Before I get started on my recap, I’d like to announce the winner of my Blogiversary Momentum Jewelry Giveaway…
Congratulations Sue Tate! I’ll be contacting you with details! 🙂
The forecast called for possible rain, definite cloudiness. And what did we get? Sunny, hot, and humid! Good thing that’s what I endured through pretty much all my training.
If you’ve been following me, you know I’ve been training and strategizing about this race for a while now. I knew what I wanted my pace to be, and I knew I wanted to run comfortable. I also knew that I needed to hydrate effectively–and it was more important today than ever.
It quickly turned into an 80 degree day once the sun came out, but it was all good for the first half of the race. I ran anywhere from sub 8 to about 8:20 pace. My form felt relaxed and strong. I ended up running a 1:47 for the first 13.1, which was an 8:12 average. I felt positive knowing I had some minutes in the bank for the second half, althoughI was pretty confident I could not hold on to that pace for the second half–and I was right!
The way back to the finish was windy, hotter of course, and it always seems longer–but of course it isn’t. I was actually able to hold a good pace for most of the way. It wasn’t until about mile 22 when I slowed to take in some hydration that I just couldn’t really get going again. I struggled miles 22-25, and found something left for that last mile.
My second 13.1 split was 1:54–about an 8:42 pace.
I finished in 3:42, just two minutes over my goal time. I was so happy with this time, especially on a hot day–and I even earned myself first in the 30-34 age group!
While I was running the 26.2 miles, there was time for sooo many things to go through my mind. Mainly, mantras, sometimes song lyrics, sometimes total randomness. I wish I had some sort of brain recorder in my head while things were popping in, but I did the best I could to remember them for you!
Things that go through your mind during a marathon:
Don’t do anything more than what you are doing right now
There’s beer at the finish
You know you’re a triathlete when you hear a motorbike behind you and panic for a second wondering if you’re drafting–then you realize you’re running.
Does my ankle hurt?
Does my foot hurt?
Am I going to pass out?
Get out of your head, it’s a dangerous place to be
There’s beer at the finish
Just 3 more miles till I’m halfway there!
One mile at a time
Be strong
Focus
Am I cramping??
I am NOT almost there random spectator, but thanks for trying!
There’s beer at the finish
There might have been more, but these are the ones I remember. I’m a huge fan of craft beer, so reminding myself of beer at the finish was helpful. And not only did I get a nice cold one as a reward for finishing, I scored this:
That’s it! Too early to tell what’s on the horizon as far as goals. Right now it’s all about compression socks and recovery!
What goes through your head during a marathon?
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CONGRATS pretty lady!!! For a day that hot to be only 2 mins away from your goal time, that is inspiring! You should be very proud, and enjoying a day of celebration today 🙂 Good things coming for you in the future 🙂
Tina muir recently posted…Meatless Monday- Peach and Almond Overnight Oats
Thanks so much Tina! That means a lot coming from you!
Congratulations! That’s pretty amazing for such a hot day to be only a few min off of your goal. That’s pretty amazing for any weather really 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful week of relaxation and recovery
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Zucchini Nachos-Score! Meatless Monday
Thanks so much!
Awesome job and HUGE congrats on placing first in your age group!!! You’re my inspiration for my marathon in a few weeks!!! Hope I can do just as well as you!
Annmarie recently posted…Meatless Monday: Baked Escarole Oreganata {Gluten Free, Vegan}
Thanks so much! I’m glad it’s done…you’re up next!
My mind never shuts up the whole time I am running. I guess I am not totally weird because I know it happens to everyone. Great job on your race, and extra congrats on scoring the beer. Have a great day
bakingrunner.blogspot.com
Thanks! Yeah, lots of time for the mind to wander during a marathon!
Great job!! Congrats on your age group win 🙂 You are so speedy! It sounds like you went into this race prepared, stuck with your plan, and executed brilliantly. I love “the things that go through your head” haha. If you find a brain recorder, I’d love one too!!
Amanda recently posted…#BOSUstrong Challenge, Marathon Training Monday {week 4} & Giveaway Winners
Thanks Amanda! I am really happy with how it played out. I was trying so hard to remember everything while I ran, lol.
Well done on a great race and you look so relaxed, taking it all in your stride. Such a good idea to note some of the thoughts that travel through your mind when you do a marathon, I must do that next time! You’ve also given me the good idea to make sure to have some craft beer in my fridge for when I finish my next marathon next month 😀
Fiona recently posted…Marathon Shoes?
Thanks! Yes, beer at the finish can be a big motivator for some!
Awesome job lady!! Especially in that heat! I sure hope I can pull my goal off in October!
Thanks! Best of luck!!