two miles made me want to cry because people were so nice and enthusiastic.
Congrats again on finishing your first marathon, what an incredible race to be your first! 🙂
Thanks Meghann! And congrats to you too!
It’s comforting to hear so many people say they were far off from their time goals. That heat was killer! The weekend before the race, I responded to a tweet from your sister telling her to get ready to run it cool temps – it was 45 at 8 am that day! I wish that weather would have stuck around.
I really think the spectators on the course were absolutely amazing. I can’t wait to spectate next year!
Thanks and congrats again!
Awesome job and great recap!!! I loved all your pics. Congrats on your first marathon. It sounds like a great experience, maybe you can find a running buddy for the next one.
In response to the questions: I think it’s ok to throw Gu wrappers by the aid stations. I am normally very anti-litter but in this case I’m ok with it since it’s kind of expected and they have cleanup crews to clean everything up.
Thank you! My husband did say that maybe he will do one someday. And my buddy and I are already talking about our next. We thought we would run this one together, but I was injured and she got speedier.
OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!! You did it, you did it!!! Congratulations, Kim!!! I LOVED your recap. I have only heard of the conditions that day (um, hello heat and sun), so the sheer fact that you finished – AND it was your first – is HUGE! You are a Marathoner now, it is official! 🙂
Thanks Holly! 🙂
I saved this post for a day that I could give it my undivided attention.
Go, Kim, go! Congratulations on becoming a marathoner! I loved reading this post because you keep such an upbeat and positive attitude about the entire event. I need to have a more cheerful attitude like you do. 🙂
That last part of the course must have been brutal. And I know what you mean about feeling lonely, even in the midst of a crowd. I remember somewhere in the southern part of the course (after Chinatown and around the time when you start heading north again), I thought, “I could probably cry right now, and no one would notice. I feel SOSOOSOSOS alone [and sorry for myself!]”
You and Erin look great for finishing your first marathons in the heat–I wouldn’t even know you were sweaty. Though your toe is a little scary…
Steven’s sign, as I said before, is awesome. I told Harrison, and he said, “That’s so awesome! You’d laugh about that for so long!” Did the tracking work for him? I’m guessing it did since you didn’t say anything about a tracking failure…
Okay, answering your questions:
1. I don’t know what happened in the second half. I’m guessing the heat took more of a toll on you than you think, especially given that we’ve had mostly cool temperatures for weeks now. However, I remember thinking last year, “WHY DO MY FEET HURT SO MUCH?!?” Maybe weird things just happen.
2. Yes, totally okay to throw GU wrappers on the ground during a race.
3. Train for one with me!!!!
4. Take it easy and don’t freak out about every little pain. I got mild tendinitis in my foot from the race and convinced myself it was a stress fracture.
5. Garmin is lame. Mine totally messed up in the first half mile (When you run under the road). I dunno why they die…
6. I can’t even remember my first/only marathon now. Does this mean it’s time to sign up for another one??
7. No, but I spectated a ten-miler in the mountains for my friend once. I made her a giant sign with her name in sequins; she said it helped a lot.
8. I’m liking my Ravennas a lot, and I know Susan is wearing them now too. Maybe the Kayanos?
Thank you Mica! 🙂 And thanks for coming back to read! This is a long one and I know you are BUSY BUSY BUSY! 🙂
Isn’t it crazy how we can feel lonely yet be surrounded by so many people?! I was very surprised by that. I was hoping I would find a random buddy to run with like I did at the 20 miler, but that didn’t happen – probably because my run/walk pattern was too sporadic.
I’m happy you liked the sign! Steven worked really hard on it. I he spent the entire time Erin and I were watching Spirit of the Marathon working on it 😉
Steven forgot to sign up for tracking! Ha! I had all these texts set up to send him at certain points (he was supposed to be at 4, so I would text him at 3) but that plan went out the window when my phone broke! Many people did tell me the tracking worked though 🙂
Are you thinking of another full (if you can’t remember, it is time to sign up for another! Ha!)? I know before you were considering Kenosha, but CU was not being considered. Erin wants to do her next one in Dec 2011 (tentatively) but I wonder if I should do one before then or not. There’s the St. Louis full in April, but I wanted to do CU and Kenosha back to back. Ah… decisions. I supposed you don’t have a post Indy plan yet?
Thanks for the tip on not freaking out about every little pain. I needed that one. My right leg is buckling a bit (well, was) but I think it was just so sore!
I had someone recommend Ravennas to me. I am going to ask to try those one. The Kayanos are a bit more expensive right… more like $130?
Thanks again Mica! 🙂
Alright Kim, life has calmed down enough that I could read through the full post… and CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Was thinking of you with the heat (it was almost as hot up here too) and checking the race results on the website by the afternoon :).
Not that you haven’t already gotten tons of advice/opinions on the stuff you asked, but here are my takes….
-Running long runs with friends makes it easier, so since you ran the 2nd half of this longest run alone, it felt harder. I would also echo the nutrition advice most gave you to eat more even if your stomach feels off.
-As you know now yeah, although I’ll admit I hate littering even if I know someone is going to pick it up so with Gu wrappers I stuff them in pockets during races.
-Maybe try working on negative splits for your next marathon training, even if it means taking the first half of your run slower than you want to. It might help your body get used to putting in more effort later.
-Do some yoga and cross training! I’m rooting for you to mix up the routine a bit – it might even help with those last 20 lbs. Crazy you lost weight with the marathon training though; I’ve always read that people gain weight because their appetite increases so much.
-Ah you’re making me nervous for my Garmin! Haha.
-I haven’t spectated at an official marathon, but I have at an Ironman (so with the full marathon at the end). It was INCREDIBLE. Chris may have been worried that I was going to march home and immediately sign up for one ;).
-Now is def. the time to try new shoes. I want to try the Nike Frees when my race training is over!
Thanks Kristie!
Don’t fret about your Garmin! Mine did fine, it just died at the end (about 20 mins after I finished). A lot of people had issues but I never did.
I am hoping to make yoga more regular. I was doing it about 2 times a week toward the end of training, but I think I always need to do it two times a week. Of course, it’s already Thursday and what have I done to work out this week? Walking and biking. I just haven’t had much time for anything else!
When is your full?