Well I have so much to say about this I don't even know where to start. So I will start out by saying I JUST RAN A MARATHON! It was the most organized race I have ever done. They thought of everything, I was so impressed. It was such a far cry from Hobble Creek, No comparison. Saw Allie on the bus on the way up, I was so happy that I didn't have her pressure. I was freaking out enough. She is amazing and ended up taking 1st in the Women. Incredible. Then we got to the top, it was soo cold. I was so happy we had all the layers that we did. Got in the POP lines and then got back in line again, then we walked down to the start line and that is where we saw Kelli and her friend Wendy. It was so much fun to meet other blogger's! The race started 3 minutes late {which is awesome} when the gun went off, Stacie and I grabbed hands and looked at each other both with teary eyes. Neither of us could believe it was actually happening. I was so emotional the entire run. Ran with Stacie until about 6.5 and then I was kind of slowing down. I could see her in front of me for awhile and then no more. Turned on the music and ran the rest of the canyon. My family and my parents were there at the bottom of the canyon to cheer me on. I was happy to see them. I stopped and said hi and then went again. I was actually expecting my sister in law to be there to run a few miles with me but she didn't meet me until mile 16.5. When I saw her, I started to get all emotional again! Right then, JD ran up to meet me. Erin ran a mile with us and then my brother Cam jumped in and ran the entire rest of the way with JD and I. The most my brother has run is 3 miles so I was shocked he just kept staying with us. I mean, given I was moving like a turtle. Literally. Really horrible splits with much walking. But STILL! awesome. I kept getting worried that JD was totally bored but he was extremely supportive and patient the entire time. He let me have as much of his water that I wanted and gave me two of his gu's. I can't express in enough words how grateful I was that they were both with me. I was tired, emotional, slow, and reluctant about what to expect from mile to mile. At about mile 19 or thereabouts, my calves started to cramp up. Ive never had that happen. They were like convulsing on their own, it was a crazy feeling. I ate some banana and that helped a bit. It kept happening and another runner passed us and offered me a salt pack. Ive also never taken one of those, it helped I think. The cramping never went completely away, but it did get better. We slowly but surly made it to the finish line and I was feeling pretty good actually, tired & sore but good. I was holding up emotionally as well until they announced my name over the loud speakers. "Lysa Smith!" And I just lost it. I let it all out. The reality of crossing a finish line at a marathon hit me. The whole week of stress and excitement, and exhaustion, all of it hit me. I just started bawling. I couldn't get a grip for awhile either. Seeing my family and friends didn't make it any better either. I couldn't believe all the people who were there just for me. It was so overwhelming to me and still makes me choked up thinking about them.
I started regretting my time even at mile 20. I knew I was going to come in much after I had planned and It was disappointing to me. Don't get me wrong, I just ran a marathon. I get the significance of that. And as I thought about it, I couldn't help reflect on even just a year ago. Talking about maybe doing one some day but really wondering if I was ever going to be capable of it. I guess anyone is if they go slow enough. But I never thought It would be me. As I was writing in my journal this week, I realized that I have some alter-ego personality that is a runner and that me myself doesn't know that person very well. Who is this crazy person that thinks they can sign up for a marathon and then go run it. I don't know this person. And I certainly don't trust this person very much bc I have so much reluctance when I run. I need a name for this 2nd personality of mine. Its like there is me. And then there is runner person. I know, you are all thinking I'm crazy now. I guess I can't explain it. It is just so strange to me. Anyway, I better stop before I start letting more crazy feelings become public. Overall, beautiful canyon for 14 miles and the rest is a blur. At least the scenery of it. I didn't pay attention to what was around me after that. Disappointed with my time. Grateful to JD and Cam, Happy and amazed I have such a great support group that celebrates me no matter what. Still feeling like it was all a dream and I still am in awe that I just ran a marathon.
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