I ran the Frankenthon Marathon which was held in Round Rock (north of Austin). About 150 people showed to the race and the course was a three loop course with two out and backs.
David (my biggest fan) and I showed up to the park and it was pitch black. I went and picked up my packet which included a nice tech shirt and cool socks to match! The race bib even matched as well. Went to the bathroom, sat in the car for a bit and then ate a GU. Time to line up for the race and I headed toward the front of the pack. Quickly I went to the bathroom one more time, then I debated whether or not to wear my head lamp.
Left the head lamp with David and headed off into the complete darkness. I was nervous I was going to trip and fall on my face. I tried to follow other runners to make sure I knew where I was going. It was dark until about mile 2. By mile three, I was feeling like I was going to settle into a pace that would be too slow, so I quickened the pace. I was in the lead by then. Before mile 4, there was a turn around and we were heading back on the trail.
Mile 6, we headed around a lake and then up a ramp. Down a dirt trail (1 mile long) and down to the second turn around. Followed the trail back to the lake and that was 1 loop. Second loop I started to get anxiety when I saw David and he started running by me. I kind of got mad at him and told him to wait for me at the end of loop 2. I wasn't ready to run with him and the course was making my head spin.
By the end of the second loop, I was ready to run with David. At mile 20, a woman caught up to me and passed me. That REALLY crushed my mental state. I kind of let go at that point. I just wanted to qualify for Boston and I wasn't sure if I was going to blow up. I fought hard and even wanted to cry. The out and backs were really getting to me. The second part of the loop seemed like it was going to take me so long... I really didn't know if it would work out.
By mile 23, I knew I had it. I pretty much didn't care about the lady in front of me. I figured there weren't any prizes to run hard for and I all I wanted was a BQ and to be done with this hellish race. I kept David running behind me and that kept me motivated to keep moving. He really helped out on that last loop. We hit the 3rd lap in 1:13.
I was so happy to be done with the race. I stopped and I about passed out, everything was spinning. The volunteers were really nice and trying to take care of me. They sat me down and the soreness settled in quickly. Luckily there were 2 people in line to get a massage, so I didn't have to wait long to get a good massage on my leg.
They had a nice spread of food, Papa Johns pizza, yummy doughnuts, lots of treats and cold soda. Even though I didn't have an appetite, I put together a take home box. Turns out the first prize lady got free shoes and a massage. DANG!!! I was so mad. She beat me by 40 seconds. David says I need to get more competitive in my brain.
8:01, 7:26, 7:38, 7:38, 7:39, 7:49, 7:51, 8:05, 8:01, 7:42, 7:43, 8:00, 7:38, 7:44, 8:26, 7:55, 8:13, 8:16, 7:51, 7:56, 8:40, 8:08, 8:53, 8:36, 8:10, 8:36, 7:48 (.37)
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