Ironman Chattanooga Part II: Walk With Purpose

When I last left you, I had just ridden into transition in what is likely the best bike ride of my life (so far).  I had great plans for the run, but my legs were so wobbly that I had trouble making it to my gear bag.  I grabbed my bag and walked as quickly as I could into the changing tent so that I could sit down for a minute.  I only needed to change my socks and shoes and grab my run gear and while it felt like I was moving pretty quickly, it took me a total of nine minutes. I ran out of the tent and the volunteers slathered me with sunscreen and I was on my way.

As I ran past the spectators and out onto the run course I heard my name and saw Jesse and Goat.  Goat yelled to me that I'd done great on the bike and I told him that I couldn't feel my legs! He assured me that if I kept moving the feeling would come back.  I took his word for it and got to work on the run.  As I started, I realized that while it seemed like it was still morning to me, it was actually around 3 o'clock in the afternoon.  I had a plan to run until I could not run anymore and then walk through the aide stations (every mile to mile and a half) after that.  I was hoping to keep my pace somewhere in the neighborhood of ten minutes per mile (hopefully faster), and that lasted for about two miles.  It just felt more difficult that I expected and I couldn't quite put my finger on it.  My legs were so heavy and I felt a little bit gross. Turns out, it was about 87 degrees with high humidity which probably accounted for a bit of the struggle.

I soon settled into my pattern of walking through the aide stations, pouring water on my head, shoving ice in my top, and drinking.  I was disappointed to see my pace drop into the eleven minute per mile range and I knew that this would get me a run time somewhere in the low five hour range.  Certainly not what I was planning for, but you gotta take what the day gives you.  The first four(ish) miles were on a highway that just never seemed to end.  There were no spectators out there, it was not scenic, and there was no shade. There was not even a sign of a turn for about three miles, it was pretty defeating, but it turns out it was one of the more flat sections of the course.

After turning off of the highway we ran along the riverfront in a park.  It was much more scenic, but still felt a little bit isolated at times.  I was able to keep my pattern of running then walking the aide stations up for about eight miles.  My shoes were squishy from all of the water that I dumped on my head and ice that I crammed in my shirt.  It was through here that a couple of ladies passed and complimented me on my ride. That made me feel good, I gotta tell you.  Right around mile 8 we crossed the Tennessee River for the first time via the Veteran's Bridge.  I had no idea that I was about to climb a mountain in the next couple of miles.

I'll never forget Barton Avenue in Chattanooga, TN.  I'm about 95% certain that there are no streets like Barton Avenue in all of Dallas/Fort Worth.  I ran every hill I could find during training for this race and I have gotten stronger at running hills....but I was no match for Barton Avenue.  As I was walking up the hill, right around mile nine, Baha ran by and growled at me to "walk with purpose." I thought that I was walking with purpose, it felt like I was walking with purpose, but apparently it did not look that way on the outside.  I grumbled something back and tried to pick up the pace, but before long he was out of sight.

As punishing as it was, this part of the course was really beautiful.  Barton Avenue itself was filled with people hanging out in their yards to cheer.  It was quite festive and I think many of them just made a day of it.  But then at the top there was a very stately neighborhood with huge homes (some might say mansions) and a beautiful country club.  It looked like something from a movie, I tried to appreciate the views despite my struggles.

What goes up, must come down and pretty soon I was headed back down Barton Avenue.  I made a deal with myself to run the downhills and this was a big one.  It was along this downhill that I saw Erik heading up the hill, near his mile 9 mark.  I hadn't seen him since I started the race and I was hoping that he was having a good day.  He shared that he had a strong day on the bike, but his run was pretty tough.  Judging by the number of people walking, it seemed like a lot of people were struggling.

I focused on getting to the end of the first loop (13 miles) so that I could do it all a second time.  One of my favorite parts was running across the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge.  It was just a neat bridge and each time it signaled the end of something - the end of a loop and the end of a race.  Halfway done....you can do this, MK, just keep moving forward.

