I'm back, and I've sifted thru most of the 1043 emails in my inbox (I forgot
to go no-mail, but then I didn't want to miss anything either!), and
somewhat rested. We had wild travel weather.............icy roads both ways
from Michigan thru Ohio on the way down last Thursday (Jan 8th), and Ohio/Ky
border all the way home on Saturday (the 17th) (10 hours of it! We had to
stop and clear the ice off the windshield wipers and front of the car).
There were lots of accidents, thankfully we were not involved in any. Next
time, if there is a next time, we fly!
I struggled with the marathon this time. I had hoped to improve over last
year's time, but instead PW'd it - barely finishing in time for a medal. I
have a very sore knee --- a new thing --- I suspect it may have some ITB
relationship. I'm icing, may hit the hot tub today or tomorrow --- after I
sweep the foot deep snow from the cover!
I was in corral F...........# 10122 if you want to look up the photos
(amazingly not as ugly as I thought they would be)...........and it took me
a full 10 minutes to reach the start line. Subtract that time from the
official time, and I finished just under 7 hours (6:57:01). I made lots of
mistakes this time. I was under-trained, over-confident (last year was too
easy!), gained a few pounds over last year, fatigued from the drive (cramped
up in the car for 2 days) and getting up at 4 am on Saturday to volunteer at
the kids races and the 5K, probably not hydrated well enough, and certainly
didn't eat right the days before. It's lessons learned. But at least I did
finish, and after all, I have the same medal as the first place finisher!!!
But I haven't had the stomach for PowerAde or Gatorade since (yet)!!!
Not meaning to be negative, I LOVE Disney, but I missed all the distractions
along the way. Maybe they just didn't want to wait for us tail enders? I
saw very few characters, no big screen tvs this year, only one DJ that I can
remember, and few musical groups. Did they all leave? Others seem to have
seen lots...... I left my headphones/radio at the room because I remembered
lots of distractions last year, but I should have taken it with me this time
I started out ok........slow. I was ok at the half, pretty much right on
time, but blisters already. Wendy, we must have been almost side by side at
the half. You bailed, I (maybe foolishly) continued on. You are my
inspiration! My DIL bailed at the half. I probably should have bailed at
the half too, but I decided I didn't come 1400 miles for a Donald and
gambled that I could finish. It's the German stubbornness in me! At about
mile 16 or 17, my legs started to give out. No actual spasms, just little
twitches" in my quads and shins that said "I've had about enough". I didn't
listen, and continued on, but walking. Every now and then I'd try a slow
jog, but would only make it about 20 or 30 steps and the legs said "no more"
So, I walked...............I walked most of the last 8 or so miles at a 3
5 miles per hour or so pace. I started calculating in my head how many
minutes I was losing per mile, how many miles I had left...........and I saw
the sweep for the first time and just about panicked. I was sure it was
going to get me. It was coming over the overpass on Osceola Parkway, and I
was getting ready to make the turn off the Parkway to MGM. Somebody said,
Oh, you have LOTS of time." I tried to believe them. I kept moving as
best I could. I had a couple of blisters that were chattering to me quite
loudly, but I ignored the conversation.
I saw 154 at the roadside, holding up his medal. Bless his heart. I told
him he was risking losing that medal, standing there with no protection,
but he hung on tight and said "get your own!"..hehe
#1 son met me at the International Bridge and walked the rest of the way
with me. I was in the bmz, said I'd never do this again --- but maybe that
was a lie, because I'm starting to think about it again. I've learned some
lessons. Am I crazy to think about doing this again?
I missed Erin at 22.................the stop had LOTS of people there and I
didn't have the energy to yell for Erin so I just passed by. I made special
efforts to thank volunteers at all the stations. We couldn't do it without
you! Thank you !
Volunteering at the 5K and kids races was fun, even tho we had to get up at
4 am. The kids faces were wonderful --- I got to put the medals around
their necks, and it was awesome. Volunteers went home with nice Izod shirts
breakfast boxes, and pilfered Brother Bear shirts and candy bars...........
......I'd do it again if I wasn't running the marathon the next day.. I
just couldn't nap in the afternoon. I tried.
After the marathon, I wasn't sure my legs would hold me up long enough to
get to the massage tent. DH and DS got me there, and the massage was
wonderful and definitely worth the $10. I could have stayed for $100!!!! I
was wiped out.
We went to Hoop Dee Doo on Sunday night (after another futile attempt at an
afternoon nap). It was awesome, as usual (we've been maybe 5 or 6 times).
On Monday, we took the grandkids to Beaches and Cream and stuffed ourselves
with the Kitchen Sink sundae! 6 little piggies, and we finished it all!!!
It was worth every penny of the $23!
Unfortunately, I missed the encounters and gatherings, due to other
commitments. I had really wanted to check in with some of the email
penpals! It sounds like you had some great times! I'm sorry I missed you
all.
I was incredibly sore on Sunday -- feet, ankles, knees, hips. Since then,
my left knee has been very sore but getting less so (everything else has
gotten better), . I haven't been running yet, but walked lots of miles at
Dis on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Friday, we started the long drive
home.
Despite the aches and pains, it's still an experience I wouldn't trade. Who
would ever expect a 59 (60 next month) grandmother of 7 to run a couple of
marathons? I hope when my grandchildren are old enough to appreciate the
effort that they will get some inspiration from my experiences and go for it
too. I'd love to be their role model.....................I want to do this
when I am 70!!!
Next time I'll definitely plan on encounters, to meet all the wonderful
people who have supported, encouraged, and inspired me. There aren't enough
words to thank all of you...........even tho I don't post a lot, I get
inspiration and motivation from your posts. I'll try to do better..........
....I owe you all.
The next goal is weight loss, and the President's Challenge Bronze. I have
over 25,000 points, but only some 16,000 count towards the bronze (and I
feel cheated). And, I want my pace to improve to at least the lower 13's
---- upper 12's would be nice. I just need to be more consistent to achieve
this, I think.
Keep on runnin'...................I have to go take down the Christmas
tree!!! (sorry I got so windy.........and long)
Louise
