Glass City Marathon Race Recap

(subtitle: I DID IT!!!)

As I sit in my bed, my legs still throbbing to remind me of exactly what I was doing just 24 hours ago, I still find it hard to believe that I.did.it. I actually ran a marathon.  In one word, it was epic. But I will now take thousands of words and several pictures to memorialize this race.  This blog isn't for all of you reading... it's actually for me.  Yesterday was a day that I never, ever want to forget.  I'm just letting you all read it because I'm nice ;)

My marathon weekend began on Saturday at around noon.  My amazing, awesome, truly phenomenal best running friend ever Jen picked me up, along with my several articles of luggage. Yes, I was only gone 24 hours, but you need a lot when you're a runner!  Things I packed included several outfits (the weather is fickle in Ohio!), running shoes, flip flops (for post-race), compression sleeves and ice pouches, fuel for my race, breakfast for race morning, my pillow and blanket, a cooler full of water, and of course all of the other running-related things that I needed (headband, fuel belt, iPod shuffle, etc.). 

All packed--waiting for Jen!

Jen was prepared for our 2.5-hour trip up to Toledo with lots of yummy snacks.  The drive truly flew by, although we did have to make two potty stops for me.  I was busy hydrating!  I think I drank a total of five 16.9-ounce bottles of water on Saturday (plus the water I had at dinner). 

We were able to check in a bit early to our hotel, the awesome Days Inn in Maumee.  Jen was pretty tickled that it was an "outside door" hotel... what can I say, I'm a cheapskate!  I couldn't pass up the $49/night rate.  

Go Days Inn!

After we unloaded our stuff, Jen decided it was time for my first-marathon gifts.  She gave me two really awesome Fellow Flowers shirts (one to wear with regular clothes, and one to run in), a framed print that is truly inspiring, and a 26.2 sticker for my car.  I love my presents!  Again... she has been my #1 support person through all of this, and I can't express what that's meant to me.

Next, we headed to the expo, which was being held at the University of Toledo's Savage Hall, right where the race would start the next morning.  Neither of us were sure of what to expect. This is a relatively small race, especially in comparison to the bigger ones that both of us have ran in.  You never know what's going to be at an expo.  There actually were quite a few vendors and booths to check out, although neither of us bought anything.  We were super excited to run into our good friend Jess, who was also running the marathon the next day.

Two of the best running partners I could ever ask for!

After we picked up my bib, Jen and I picked the brains of a couple of the wonderful volunteers at the info booth.  We had this grand idea that she'd drive around the race course route the next morning, cheering me on at various locations... but we had no idea if that would even be possible.  Some marathons are totally closed courses.  The info-booth-people gave us a few tips, and then I came up with the truly brilliant (if I don't say so myself) idea of heading out right then and there in her car and mapping out a course for her to drive the next morning during the race. Before we headed out, we met Terie, a Facebook friend who I had planned on running at least part of the race with.  Unfortunately, Teri and I were unable to find each other on race day morning, but it was still really nice to meet her in person!

Jen and I had the best time driving around Sylvania, trying to stay close to the course but not actually cross over the route, since we were unsure where the road closures would be.  We were so psyched to figure out that she would easily be able to see me at FIVE different locations: the start, mile 12, mile 15, mile 19, and the finish!  Here is a copy of Jen's race-day driving/running plans (yes, running... she had to do a bit of foot travel between two of the stops!).  I seriously think she should market this concept into a business... a marathon guide for friends and families who want to cheer on their loved ones throughout the race!

Jen's plans... she had a big day ahead of her as well!

By the time we finished exploring Sylvania, we were both starving.  I had eated a very small, early lunch, and Jen had ran 11.5 miles that morning and hadn't even had lunch.  We had spotted a small Italian restaurant called Ciao as we drove around, and were happy that they were able to get us seated right away.  Check out the amazing menus this place had!

iPad menus--so technologically advanced!

We devoured the bread that was given to us immediately, as well as our delicious pasta dishes.  With the exception of some annoying piped-in Italian music, dinner was spectacular.  We both agreed we felt full, but not busting-out-of-our-pants-full... which was probably good for me, since I was running in less than 12 hours!

After dinner, we headed back to the Days Inn and settled down for the night.  I finally decided on my race-day outfit and got everything set out for our early morning start.

Flat Marcie! :)

AMC was airing "Shawshank Redemption", a fav of both of ours, so we watched that until lights out at 10:00 PM sharp.  I had no illusions that sleep would come easily, but Jen had ran early and was tired, and I knew I should at least try to sleep.   I'd been told by friends that it didn't matter how much/little sleep you get the night before a marathon, so I tried to not let it bother me as the minutes, then hours ticked by.  I finally fell asleep at around midnight, only to wake up at around 3:00 with my mind racing.  Fortunately I was able to sleep a bit more, until Jen woke me just before 5:00 with a cheery "Good morning!"  I wasn't so cheery, but I started in on my runner's breakfast of a bagel with peanut butter and a bowl of oatmeal.  We were out the door at 5:40, just as planned.

Parking on race-day morning proved to be a bit trickier than we'd anticipated, with all of the road closures on campus, but we were able to find a garage and got to the expo building (right next to the race start) by 6:20 or so.  At that point, I was more nervous than I ever thought I'd be.  My stomach didn't feel so hot, and I was wound up tighter than you can imagine.  The beautiful sunrise that we spotted on our way to the race start was a nice gift, though.

