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I will keep mine pretty short since Mortimer got the majority of it right on! Marine Corp was my first marathon ever in 2005 and I fell i love with the race. I, however, knew nothing of running and especially not anything about marathoning! Needless to say, it was a horrible race for me (5:45)! This year, I went back with something to prove and I feel that despite missing my time goal (sub 4:00) I am very proud of myself!<br><br>
Brian dropped me at Mile 15 and I really tried to stay strong. I didn't want him worrying about me for the next 11 miles, afterall. The second he was out of sight though, I burst into tears. My legs felt fine, muscles good, pace was perfect. nutrition was spot on. But, a BLISTER was gonna end my revenge on the Marine Corp course. I filled out some papers and signed my name and they taped up my foot. "You're good to go, Ma'am." said the Marine. Two steps and I could tell there was no way. The blister was mucho deep and the pain was really shooting through my foot. So, I sat back down and just cried--I mean, ugly face cried! I was so disappointed. Then, this skinny girl comes and sits down and says, :ugh! I do not feel like running anymore.....they said the bus will pick us up in about ten minutes." I looked at her, bewildered. How can you "just not feel like running anymore"?? I was going to be lumped in with HER?? Like HELL! I gave her one more look, tied my shoes up and took off. I hit the next 2 miles at 8:00/mile (waaaaaay faster than I was supposed to.) and the two after that at about 8:30/mile. I was keeping my eyes peeled for Brian and in a lot of ways he was pulling me along. I had 15-17 minutes to make up and I was determined. (not sure cause I had stopped my watch)<br>
Finally, I saw him in Crystal City on the turn around and he looked great! (faker!!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"> ) So, I knew I had to keep pushing... In a lot of ways, I feel guilty that Brian didn't hit sub 4:00. I know that together,we would have done it. BUt, in the same way his energy was pulling me forward, his worry over me was pulling him back. From there I never looked back, never stopped and barely took any fuel. Finally at mile 23 or so, I took 4 different 30 second walk breaks. As soon as the beautiful 25 mile sign came into view, though, I knew I was home free! I sprinted to the finish in tears because I was so proud of myself. I really, truly believed at mile 15 that I was done but at 4:13:22, I crossed the line---- a PR by 30:30. Nope, I didn't beat four hours, but I did prove a few things to myself. Brian and I have a long future ahead of us and I know that these experiences we share together and the pain we watch each other overcome helps us to view each other as we should-- imperfect, yes, but perfect for each other!
Brian dropped me at Mile 15 and I really tried to stay strong. I didn't want him worrying about me for the next 11 miles, afterall. The second he was out of sight though, I burst into tears. My legs felt fine, muscles good, pace was perfect. nutrition was spot on. But, a BLISTER was gonna end my revenge on the Marine Corp course. I filled out some papers and signed my name and they taped up my foot. "You're good to go, Ma'am." said the Marine. Two steps and I could tell there was no way. The blister was mucho deep and the pain was really shooting through my foot. So, I sat back down and just cried--I mean, ugly face cried! I was so disappointed. Then, this skinny girl comes and sits down and says, :ugh! I do not feel like running anymore.....they said the bus will pick us up in about ten minutes." I looked at her, bewildered. How can you "just not feel like running anymore"?? I was going to be lumped in with HER?? Like HELL! I gave her one more look, tied my shoes up and took off. I hit the next 2 miles at 8:00/mile (waaaaaay faster than I was supposed to.) and the two after that at about 8:30/mile. I was keeping my eyes peeled for Brian and in a lot of ways he was pulling me along. I had 15-17 minutes to make up and I was determined. (not sure cause I had stopped my watch)<br>
Finally, I saw him in Crystal City on the turn around and he looked great! (faker!!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"> ) So, I knew I had to keep pushing... In a lot of ways, I feel guilty that Brian didn't hit sub 4:00. I know that together,we would have done it. BUt, in the same way his energy was pulling me forward, his worry over me was pulling him back. From there I never looked back, never stopped and barely took any fuel. Finally at mile 23 or so, I took 4 different 30 second walk breaks. As soon as the beautiful 25 mile sign came into view, though, I knew I was home free! I sprinted to the finish in tears because I was so proud of myself. I really, truly believed at mile 15 that I was done but at 4:13:22, I crossed the line---- a PR by 30:30. Nope, I didn't beat four hours, but I did prove a few things to myself. Brian and I have a long future ahead of us and I know that these experiences we share together and the pain we watch each other overcome helps us to view each other as we should-- imperfect, yes, but perfect for each other!
