The pictures say it all...crazy happy me with my hands in the air about to cross the finish line of my first marathon and posing like "no big deal" with my finisher pullover!
After running a few half marathons, leveling up to a full marathon seemed like the next logical step. I followed a beginner/intermediate 18-week plan that peaked at around 55 miles per week, with three 20-mile runs scattered through the training. I felt as prepared as I could be but really wasn't sure what to expect after mile 20.
Race day was chilly with temperatures in the high 40s and 20 mph north winds...that's cold for Texans. The winds did make for some interesting sections, but all in all, pretty good running conditions.
I plugged away at a steady pace, ate several bananas along the way (not a fan of gels), alternated between water and Gatorade at the aid stations, and eventually found myself at mile marker 20. Now what??? Thankfully for me, it was just more of the same. I slowed a little between miles 21-23, but once I knew I was in the last three miles and felt pretty good, I got back to my goal pace.
My husband and daughter were there cheering for me at the finish...and even brought me donuts! I was freezing after the race and shivering uncontrollably (I little thing my body loves to do when it feels overtaxed...or cold...or both), but I was SO happy to have accomplished my goal. It felt so, so good!
My legs, on the other hand, felt like bricks. Walking back to my car in the parking lot was painful and I was worried that I was in for one heck of a recovery, but once I got home, I stretched and immediately felt more mobile. Throughout the rest of the afternoon, I alternated sitting for 30 minutes with getting up and walking slowly for a few minutes. In the evening, I went for a very slow 20-minute walk and stretched some more. I think all that helped because I am feeling pretty good today!
So what's next for me?? Well, recovering, of course, and then I'll be starting an 8-week training plan for a half marathon I am running at the end of February. And of course, working on all things Best Run Yet Apparel & Gifts!