The Finish Line 4:18:12

I did it, I finished my first marathon in 4 hours, 18 minutes and 12 seconds. I said I would be happy with anything under 4 1/2 hours, with an aggressive goal of 4 hours. Somewhere between miles 17 and 23 I said to my husband my goal is just to finish. There was not a greater feeling than reaching my goal by crossing that finish line with Greg. I managed to complete the marathon without an injury, and while I was in extreme pain right after I did wake up the next morning feeling great.
The toughest parts: I felt like I cruised through miles 1-14, hitting each mile at exactly 9 minutes Somewhere around mile 15 I felt I was in for a long day, and that feeling lasted until mile 17. 17 through 21 I made up whatever time I had lost from 15 to 17. Then I hit a wall at 21. At this point I started walking through the water stops (which came every 2 miles) as I found it too difficult to grab the cup and hydrate without slowing down. My motor skills at this point weren't working all that well. So miles 21-23 were the most difficult part for me. It was also the only point of the race where there was almost complete silence. It was rare during this stretch to hear the other runners around us talking. Then it started to set in that finishing under 4 1/2 hours was still attainable. From 24 to the finish was difficult, but I knew I could do it and I put any pain or exhaustion out of my mind.
What hurt: I managed to get through the race without any injuries as I mentioned. I think around mile 21 I had severe cramping in my hamstrings. I stopped and stretched them out, and kept going. Other than that, my back was pretty tight around mile 24. After the race, when I finally stopped my legs were hurting pretty bad and that lasted about 45 minutes.
The best water stop: On Middlesex before turning onto Elmwood. I think most runners would agree they went all out! They had a young boy cooling off runners with a hose, they had the water and gatorade. The best part: they had huge watermelon slices and oranges slices. It was very refreshing and rejuvenating at a much needed point in the race.
The many Thanks: First and foremost, I could not have completed the race without my husband who kept me going while I was exhausted. He knew what to say and when to say it to motivate me. Also, to my friends at Fleet Feet Sports! Without their training group I would not have been ready for such a challenge. I appreciated the pep talk from Jack before the race, and seeing Tim as he also was set to run his first. I was motivated when I heard the cheers from Rachel and Angela in the Marina, and Molly.. thanks for being everywhere, you seemed to pop up at just the right times when encouragement was needed.. especially crossing Delaware on Middlesex. And Steve, who gave me weekly encouragement during our Sunday runs. And finally to my parents, Carrie, Ellen, and Michele for coming out to support us.
Overall, I said during and after the race that I would never do this again, and at times wondered why I had put myself through such a physical challenge. Greg reminded me: if it were easy, everyone would do it.. that's why finishing is such an accomplishment. He's right. I feel great, and the answer to everyone's question: YES, I WOULD DO IT AGAIN! I just may need some time to forget about how long 26.2 miles really is.

The final days

I’m now one week away from the marathon and trying to plan out the next 5 days. I got my final long run in yesterday, and now I will be making sure I relax, and rest my feet and legs. The excitement is building for me, as my mom and dad are coming in to watch Greg and I. They’ll look to catch up with us at various different mile markers during the marathon. My good friend Carrie, who also introduced Greg and I will drive them around, as she’ll know the best ways to get around the streets that will be shut down.
Everyone has told me I trained right, and am ready. I feel like I am, I think I'm just starting to get a little nervous knowing Carrie, my mom and dad will be out on the course waiting for us. I don't want to disappoint myself, or them. I'm just going to take the mind set that this is no different than one of our long Sunday runs. While I did set a goal of what time I'd like to finish, I am going to enjoy the race and just concentrate on finishing instead of putting too much pressure on myself. I'm looking forward to the finish line and the medal I get for crossing it. After that, Greg told me my birthday cake will be waiting for all of us at home, but we can only have it if I finish. That's motivation!

Marathon story to air on News 4

Friday on News 4 at 5:30, I will air my marathon training story. At various times throughout our training, I had a camera shoot some of our runs. You’ll be able to see the changes from running in January snow to May sunshine. I’ll talk about my goal, the challenges I faced, what to wear and not to wear when it comes to sneakers and the proper clothing, and of course advice from a pro. Everyone has somebody that feels they have the best advice to offer. Mine came from my tailor, Alfio. Many of you may know him. He’s run 13 marathons across the country and the world, and not only is he animated… he really does have some of the best running advice you’ll come across. My next blog will come after I cross the finish line. Until then: I’ll be drinking plenty of water as I am ready for the full 26.2 on Sunday.

20 Days until the Marathon

I’m starting to get excited and anxious, only 2 long runs left of 16 and then 12 miles! I ran 17 yesterday, and I can say it was not enjoyable with the cold and the wind.
A couple of weeks ago I was wondering if I would ever be ready. I feel like I am now, as I begin my taper down phase so my legs won’t be too beat up by the time the marathon rolls around. I still feel good, despite some small aches and pains that at this point I’ll have to deal with until the marathon is over.
As Greg and I were running yesterday through some of those aches and pains, he reminded me that the training is the most difficult part of the marathon. He said if you can get through it, the actual marathon won’t seem that bad. The race is only one day and one long run, while the training is 4 months and a lot of people can’t get through it to actually make it to race day. He reminded me of the freezing cold mornings, the hills at Chestnut Ridge in the snow, the injuries that you battle through, the overall fatigue that you eventually get over, the tough runs that you get more out of because you didn’t give up when you really wanted to, and the mornings where it would be a lot easier to sleep in instead. Whether or not he was just saying it to encourage me that I am almost there, it worked!