Marathon day! After an incredibly stressful previous 48 hours, it is time to race. Nathan and I showed up at the starting line ready to go. We hopped on the 3:50 pacer right at the start. The first 4-5 miles just flew by. It ws so nice. The pace was feeling great and it was feeling easy. By mile 6-7 I am still smiling, speaking with the crowd, having a great conversation with the pacer and Natha. Mile 9 we took our first gu and grabbed 2 more from the aid station. The half marathoners split off from here. As we were going up Garfield, I could tell my legs were getting a smidge tired, but still felt great. At this point we had a good group of 6 guys all going for sub 3:50. We make the lap around sugarhouse park. At mile 11 someone yells "you are almost there" and the pacer goes "no we are not, do not let that get in your head. We still have a lot of miles to go" and that just made me laugh. At mile 12 we took our second gu. Going through the halfway point, Nathan needs the restroom, so we stop for him to use the bathroom. Starting again, my legs were tired but still on pace. By mile 15 or 16, I got this pinch in my shoulder, something I have never felt before. I tried stretching it while running, massaging it, nothing would work. It is hurting so bad. My parents were at mile 18 and that gave us a boost of energy to keep going. Mile 19 we take our third gu. We walked up the hill at mile 20 on Highland Drive trying to massage out my shoulder. Still, nothing is working. Going down 2700 south, I knew we were getting close, but I just couldnt move my left arm. At this point, I am just running while holding on to my shoulder. When we finally get to Liberty Park, I see Kayla and Jay cheering for us which helped so much! Then we turned down to the finish line, and we started sprinting just to be done. I saw that 4 hour mark pass and I was super bummed, but again, I did just finish my first marathon!
A few things I would have done different!
- I wish we did 2 more 22 milers, I do not think we had enough miles under our legs. It was hard because for the first 6 weeks of training, I had to bike because of my broken foot.
- I wish I strengthened my shoulder. Maybe have done some weighted arm swings? Any advice???
- Do not waste as much energy in the early miles weaving in and out of people, just tuck behind the pacer and run.
Overall it was an amazing experience and I am excited to do it again!
| 