[kruss]

Most imporant things:<br>
I did it-I ran the whole thing<br>
I'm still alive<br>
I had a great time<br><br>
It really was a lot of fun. My time was slower then I had hoped (4.19) but with the combination of nerves and the humidity I'm happy with that. The course was beautiful-from Allentown to Easton, PA mostly on the canal towpath which is probably why I was not sore afterwards. The canal path was dirt/gravel which is easier on my legs. I met up with a great girl from Philly running her first marathon and we ran together almost the whole way. The leaves were changing and except for the humidity it was a beautiful day. One HUGE hill at mile 14 but otherwise pretty flat. Yeah, I know race reports are supposed to have splits and things in them but I kind of didn't pay attention to that. So I have two questions for the experts here:<br>
1) The only bad thing. Right after I finished I got dizzy and had to sit for about 25 mins. After I ate/drank I was fine the rest of the day and I felt fine the whole time running. I drank a lot of gatorade and ate a few packs of swedish fish along the way. Any idea what that was? I would really like to avoid it next time.<br>
2) This might sound crazy but could I possibly get ready to run another one (Harrisburg/Philly) in the middle of Nov?<br>
Most important part of this report is to thank everyone here for their advice and encouragement. There are a lot of great people on this board and I've enjoyed virtually meeting everyone. I also got to run with another Kickster for a 20 mile training run (runningINnyc) which was so great and another one (Jill) came to cheer me on at the finish line on Sunday. What a great experience this has been.

 

[roots]

Yeah!<br><br>
Humidity is a pace-killer, yet it sounds like you handled it the best you could. I wouldn't be surprized if your next one, in better weather, will be an improvement.<br><br>
Not sure about your finish line dizziness. Running for that long and drinking the same drink will make just about everyone a bit ill. Could be low-blood sugar? After the hard efforts, I go for sugary soda and calories ASAP. Sounds like you did the same.<br><br>
Congrats and enjoy the accomplishment. Let your body recover some, but if you feel okay to keep your running routine, by all means, you certainly can carry your fitness on to the next challenge.<br><br>
Now, the question of the day: Did you get your boots, or skirt? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[ScratchType1]

Hi <b>Kruss</b>. I remember you saying that you recently started an ace inhibitor, so maybe the one thing that may have happened would be too much of a reduction in blood pressure? Just something you might want to monitor possibly? Many other causes maybe.

 

[merigayle]

great job on your first marathon!!!!!!! Definitely pick another to do! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy">

 

[runningINnyc]

<b>Kruss</b> - You soooo rocked this! Great job!!!! Honestly, I think you're in good shape to do another in November + if you come to Philly there will be a HUGE contingent of 30s/Kickrunners there too. I think the dizziness post-race was low blood sugar and possibly some of the humidity's work.<br><br>
Recover and relax, you've earned it! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[Gingerbread]

Good job, Kruss! You kick ass, and the next one will probably be better.

 

[Jill]

<b>Kruss</b>, you did an awesome job! And you have a beautiful family. I'm glad I could come watch you finish your first marathon. Maybe we'll meet up in Philly? You'll probably kick major butt in your next marathon!

 

[altoids]

Congratulations on your first marathon, kruss! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[sistergoldenhair]

Congratulations <b>Marathoner kruss</b>! It's so great you enjoyed the day and it sounds like you felt good out there, too. What a lovely course you had.<br><br>
Sometimes if you suddenly stop exercising after intense effort (such as, I don't know, finishing a marathon!!) blood can "pool" (circulation slows too rapidly) in your lower extremities, and you can have a sudden drop in blood pressure. It just takes your circulatory system a little bit of time to get the message that "hey, I ain't workin' anymore" and adjust cardiac output. Dehydration and low blood sugar can also cause lightheadedness.<br><br>
Do you have a recovery plan you'll follow? I'd think if you're feeling good after that, you could then ramp back up and tackle another one, absolutely. Philly is a lot of fun!

 

[kruss]

Thanks everyone! It really was a great experience. And yes I did get the boots and skirt. Maybe when they both get here I'll post a picture if I'm bored<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"> I have the Danskin Sprint Tri this Sunday-I'm going to take it really easy on the run part and then I looked at HH multiple marathon plans (thanks Meri) and I'll tentatively shoot for Philly as long as I feel ok. Thanks again.

 

[merigayle]

you will be fine by mid November. But what do i know? i am crazy <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/razz.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Razz"> I hope to see you in Philly.

 

[runningINnyc]

Go Kruss Go! Hope to see you in Philly!!!

 

[Jill]

Good luck on Sunday kruss!!

 

[Nettie]

kruss, congrats on your marathon! I can't believe you want to do another one so soon! I followed Hal's multiple marathon plan for the 3 I did earlier this year and it worked out great for me. Hope to see ya in Philly!