Woke up at 3:55am, just before my 4:10 alarm went off. Took two anti diarreahalls, ate some oatmeal, surfed a bit, including last year's results, then woke up the family and got ready to go. Left the apartment at 4:55am. Was at the start by 5:30. My gps froze somewhere here, and I didn't know how to rest, so I just took a guess that I hold the two buttons for a couple of seconds and that did the trick. The elites arrived at the VIP tent just a couple of minutes after me. Looked intimidating, as usual. I said hi to Alvina, who didn't remember me, but Trina did so chatted with her just for a minute. Stretched and tried to potty several times, then it was time to go to the start. Did a couple of strides. Felt nervous with 1/2 hour to go til the race, but felt at peace at race start. Half and marathoners have common start, but I didn't think much about that, since I knew there'd be lots of ladies faster than me.
1 - 6:10, lots of people went out way fast, I was trying for a 6:30, but had to be happy with a 6:10, felt pulled along by guys and girls.
2 - 6:16, trying for a 6:20, so that was alot closer to goal. My outside right calf was tight, but i told myself it would warm up and it did, thankfully, around mile 3 or 4.
3 - 6:09, wanted a 6:10, so again right on, downhill started, some curving in Balboa park.
4- 5:54, more downhill and steeper, half people separate from marathoners and though I didn't notice any difference I felt relieved to have them peel off. Met a girl named Betsy who was also going for OTQ.
5 - 6:06, still downhill, feeling good, in downtown
6 - 6:05, in downtown, took a gu,
7- 6:37, tried to keep effort the same, uphill, being patient, feeling good, some headwind but tried to tuck behind people, several ladies around me
8 - 6:25, still uphill
9 - 6:27, still gradual uphill, got on the freeway. So strange to run on a freeway in a race, a first for me, I am so glad Paul drove me on the course a couple of days ago so I am prepared for the long uphill stretch ONE THE FREEWAY
10 - 6:33, steeper uphill for about .75-.8, then steep downhill, this downhill continues through the next mile, trying to keep effort the same
11 - 5:55, I am a drop of water
12 - 6:23, rolling
13 - 6:13, 13.1 1:22:01, 59 seconds ahead of schedule, and feeling good
14 - 6:17, still feeling good, Paul and the kids are there to cheer me on, said I looked great, gave Ben a high five, but distracted because I need a bathroom break bad,
15 - 6:30, includes bathroom break, I had to turn off at a portapotty which wasn't right on the course and was faced the wrong way and had to explain to a worker that I wasn't going the wrong way but to the bathroom, relieved to relieve myself
16 - 6:38, gradual uphill, not too great on the pace, but tell myself there will be a similar downhill next
17 - 6:31, beginning of the end? At about 16.5 miles we do a U-turn and I took it too close, and there was sand on the road and I fell, splat onto the concrete, volunteers just staring in disbelief, some making some less than positive comments, though I can't remember what they say, I get up and keep going
18 - 6:19, still some gradual downhill if I remember right, I pass Alvina Begay, who hasn't given up but has given up if you know what I mean. I am guessing she did drop out.
19 - 6:44, more stomach trouble, I hit the bushes in a natural beachy sandy bushy landscape. Dang it! This now puts me behind
20 - 6:28, wheels coming off, dang, dang, dang
21 - 6:33, trying to surge to keep in it, but realistically know I won't be seeing 6:teens again. Feeling dizzy
22 - 6:43, let the ugly march to the finish continue
23 - 6:50
24 - 7:04, seriously, I don't remember an above 7:00 but there it is.
25 - 6:43
26 - 6:41, Paul and the kids see me at 25.5 or so and said I did NOT look good
.35 in 6:09, passed a guy in the last bit
2:49:38 total, then lots of delirious walking to get to VIP tent, then more walking to find family, then more walking to get to the trolley, then more walking to get to car, Probably walked 3 miles right after the race, then did Sea World from 2-7pm. Interacted with a girl named Lindsey who was so sweet, who I had run with from miles 8-10, who ended up picking it up at the end and getting a 2:42. Amazing. She was really sweet and I wish her the best.
Right after the race I felt fine about the results. It was what I expected results-wise a couple of weeks ago, but I was starting to really think I could do it, and during miles 7-13 I was really excited thinking "I can really do this!" but the marathon fitness was not sufficient. I need to have more endurance and toughness, both are necessary and the former more than the latter was lacking. I feel really bad in a way but I feel like if I can focus on my training I can make the next leaf.
Thanks to all who continue to support me through the good, the bad, and the ugly. Thank you to those who texted me before and after the race. It is so hard to chase a dream when the attainment is not assured. I am grateful I got to the start uninjured, and that I am not injured afterward (felt sore all over day after but no acute pain and am better two days later, though still sore). | 