Back to the long stretch of highway where I found myself walking more than I planned.  I had an internal dialogue going on a this point, wondering if I biked too hard and blew up my legs - becoming one of "those people" that I never want to be during a triathlon.  But at the same time, I was feeling very proud of my bike and satisfied with the risk that I took.  Back and forth I went - feelings of guilt and even shame followed with feelings of satisfaction.  I made deals with myself to run through five traffic cones before walking.  For a while I ran a quarter mile, walked a quarter mile - I can't remember a quarter mile that lasted as long as some of those did.

As I crossed Veteran's Bridge the second time, I looked up and noticed the most beautiful sunset.  I was filled with a moment of peace and I knew that I just had to be patient and keep moving forward.  Looking back, that peace I felt might have been the temperature dropping a few degrees as the sun went down.  One more time up Barton Avenue and I really did try to walk with purpose, just not sure I actually accomplished that goal.  The sun was gone now and it was pretty dark in that beautiful country club area.  There were flood lights placed periodically and I just moved towards the light.  I kept my feet deliberate as possible because falling on my face would pretty much be a disaster at this point.

Once again, I made a deal with myself to walk the uphills and run the downhills...sounds easy, right? Running downhill is harder than it sounds and it became painful after a while.  One step at a time, I was determined to get this done. I made it to the Walnut Street Bridge and walked the incline to get onto the bridge, but then I did not walk again for the rest of the race.  I could hear the race announcer calling out the names of finishers off in the distance and I moved with every bit of will that I had in left in me in that direction.  I was especially happy when I rounded the bend and saw that it was literally downhill all the way to the finish line. Five hours and fifty minutes after I started running, I'd made it.

There is no place in the world like an Ironman finish line - the lights, the red carpet, the spectators, the announcer calling out "You. Are. An Ironman."  For the first time all day, I wanted time to slow down so that I could take in every bit of it.  No finish line is ever promised and you never know if or when you'll get a "next time." You assume that you will be healthy and strong and able to race for years to come, but there are no guarantees in life.  You have to make it count.

I was so grateful to be finished so that I could stop moving for a few minutes.  I crossed the line and was ready to take my medal when I looked up to see the person putting it around my neck was Goat. What an amazing and special surprise, a moment that I will never forget.  I can't remember what I said to him, but I remember giving him the biggest hug and wiping away tears as I moved the rest of the way through the finisher's chute. I can't begin to express what that meant to me.

I have so many thoughts about this race and in some ways I'm still processing it all, nearly two weeks after the race.  When I started training I had a goal to have a finish time that started with a 12.  I finished in 12:00:58, but that is without the swim.  I have to wonder how the race would have played out if we got to swim.  Would I have taken that risk on the bike? Would I have gotten that PR that I was dreaming of all summer? I have no doubt that the day would have had a completely different tone, but I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I learned so much - what I am capable of and what I need to work on. I'm getting better at this and one of these days I'll put all the pieces together. I was reminded how incredibly hard Ironman is.  It doesn't get any easier, but it is always worth it.

None of this would be possible without these guys. I'm lucky to have the best tribe around.

IMMD Run: Maryland Victory

Welcome to Part Three of my Ironman Maryland story.  If you missed the swim you can catch up here and you can find the bike here - I'll wait if you need to catch up!

Run
I am a runner, running is what I do....time to get to it.  My plan was to run until I couldn't and then run from aide station to aide station, walking through the stations when I came to them.  I was so happy to see Baha within the first couple of miles, he said "keep this up and you will be an Ironman today." That was a super exciting thought, but I had a long way to go before I could dwell on that too much.  I ran the first three miles before my brain got the better of me and I started mixing in walk breaks.  I didn't comprehend that it was hot, but it must have been as both my pace and my spirits improved when the sun started to go down.

Fresh out of T2

The run course is two and a half loops with one end of the loop being pretty desolate and miserable and the other end being super fun since it goes to downtown Cambridge.  I saw Mr K for the first time on the run back in the desolate end of the loop, around my 4th mile.  We waved and he looked like he was moving well and it made me feel very happy to see his face and know that he was doing okay.  I made that turn around and headed back to the other end of the loop, on the way I saw Baha again and I felt for sure that he would lap me at some point, but my brain must have miscalculated just how far that side of the loop was because I didn't see him again until the beginning of my second loop.

