So this post is going to be short and sweet because I'm going to blog about it more on my personal blog. But here are the things I learned/felt on this run. It was a really lovely day for a run. Much better than any of our long runs have been weather wise for quite sometime. The sun was shining and it was neither too hot nor too cold (even though my hands were still arthritically frozen by the end). The run itself went really well. I felt good and was able to figure out a few good things race-wise for me. The first 6 miles, I ran for 3 and then would only take a walk break at the aid stations. After mile 6 I remembered that Lori had said that she wondered if we'd been less sore after the marathon if we'd taken more walk breaks throughout the mileage. So I decided that this was a training run and I should try it. So I came up with a plan. At every mile marker walk for 30 seconds and then every 3rd mile (at the aid stations) walk for 60 seconds. As I did this I found the walk breaks to be renewing. I knew I could pound out another mile because I was going to walk for just a bit. I also found that even when I was feeling more tired and having a harder time getting through a mile I was still able to keep my pace. I was able to keep about a 9 minute mile pace give or take 20ish seconds. So I felt good about it. Really the great part about the race you'll have to read my blog about. Overall I was happy with my time and encouraged that I would be able to finish the marathon in the time that I am hoping to (under 4:30). It was fun to have Lori there at the end cheering me on. It made my heart leap with joy when I saw her, and then I was sad and worried that something bad had happened to her...especially when I saw the bag of ice she was holding. I was relieved to find out nothing traumatic had happened but that she had had the feeling that she needed to turn around. I was still really bummed for her because I wanted this race to be encouraging and not discouraging for her. So as relieved as I was, I was equally as concerned.
My body is MUCH more sore after this race than after our 20 milers. I'm sure it has something to do with no long stretching breaks. Blasted. Don't you think they could just pause the time and have everyone stretch every 3 miles or so during the marathon?
3 comments:
you did so well, friend. i am so happy for you! i think your plan of attack is awesome, I really hope that helps with the soreness..yes yes I do.... and my other thoughts are going to be in a comment on your blog. :)
ps, i emailed the marathon coordinator about the possibility to take "stoppage time" each 3 miles?
she said no.
blast.
Manda I loved you post about the run, there is such a spiritual side of running that we get too busy to recognize- I have really been trying to imporve and use that too... you put it wonderful words- I am loving the way you did it was an insight!
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