I Ran My First Marathon...and Survived!

Yesterday was definitely an experience! Noelle, Corrine and I got on the first shuttle down to the race start (and thank goodness we did!) We got down there in the CHILLY morning air - was probably upper 20s-low 30s! Brrrr!!!! We found a key spot by a generator to huddle with some other people for the few hours that we had before we took off. One of the guys we were standing by looked and acted exactly like Ashton Kutcher. Was kinda funny. Now, a handful of the other run-clubbers slept in and couldn't get on the shuttles...ended up walking 2.5 miles to the start. They were NOT happy.

So we all got ready to go and along with 30,000 others - started running. Noelle, Corrine and I were running the full marathon and hooked up with Jerel and Andy (half marathon) for the first 10 miles until they broke off and headed back to the finish. They were complete saints and took my hoodie and Noelle's jacket back with them so we didn't have to run with those around our waists for the last 16 miles.

The "Rock N Roll" part of the marathon was a little over-hyped. We were complaining that there weren't enough bands - especially in the back part of the course. Oh well. We attempted to entertain ourselves and keep upbeat. I felt pretty good for the majority of the run. My goal was to work on my 'supplements' and nutrition/hydration to make sure I know how to do all this stuff for when I get to Ironman. I think I did pretty well. My stomach was fine and I think my plan worked out decently. I think I will need to pack a few more Endurolytes for Ironman - as I was running low at the end.

About mile 17-22, Noelle did a great job pacing us...I could easily have slowed down a bit on this stretch and taken 'er a bit easy - but she kept us going at about a 8:45-9:15 pace (when running). I think we negative split our second half of the race, actually. I felt pretty good for the last 4 miles, or so. Which surprised me. Finish time was around 4:53 - which I wanted under 5 hrs...so we made it. By my Garmin we ran around a 4:40 - but there were tons of people on the 1/2 marathon route (can you say congestion?) a few bathroom stops and lines at porta-potties that added a few minutes to our time.

Afterwards, we stopped for Nachos and a Beer at the Hard Rock (Noelle's ritual post-marathon) and then went and ran in the hotel pool to loosen up our legs - which felt really good. We met up with the crew at Coyote Ugly for some more beverages and a stint with us girls dancing on the bar. Don't ask me why. (Jerel!!!)

All-in-all, the race went well. I'm not terribly sure how I feel about marathons just yet. Wondering why people sign themselves up for things like this (this coming from the girl signed up for an Ironman) - but I'm sure that I could be swayed to do another one again. We shall see. Now that this is over and complete - a week or so of recovery and then I'm ready to start the Ironman base training (fully, not just half-assed like the past month or so) that will take me into September. Woo hoo!

Now, heading to the gate and hopping on my flight back to MN. Will post more pics later when I get home and settled back in.