I met up with Mr K again on my way towards downtown and he was still looking good, heading towards the end of his first loop. Then I saw Erin and Karen at the turn around in downtown, they called out "how are you feeling?" and I shrugged.  How else do you answer when you still have about 15 miles to run? As I made the turn around I gave them the thumbs up because I didn't want them to worry and I really wasn't feeling that bad.  I found a run pace that I could just kind of cruise at and then I walked through the aide stations, by doing this I settled into a pace in the mid 11:00s per mile.

Several years ago, while running the Chicago Marathon far from home and with no one there to cheer for me, I began to see the timing mats as a little boost of energy from home.  I knew that my friends and family would be tracking me and every time I crossed a timing mat I thought about them and how much they support me and I touched my heart and sent them a message in return. Those happy moments carried me throughout the day.

I've always struggled with the middle miles of a marathon.  I typically don't have the "wall" that many people have at mile 20, but miles 13 to about 18 just kill me mentally.  It is too far from the excitement of the start and also too far from the excitement of the end...no man's land.  And as luck would have it, many of these miles came the second time through that desolate loop.  If I had a mental low point, it might have been in this section.  I walked much of that turn around loop even though I didn't need too.  I saw Mr K again in this little loop and he said I was going to catch him, I honestly did not see how because I felt like I was moving so slowly.

With Super Sherpa Erin

I perked up a little bit as I left that area and realized just how many people were behind me.  I could totally do this! It was also a mental boost to know that I wouldn't have to come out to that part of the course again. I went back to my running/walking pattern as I headed back towards the other end of the loop.  I could see Mr K ahead of me by maybe a half a mile and I tried to keep him in my sights. Somewhere near mile 18 he pulled up with a big cramp, I stopped and offered to help (not sure what I could have done, but I wanted to try) and he sent me on my way. 

As I came back towards downtown suddenly Erin was running next to me.  I was not expecting to see her and just talking to her a minute or two gave me a big boost.  As I made the loop in downtown I saw another familiar face, our friend Jeff was there cheering on a friend.  He gave me some encouraging words and sent me out for that last half loop.  I saw the finishers chute as I headed back out and I knew that after passing it two times the next time would be my time to run towards the finish line.

It was dark by now and parts of the course were well lit and others were completely in the dark.  It was a bit of a relief not to be able to see just how far I had to run, but it also made me nervous because tripping or turning an ankle this late in the game would be awful.  There were a few spectators in their yards and one guy had a megaphone and was telling bad jokes into the darkness (What does a nosey pepper do? Gets jalapeno your business).  When I saw the marker for mile 22 I knew that I only had a Lake Grapevine Friday 4 miler left, I could do this!  Then at the half loop turn around we were at mile 23 - just a 5K left.   It gave me a shot of confidence when spectators would comment that I had a steady pace and that I was moving well because so many people were walking at this point. Wouldn't you know, I negative split those last 3 miles - like a horse to the barn, y'all!

Erin popped in to run with me one more time and I remember telling her "I'm going to do this!" It was starting to sink in that my journey was almost complete. I got a big hug and a hearty congrats from Jeff right before I ran towards the finishers chute.  This was the moment I had been waiting for so long for and I wanted to remember every bit of it - the lights, the music, the red carpet, the spectators - it was really happening! As much as I tried to remember, I'm afraid that so much of it is still a blur.  Isn't that how it goes with most big moments in life?

MICHELLE.
YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!

The volunteer helping me at the finish line was the same volunteer who helped me with my contact in T2.  When I mentioned that my husband would be coming along soon, she asked if I would like to medal him.  Of course I would, what an honor!  She was so sweet, waiting with me until Mr K came across the line.  I was so proud to give him his medal and a hug and a kiss.  He did it! Team K did it - we are Ironmen.

Official time: 5:07:32
Total time: 13:24:33

There is something magic about the first time you finish a big race distance.  October 7 will live on in my memories as the day I proved to myself that I am stronger and more capable that I ever dreamed. I loved everything about Ironman. I loved the training and I loved the race and I feel like I thrived during all of it.  One of my favorite quotes is "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you." I feel like I was both challenged and changed and I'm walking away from this a better person than I was at the beginning of training.  On race morning, I wrote the words "make it count" on my hand with a Sharpie.  During this training process, I had been given a couple of very clear reminders that there are no guarantees in life.  Every finish line should be a celebration because you just can't take them for granted, while you assume that you will be healthy and strong and ready to race for years to come you just never know.  You only get one shot at a first Ironman on a gorgeous day and I did my very best to make it count.

