Well...I finished the 2008 Outerbanks marathon. Thanks for all the support and well wishes. I learned a lot about myself and my surroundings!
Quick race recap: I made some key mistakes.
A) I left my water bottles for my fuel belt at home. I have never been on a long run without them. It was hotter than expected and the liquid stations were NOT every mile as hoped.
B) I bought brand new shoes---1/2 a size too small. When my feet started to swell at the 13 mile mark...my feet were killing me. I had blisters that went on top of my toenails and have had to donate to the toenail gods recently.
C) Because of the cold start, my heart rate monitor did not get a good contact and stopped working after mile 1. Therefore, I had to race completely off of feeling.
Things that went well:
A) I had some sub-8 minute miles around miles 13, 14, 15.
B) I had a blast!
C) There was an incredible crowd of locals the first 13 miles that were handing out jello shots and Margaritas. Thank you to the lady handing out gummy bears--they saved my life. And to the guitar playing guy handing out oranges before the bridge--you ROCK!
D) I hit the 13 mile mark at 1:56:02 (8:52 avg) and then the 20 mile mark at 3:01:58 (9:06 avg).
Then, somewhere between mile 20 and mile 21---my body would not cooperate. I started cramping and my legs would not turn. My pace dropped to 12 minute miles. I had to resort to a run/walk/walk/crawl/roll/hitch-hike method to get to the finish. I ended up with a chip-time of 4 hours and 13 minutes and 15 seconds. A personal best---but not what I wanted.--I could have done better.
Reflections:
A) An Ironman is going to be incredibly tough!!!
B) I have the most supportive family in existence who without them---this part of the journey would not have happened.
C) There is nothing like having a group of friends to share this experience with! Congrats to AJ, J-rock, Whit "Lightning", Megaman Andy, B-Nizzle, Nate-Dogg, Cali from the Valley, and PJ for rocking it all day and night! Can we come with you to Boston Whit?
D) Running a marathon in April, having a baby in June, and running another marathon in November is a pretty cool accomplishment in a year.
E) Puking at the finish when everyone else is drinking beer really, really stinks!!
F) This put fuel on the fire folks. I am starting back today with new quests and plans.
May I appreciate my health and my opportunities...
...oh yea...and may others "fear the hawk!!"
