Marathon Recap

Today was Memorial Day and I was happy to not have to get up and go to work. I was definitely pretty sore and exhausted from the race yesterday but still feeling good about the experience. As promised I will give a little recap of the marathon yesterday. As usual we were running late on Sunday morning (the story of our lives) and I ended up getting to the marathon about 15 minutes before the start. This was after a 1/2 mile frantic walk/jog to the start as all of the roads close to the race were closed. I of course didn't know where I was going and was a little frazzled by the time I made it down to the start. The nerves quickly disappeared as I waited in line and made my way out for the 26.2 mile trek. The first 17 miles went great. I settled into a great pace and was happy to be running around 9:20 min/miles. I knew in the back of my head there was no way I would be able to continue that pace but I decided to go with it and see how long I could make it last. The course was beautiful and all the runners were so friendly. I was just happy to be out on such a great day and was really enjoying myself. At mile 14.5 I decided I should stop for a quick bathroom break. I had had to go since the start and told myself once I made it half way I could stop. I really hate stopping in these races as it always throws me off a little. Today was unfortunately no different! Once I started running again I stiffened up and quickly found my pace slowing. Luckily as I turned the corner right before mile 15 I heard Brad cheering me on. I did not expect to see him at this point in the race so it was very exciting. Brad was holding Noah and he looked so cute in his polo shirt and red sox hat. I ran over to them and Noah just started laughing. I gave him a bunch of kisses which he thought was hilarious and he started laughing even more. It was so cute. I said goodbye and continued on my way (apparently after I started running Brad put Noah down and he started running after me-we may have another runner in the family!) With my new found motivation I picked up the pace and got back on track. I was good for another 2 miles and then I really started to slow down. At this point it was starting to get hot out and I was starting to feel it. I really didn't train that much for this marathon as I have for others so wasn't surprised that I started to have trouble. I told myself to just keep running until mile 20 and if I had to at that point I would walk. Once I made it to mile 20 the 4:30 pacer group came up behind me and I decided to try and run with them for a couple of miles. This couldn't have happened at a better time! It was good to get into a group and pick up my pace. It helped me stretch out my legs and gave me a little more motivation to make it to the finish. I kept up with them for about 2 miles and then settled into a slow walk/jog. It was at this point that I was totally exhausted and really wanted to be done. Thoughts of Noah kept me going and I continued to just put one foot in front of the other. I thought about how lucky we are that Noah is doing so well and how grateful I am for my amazing family. It is crazy to think how far we have come in just a year and how we are now in such I good place. Before I knew it I was at mile 25 and ready for the home stretch. The finish was great as the last mile was lined with cheering fans and I was able to spot Brad and Noah and our friends again. I made a quick stop to give some more kisses and then headed to the finish. I happily crossed the finish line and was glad to be done! Overall it was a great experience and I am so happy that I was able to raise money for CHASA. Brad and Noah walked over to meet me at the finish and Noah gave me a quick smile before he passed out in the stroller.