Dallas Marathon Half: Run As If....

Marathon weekend in Dallas has been a favorite of mine for many years.  Long before we were runners, Mr K and I were involved with the race as Mr K and his cousin Brock manned (pun intended) the Dolly Parton Hills - a spot on the race course with two small hills right next to each other.  It was always a thrill to see the runners come by and I thought that they were just so cool, running all that way.  Little did I know...The Dallas Marathon (formerly White Rock Marathon) continued to hold a special place in our running calendar as it was Mr K's first marathon in 2008 and my first marathon in 2011.  I have run the half every year since 2008, except for 2011 (when I ran the full) and 2013 when it was cancelled by the great Icepocalypse.  The race has changed names once and the course has changed at least four times in those years, but I feel as if the race is finally starting to find a groove.  This half course is one of my very favorite - it starts to trend downhill after the halfway mark and it highlights some of the best parts of one of my favorite cities.

American Running Greats Dishing Out Advice

I know that some people are not huge fans of race expos, but I usually enjoy this one.  There are many opportunities to cross paths with frunners, great speaker panels, great deals on run gear, and just an overall positive energy.  We usually run into Beth and Teal from Life Is a Run and this year was no different.  We also happened to stumble up on a speaker panel that included Meb Keflezighi, Ryan Hall, Becky Wade, Deena Kastor, Desi Linden, and Molly Huddle.  Seriously, how often do you see that kind of star power represented on a stage?  We are talking Olympic medals, Boston Marathon wins, New York City Marathon wins, and too many records to count!  I love that the stars of our sport are so open and so approachable.  I also love that two of the top runners on that panel are in my age group!  Shout out to the 40 year olds!  They each gave a tidbit of advice to the audience and I soaked it all up like a sponge.  Ryan started out by telling us not to worry about the weather (there was rain in the forecast) and think only about the things that we could control, Meb told us to take one mile at a time and focus on doing what needed to be done for that mile, Deena talked about how she talked to her old and new cells, and Desi gave me the best piece of advice yet.  She said that she trains and runs "as if...." explaining how she trained, raced, acted "as if" she was the Boston Marathon champion all the way until the finish line (and then laughing when she finally had to accept that she was not the champ).   Great advice for racing and for life.

I was on TV!

Mr K and I both had big goals for the day - his was to get a picture running with Meb whilst wearing his Dolly get-up and mind was to run a solid race.  Reasonable, right? Race morning came and it was raining, just as predicted.  I wasn't worried as it wasn't especially cold or windy outside like it was during my marathon in 2011.  I arrived super early and hung out in my car until time to walk over to the race area.  I had one disposable poncho left, courtesy of Marci and it was just what I needed as I waited around for the race to start.  I knew that this would be the worst part as I was a chilly standing around in the rain.  Thankfully, the rain tapered off just before the start of the race and was not much of an issue again.  It didn't matter too much anyway, remember what Ryan said?

I had been running well in training and knew that I had a shot at running a strong race on a really great course.  My plan was to run mostly by feel and only get my paces at the mile marks while keeping an eye on my heart rate, I was hoping for a negative split as well as I knew this course was a gradual downhill in the second half. I had also been "encouraged" by Stude (remember him from the closing miles of DRC Half?) to run the final two miles at a sub-8:00 pace.  I didn't know if this was possible, but I knew that he would be checking so I'd better at least try.  I love the start line of a big race like this one - so much energy! I focused on getting a solid start and settling into an even pace.

Spotted by the Running Paparazzi (Pic: Jesse) 

I kept Meb's words in my mind, thinking only of the mile I was running and what I could do to make that a good mile.  My miles were gradually getting faster and my heart rate was staying nice and steady.  I knew that Mama C would be spectating in the Texas Rangers Zone in the West Village as her husband, John, was running the marathon.  Sure enough, she was there and I gave a big wave to her and Irene and Dewbs before heading on towards Turtle Creek.  This is the beginning of the most beautiful part of the course as Turtle Creek took us to Highland Park and the well-known Beverly Drive.  The trees here were vibrant with colors and the stately mansions homes were decorated for Christmas. I started well behind the 2:00 pace group, but found myself running near them all through this section.  Their pacing seemed to match mine and I decided to hang with them for a bit.  I knew that I was on pace for sub-2:00 since I started after them, might as well use the boost while I could.

