26.2-Seattle...Love

Yes, this is Seattle in late November :)

The Star spangled Banner began and it was time to focus, all the training lead up to that moment.  I was  physically ready, mentally ready, I had a plan and I was going to go for it.
The Race:
1-7:22  I started with the 3:15 pace group which was my plan.  I intended to stick with the pace group through 1/2 way and then access how things were going
2-6:29 A lot of downhill in this mile.  The pacers were trying to bank a little time in the first 1/2 to account for the hills in the 2nd half.  Feeling good.
3-7:17 Started chatting with a fellow New York orphan who was running her first marathon
4-8:18 At least half of this mile was in a tunnel where my watch lost reception.  I had pulled ahead of the pace group and was trying to slow up a little bit so they would catch up with me.  I was feeling so good but I also did not want to go out too fast.  Started out on the floating bridge.
5-6:03 Obviously my watch was trying to figure things out :)  I think averaging miles 4&5 would be an accurate pace, I was probably running around 7:10 for both miles.
6-7:23  I was really trying to slow down.  I wanted to stick to my plan and I was not, I was feeling too good though.  Turnaround on bridge and headed back.  I slowed almost to a stop through the water station again hoping the pace group and Tyler would catch me.  I saw Tyler and she was a little ahead of the pace group
7-7:30  Just running really easy at this point.  It was here that I made the decision that around mile 9 where my husband was going to be with my banana that I would stop and let the group catch up.  I know it seems crazy but I really did not want to blow up and kick myself for not sticking to my plan.
8-7:25 Coming to the end of the bridge and getting ready to turn onto the path, I was looking forward to seeing my husband and getting my banana.
9-7:27 So happy to see my sweet husband who was holding a neon yellow sign :)

Literally stopped waiting for the pace group and my teammate Tyler

10-7:06 Chatted with Tyler for a second, I was feeling great, she was not.  This made me sad but I was again pulling away from the pace group.  It was strange but it was harder for me to run slower.  I decided to just go with it and pray that I did not hit the wall.

11-7:17 I was running very easy and relaxed.  There was no doubt or fear.  I was enjoying the foggy morning.  It was a bit chilly but it was really beautiful.  We were running right by Lake Washington.  i was so grateful that it was not raining or windy! 

12-7:15 I was enjoying chatting with a few people around me. Pretty uneventful.  I was in the middle part and still feeling great.  

13-7:18  I was staying committed to my fueling plan.  I took 4 Honey Stinger chews here.  I will also mention that I was taking fluid at every aid station (every 2 miles)  I would alternate gatorade and water.  I did not drink a lot but I was getting something.  

Half marathon split 1:35:27

14-7:13 The next few miles flew by.  Miles 8-17 were a loop out and around a park and back.  It helped that there were runners going the other way, anything to distract the mind.  Looking forward to mile 17 where I would again see my husband and Tylers friend Nick.  I had no idea where she was at this point and was hoping that they had some info.

15-7:12

16-7:22

17-7:19 I was so happy to see Mike and Nick.  I got my 1/2 banana and a sip of gatorade and was off again.  I was also happy to see that Nick was dressed to run.  He planned on running 3 miles with Tyler and I was glad that she was going to have company.  They told me she was not that far behind me. It really helped knowing that I would be seeing Mike along the course.  It helped to break things up.  

18-7:35 Just running.  A few little hills

19-7:22 I knew the hills were coming and I was still feeling good.  Trying to concentrate on staying relaxed.  the ball of my right foot was starting to burn a little.

20-7:39 oh yes the hills were starting.  There was a pretty good hill in this mile.  according to the plan I took 3 more chews and kept on pushing.

21-7:54 Big hills!!!  The worst hill was really steep.  I train on hills a lot so while they slowed my pace I was passing so many people.  I felt strong and in control.

22-7:25 After climbing there was a good hill which offered some rest.  I went on cruise control for a bit.  I was looking for my teammates Brittney and Nicole who had driven up from Portland that morning.  They were going to be there to run Tyler and I in.  They said they would be between 22 and 23.

23-7:51 This mile was in a beautiful hilly park.  Running through tall green trees and looking for my teammates.  I knew that if I could just make it to them i was going to be ok.  They were right before mile 23 screaming for me :)  Nicole jumped in and ran with me.  It was so nice to have company!!  I had really been on my own since the beginning.  She had a banana and gatorade for me.

24-7:25  I was grateful that Nicole knew that there was some relief from the hills coming.  I did not really feel like fueling but I forced myself to eat some banana and drink some water.  Nicole was so positive and was helping me focus.

25-7:10 I knew that I was in the top 10 women and I was able to pass 2 women in this mile.  I was tired and my calf was aching but somehow I was pushing hard.  I have never felt so good at the end of a race.  I started to tear up a couple times because i knew that I was going to accomplish my goal but I knew i needed to stay focused for a little while longer.

26-7:02 What?  For the last mile :)  There was a long hill to the finish and I was talking out loud at the hill.  Nicole was so helpful on this hill.  

.2--???  I turned the corner into the stadium and pushed as hard as I could.  It felt amazing.  I could see the clock and sprinted to cross before it turned to 3:13.   of course I for got to stop my watch immediately, I was too busy being in shock.  I was so happy and of course emotional.  It felt amazing!  All the hard work had finally paid off.  Everything came together and i was so grateful because it does not always go according to plan.

3:12:55  9th overall female, 2nd in age group

I got my medal and heating sheet and turned to wait for Tyler thinking that she would be coming in soon.  The 3:15 pacers came through and I immediately asked them where she was.  They told me that she had dropped from them around mile 13.  I knew then that it might be  awhile but was hopeful that she could still be coming soon.  I stood there until the clock hit 3:32 and then went to get some water and find Mike.  I spotted him and he told me that Tyler was struggling.  I felt so bad, after New York we both needed to have good races.  

So many miles together, love her!

  I saw her come through the finish and went to give her a hug.  It was emotional and she was so sweet and excited for me.  My heart broke for her!  I love that girl! 

This race was amazing for me!  I finally ran the race that I trained for.  I figured out how to fuel, that is huge for me!I am itching to run another one, I know I can run it faster.  I felt like I had some left in the tank but I am so grateful that I ran a smart race. 

My coach says 3:00 by 40 :)  I turn 37 on Wednesday.  We will see what the future holds, for now I am happy!! 

A new PR, so happy!!

Done :)

  

Final push

My support crew 

Rocking the argyle recovery socks on the drive home