To Run a Marathon!

We woke up to a chilly wind at 4:30 a.m. the day we were supposed to run 26.2 miles. Let's just say we wanted to go back to bed! Luckily, the wind dyed down a little after the long bus ride out to the starting line and it felt good to get running and warm up a tiny bit! I trained a little more for this marathon by increasing my total mileage and my speed a little. Plus it really helped that my training followed last fall's marathon instead of just having a baby! I decided if I could combine the first half of this marathon with the last half of the Pocatello Marathon, that would be awesome!~

We had to run a rutty and rocky road for a few miles and everyone was cautious about spraining an ankle five miles into the run! I was able to visit with Lisal (remember her from the half marathon last year?) Jer and I also wore--under our darn jackets-- "Run for Emmy" shirts (Lisal's daughter) for supporting cystic fibrosis. Lisal did awesome and beat her goal time!

We took a couple pictures while we were running. We were around the 8-10 mile mark here. I had to ask Jer what direction the finish line was, I was so disoriented! We could see the Rexburg Temple way off to the side (which is close to the finish line), it had to have been at least 60 miles away ;)

The road that made my feet so tender!

 My marathon running man!

At this point it was still easy to smile!

Somewhere around mile 15? We (I) had a great first half. Jer kept my pace consistent and our time for the half was about 2:07. Jer was too nice about slowing his pace so he could run with me, it really helped me out and it was fun to have a running partner!

After finishing and getting a little food; we were starved and tired! I had to stop around mile 18 and use the "stinking" porta potty and at that point, my muscles decided they had just about had enough! I stopped at mile 22 at the top of a hill to stretch and layed down on the road. I didn't realize there were people in a parked car and they laughed and told Jer to give me a piggy-back ride. SO, I got up, gave them the thumbs up, and slowly finished the last LONG four miles! But, with much thanks to Jer, I shaved off about 30 minutes from my time last year!

Lori did the 10K and was at the finish line with Bryan (Jer's parents) to cheer for us! We LOVE finish lines!

What I Learned from my First Marathon:

-Don't fell too bad for the 75+ year-old-dude that is hacking up a lung from "morning air" asthma. He'll not only catch up, but he'll pass you around mile 10 showing no mercy :(

-Even if there's a slight chance you might have to use the bathroom, use the first porta potty you approach, even if there's a line. Otherwise, you'll be in a "real race" for the next one three miles away

-The first 13.1 miles are awesome. But, you'll wonder if you can seriously run 13.1 more

-"What? I thought I already passed mile marker 23…"

-Refrain from using your race-rushed adrenaline during the first five miles. You'll need every ounce of energy to help you through the last seven miles

-The girl that's running a .05 sec/mile. pace faster than you that has a fanny pack bouncing on her butt is a good distraction. Too bad it gets annoying, how can she run with that bouncing on her butt?!? You know that's gonna cause runner's rash!

-When the Aid Station Volunteers offer pain meds, don't turn them down.

-If you eat Swedish Fish instead of taking shot blocks or GU during the race and for your previous training runs, you probably won't want another taste of those little red gummies for a few months.

-A great picture would be of those cheering for you when you run the final stretch before the finish line.

-Disregard the "experts" advice. Once you cross that finish line, fell free to flop down and lay there for ten minutes.

-Expect to waddle for the next three days. Seriously.

-You'll gladly throw out the idea of running another marathon for the next few weeks or even months. But, when you take 3 1/2 months off from running and decide to train for another marathon, your first 3 miles will hurt.

What I Learned from my Second Marathon:

-Whether your youngest is 10 months old for your first marathon, or 19 months for your second marathon, during your training your average time to take a shower for the day is 3:00 pm.

-Training is SO MUCH EASIER!

-During training, the long runs are no longer impressive. If you have to run for 18 miles it's no big deal, you already know you can run 26.2

-Your goal shifts from finishing the race to beating your previous time. Mission accomplished!

-The bus ride to the starting line will still feel like you've been driven out 50 miles.

-Save your laughs for later when your husband knuckle-bumps with a friendly looking stranger at mile 16 while saying, "fellow clydesdale!" I'm still laughing!

-When you stop running at mile 18 to use the blasted porta potty, you'll realize you're tired and it's downhill from there, thanks to the literal uphills and downhills.

-The oranges at the aid stations have never tasted so delicious!

-The second marathon is SO much easier! You'll only waddle for one day!!!

-Crossing the finish line with your husband/ best friend is priceless!

-Tell anyone listening that you will not sign up for another marathon. Two days later, you'll wonder what marathon to sign up for ;)