Pic: Jesse

Run as if....these words echoed in my mind and I tried to run this race as if I were running my best, fastest half marathon ever.  We crossed over Central Expressway around mile 7 and headed towards my favorite part of the race - Greenville Avenue.  The rain didn't stop the spectators from making some noise along this stretch.  The FC Dallas Zone was here as well as the Dallas Mavs Zone - so much energy!  There is just something cool about high fiving a Mavs Maniaac dancer, those guys just rock.  I passed the 2:00 pace group for good at this point and found myself running step-for-step with the 4:00 marathon pace group.  The pace felt really good and I stayed with them until the marathon course split away from the half course around mile 10.  I was on my own now and I had two "fast" miles looming ahead of me.

Great seeing Jesse out there on the course (Pic: Jesse)

I was surprised to hear someone call my name as they passed me and looked up to see Jesse, the running paparazzi, snapping pictures as he ran by.  The final three miles of a half are hard as the mind starts to wander to the finish line.  Remember what Meb said....focus on the present.  It probably didn't help that this part of town was not the most scenic or inspiring.  I listened to the conversations of those around me to provide a diversion.  Mile 11 was coming to a close and I knew I was about to have to dig deep.  Here goes nothing!  I didn't quite make my goal as mile 12 came up at 8:29 - still my fastest mile of the day but not quite where I wanted to be. I couldn't really tell where I was on the exertion level because my heart rate monitor was not functioning properly (seriously, it may have felt like 254 bpm, but I knew that it wasn't). I dug in for the final mile and committed to pushing through the discomfort, for it was only temporary. It was hard and I was counting the meters until the finish line.  Run as if, right? Mile 13 came in at 8:01 - close enough - I could see the finish line and then I ran like heck, trying to pass as many people as I could at the very end.  My final quarter mile came in at a 6:56 avg pace.  Hooo leee geeze.

I took a moment or two to try not to die collect myself and I headed over to the medals where I heard someone calling my name - it was Nikki! I love it when I can get my race medal from a friend, it was a nice surprise to see her there.  Jesse and I posed for a picture and I wandered to the finisher's area where I checked my phone to see my official results.  I was beyond pleased with what I saw, I'm not sure that I could have dreamed up a better race for myself.

After I checked my results, I opened Facebook and the first thing I saw was Mr K (dressed as Dolly) running down the road beside Meb.  He did it!  We both had big goals for the day and we both executed them perfectly.  That picture will forever make me smile, the Dollies strike again.

Dolly and Meb

I picked up my checked bag and my free beer and soon enough I heard the sound of helicopters overhead - the marathon winner was close!  I was rooting for Logan Sherman, local runner and chiropractor, and I was thrilled when I saw him come across the line.  The atmosphere was electric too!  It was so awesome to see such a deserving guy's dream come true.

So there you have it, the story of my fastest half marathon since the Oklahoma City Marathon Half in April 2013. I'm so happy with this race and so proud of myself.  I had found myself stuck in a rut, having not run anything faster that 1:58 since January 2014.  I really wondered if my fastest days were behind me, but now I know that is not the case. I'm super jazzed about 2016.  Run as if....

Redman 70.3 Act III: The Run

Welcome to Act III of my Redman 70.3 story!  I just finished was was likely the best bike ride of my life and now we pick up with the final act of the story, the run.  If you missed the swim or the bike you can hit those links and catch up.

Run 2:53:54  - 13:17 avg pace
I rolled into transition and took a few minutes (okay, nearly 7 minutes) to make sure that I had all that I would need for the run, to apply a ton of sunscreen, and to hit the restroom.  I still had that "burpy" feeling from the bike and knew that it could create extra challenges on the run.  The run course was two loops and I had heard that it would be unshaded and lonely in places.  I haven't mentioned what a break that we caught with the weather - almost no wind which made for a calm swim (thank. goodness.) and fast bike, and while it was still warm, it was much cooler than it could have been in late September.  I'm thinking it was in the lower 80s, which is really a blessing.  I walked for the first minute or two, just to let everything settle and to get oriented to the run.

Spotting "my people" for the 1st time on the run (Photo: Baha)

I got a huge boost as I passed by our cheer zone.  My people!!  Mr K ran alongside me for a second so that he could get the scoop on the swim.  Poor guy had been worried!  I could tell from very early on that this was going to be quite the challenge and my main focus became forward progress.  I tried to not let my mind think about how many miles were in front of me, rather I attempted to focus on the present.  My pace was slow and I was running with the occasional walk break.  I was happy to spot Stude early in the run and had no idea how much he was killing this race (I was not surprised...but he had a huge day!).

I focused on getting from aide station to aide station, which couldn't have been much more than a mile apart.  Again, the volunteers were incredible, many of them athletes themselves as this race is put on by the local tri club.  The aide stations looked a little like what you might see at a trail race - gummy bears, fruit, salt tabs, Coke, cookies, ice.  Oh and the sponges....I can't even tell you how many cold sponges that I took from the hands of volunteers that day.

Found 6 of these sponges in my kit after the race

I thought that I hydrated okay on the bike, but now I am not so sure.  I remember feeling thirsty for much of the run and that is a sure sign that it is too late.  And that "burpy" feeling....blech.  I tried some Coke thinking that it might help, but I think that it just made it worse for a bit.  I gave myself permission to walk when I needed to, as long as I kept moving forward.  I usually love running alone, but I was starting to wish that I had a buddy to talk to during this run.  It was a bit lonely and I could have used a distraction.  I crossed paths with Alicia as I was coming in from the first loop and she was headed out for her second.  Her friendly, smiling face was just what I needed to see.

I knew that my people were waiting for me at our cheer zone and I focused on getting back to them. It is amazing how things like that will keep you moving on a hard day. I got to see them on the way to the turn around and then again on my way back out.  They made me smile and laugh and I was so thankful that they were there.  One more loop, MK, just move those feet for one more loop.

The second loop was slower than the first by seven minutes.  Not the negative splits that I typically like to maintain, but what are you gonna do?  By this time, I felt like I was walking more than running and I made deals with myself (run this quarter mile and then you can walk the rest of it).  By the return trip of the second lap I'd settled into a pattern of running a tenth of a mile and walking a tenth of a mile.  At this point, I was really hoping that I would make it in under 3:00 and not so sure that I would.  I saw Alicia at the back of the loop and we agreed that this was a pretty stupid thing that we were doing.

There is incredible optimism when you know that you are covering ground for the last time and I started to tell the volunteers at the aide stations that this would be the last time I saw them.   They were so uplifting and kind and they made me smile when smiling was difficult.  I passed a guy who was 78 years old and I told him how awesome he was.  He called back "you are awesome-er!" No way, dude.  I sincerely hope that I am still doing crazy stuff like triathlons when I am that age. Huge respect!

It would have been a tough day without these folks (Photo: TPG)

Mr K approached on a bike (where did he find a bike?) when I was just about a mile out.  I'm pretty sure that I told him this was the worst idea ever and he kept on encouraging me to finish strong.  I walked a little bit more and then broke out in a run as I approached our cheer zone and the finish line. Just as I did I felt a big blister on my pinkie toe, thank goodness that didn't happen until the finish chute.  Note to self: take the time to put on your trusty toe socks in transition.

Forced smile much?

It always amazes me how I can find just a little bit more when I see a finish line - what is up with that?!  I hit the finishers chute, heard them call my name, and crossed the finish line.  I. Was. Finished.  7:28:03 - a solid day's work.

So many thoughts and so many emotions come with this one.  I try not to have any expectations for myself the first time I attempt a distance.  Finishing is the only goal, no matter how long it takes.  I'm still processing this one and I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't a little bit disappointed in my time...but time is just a number and there is so much more to this race than that.  I'm still pretty amazed that I even did it, heck I'm pretty amazed that I even attempted it.  My first triathlon ever was just six months ago in March - it is not my style to jump into something so quickly.  Remember, this is the girl who ran 25 half marathons before her first marathon.  I'm still pretty amazed that somehow I survived that swim and that I did not freak the heck out.  I'm pretty proud of myself for keeping a level head in the water and working through the newly presented challenge.  Honestly, I'm not even sure how I did it!  I'm beside myself happy that I rode my bike so strongly and that I didn't have to get off to refill or stretch.  It really was my strongest ride ever. The run was tough, but I'm happy that I was able to keep moving forward and that I never let my brain take me to any dark places.  It would have been easy out there with the sun and the heat and all of the walking that I was doing.

Yep, I'll be processing this one for a long time to come.  I enjoyed the training for this race so much that sometimes I can hardly believe that it is over.  While the day seemed long at times, it went by like a blur.  There are so many things that I wish I could take another shot at, I learned so much!  I can't wait to try this distance again, and I would do it tomorrow if I could.  But for now, I'm going to keep letting it all sink in and I'm going to keep smiling when I see that 70.3 sticker on my car.  I'm going to wear my finisher's shirt weekly, I'm going to wish for that first cool day so I can wear my new jacket.  I'm going to keep learning and growing, and I'm going to keep on dreaming big.

More Marathon Adventures in the Town of the Cow

Saturday was a great day for me as I completed my 10th half marathon, but it was an even bigger day for Erik--the Cowtown Marathon marked Erik's 2nd full marathon. I admire Erik so much for taking on such a huge task. I know how tired I feel at the end of a half marathon and I can't even begin to imagine running 13.1 MORE miles! He has been a real trooper with all of his training and even makes it look easy at times.

As you read in my previous entry, the day did not start off in an ideal manner. The marathon and half marathon share a course until they split into different directions around mile 8. It was my plan to run with Erik until the split and to provide support and companionship along the way. The Cowtown gods would have none of that and Erik and I were separated before we even arrived at the race. Remember, I insisted that he hop out of the car while we were still on the freeway! I barely made it to the race in time to start and had no time to look for Erik. So all I could do was to send good vibes and positive energy his way!

After my race I hung out with running friends Liza and Vi and basically killed about 2 hours until it was time to wait for him at the finish line. I usually don't get a chance to hang out at finish lines and watch people finish, but I am starting to think that I should do it more often. We stood at the finish line for about 30 minutes while we waited for Erik to come across. I saw all kinds of amazing people as they completed their marathon (and some of them their half marathons). Some were jubilant and did cartwheels as they crossed, some stopped and grabbed their baby or child and ran across when them in tow, and some looked as if they had just been out for a pleasant stroll. One older man was completing the half marathon and it was all he could do to stumble across the line. He stopped and sputtered a few times and finally walked across the line and into the arms of the medics. It was moments like that that brought tears to my eyes. The best one turned out to be one of those "small world" moments. I saw a guy approaching the finish line, but then he stopped and another runner-a girl-appeared from the crowd. This caught my attention and I wondered if it was what I thought it was. As he began to get down on one knee, I was jumping up and down and saying "He's proposing! He's proposing!" to Liza and Vi. We all had tears in our eyes as they ran across the finish line hand in hand. The "small world" thing is that I know the girl who got engaged! Her name is Lucy and she was the 2 hour pace girl at the Heels and Hills and Him Half Marathon in September. We became friends on Facebook after the race and are in touch from time to time.

I was so proud to see Erik cross that finish line in 4:29-he was looking very tired and somewhat hobbled, but he was finished. Soon after that we found our way into Jake's Hamburgers and enjoyed a wonderful lunch with Liza and Vi. Our table was by the window so we were able to soak up all of the beautiful sunshine and blue skies. The restaurant is right on the finish line, so we were could see person after person cross the finish line as we ate our huge, juicy, hard earned burgers! It was a great day indeed!

So I have now completed 3 half marathons in 28 days, and running in races 6 out of 8 weekends. Whew! I picked up 2 new PRs in that time (10K and 15K) and am pleased, for the most part, with my finish times in the other races. This was my busiest stretch of races yet, and I really enjoyed it! Next up, Grasslands Trail Half Marathon on March 20. I haven't really done much trail running, but I am looking forward to trying something different and new. We'll see where this next adventure takes me!