We do love our sunrise pics!

We hit the expo building so I could use the bathroom one last time before the race started, and then we chilled for a bit in the lobby before heading out to the corrals at around 6:45.  It was pretty packed!  There were just over 1000 people running the marathon, 3000 people registered for the half- marathon, 250 5-person teams who were in the full marathon, and about 1000 people racing the 5K.  I wedged myself next to the C corral entrance so that I wouldn't be stuck in the middle of the herd of people as we waited for the race to start. 

 Can you tell how nervous I am?

Jen stayed with me until the gun went off and it was time for me to prove to myself that I could tackle the beast of the marathon.  I got into a nice easy pace, letting other runners fly by me.  I had my plan and I wasn't about to deviate from it, regardless of how many people were passing me... especially not during the first mile!  Things were going swimmingly as I passed through miles two and three.  I was trying very hard to stay in the moment and take it all in. I saw some great signs. My two favorites were: "I'm lazy... but you're awesome!" and "What does the fox say? Run run run run..." LOL

The neighborhoods that we were running through were gorgeous, with beautiful old homes that were all different from each other (unlike the suburbia we live in today).  I listened to my music and just relaxed.  I only had in one ear bud, so occasionally I would hear people around me talking.  At around mile 3, I overheard three women discussing pace.  Nosy me, I asked them what their race plan was, and one replied that they were doing a progressive run.  I like those words (progressive = negative split = happy Marcie!).  I knew they were running at my current pace, so I asked their race goal time. 3:58.  Hmmm... 

Sidebar: In my last blog, I mentioned that my "A" goal was to get as close to a 4-hour marathon as I could.  Well, a few days before the race, I started to get a little worm in my brain about possibly, maybe trying to go for a sub-4:00.  I knew that I could do it... but did I WANT to do it?  I knew it would require a heck of a lot of pain.  I am not a fan of pain.  I would pick 13 easy miles with Jen over a 5 mile tempo run any day!  But I also know myself, and I knew I wouldn't be happy with myself if I didn't give it my all. 

Back to the race recap.  When they said their goal was 3:58, I thought to myself, hmmm... sounds like a plan!  I figured I'd stay with them as long as I could, and see what happened.  It turns out these three awesome ladies are central Ohio runners who live 15-20 minutes from me!  How ironic... and how amazing.  We started talking and never stopped.  Steph, Carolyn and Elissa are all coaches with MIT, which is a well-known local group that helps people train for marathons.  They know their stuff, and had a superior race plan laid out.  All I had to do was hang on for the ride! 

The next several miles literally flew by.  I tried so hard to just look around and enjoy the run, but I was having so much fun running with the MITers!  We gradually decreased our pace, but it wasn't hurting at all, and life was just great.  I was super excited when we turned onto the main road for mile 11, as I knew that Jen would be waiting for me just a mile ahead!  She didn't disappoint, of course!

Hi Jen!  Can you see how HAPPY I am here?!

I told Jen that things were going wonderful and that I'd see her again at mile 15.  And so the next three miles flew by just like the first 10 had.  We finished the first half of the race in 2:00:42.  I was thinking that around a 2:01-2:02 would be good, so we were a bit under pace, but feeling so great!  We wound through another pretty subdivision, getting slightly faster but still not uncomfortable in any way.  

First 13 splits:
Mile 1: 9:30 (faster probably, but started my watch early plus lots of crowds)
Mile 2: 9:12

Mile 3: 9:12

Mile 4: 9:14

Mile 5: 9:12

Mile 6: 9:15

Mile 7: 9:11

Mile 8: 9:17

Mile 9: 9:17
Mile 10: 9:10
Mile 11: 9:06

Mile 12: 9:04

Mile 13: 9:04 

13.1: 2:00:42
 

Jen found us (or we found her!) again just past mile 15.  I was out of my GU Brew (an electrolyte drink that I carry in one of my two bottles) and I threw my bottle at her to request a fill-up at mile 19.  It was so awesome having her there for that; otherwise I would've had to stop at a water station and fiddle around with refilling my bottle and putting in the brew tablet. 

 Still feeling super-happy!

LOL the bottle throw!

It was at around mile 16 or so that the wind started to really pick up.  That was when things weren't so happy anymore.  I hate running in the wind.  But I was still feeling strong, and the MITers and I powered through.  We also were working to decrease our pace a bit more. At this point, we were running sub-9:00 miles.  9:00 is my happy, comfortable pace.  Once we dipped under it... well, needless to say, the s**t got real.  I was so very grateful to see Jen at mile 19, just as planned.  She handed me my bottle of GU Brew and asked how I was doing.  I looked her right in the eye and said, "I'm tired."  And I was.  I knew I had another 7 miles to go, and that our pace was only going to get faster.  Jen could see in my eyes that I really *was* tired.  She knew exactly what to say.  She yelled, "You are RIGHT BEHIND the 4-hour pacer!  GO GET HIM!"  I perked up at that... I didn't know how close he was!  I immediately looked up and saw the sign.  I think it was at that point that I knew that I could go sub-4.

 

Still smiling... but feeling it now.

At this point, I had to start playing mind-games with myself.  The chatter with my MIT friends had definitely dwindled down to a few words here and there, mostly just brief comments in support of each other.  By mile 20 or so, we were approach the 8:30's, which is my moderate tempo pace.  My "somewhat ouchy" pace.  At that point in the race, Steph decided it was time to take off, and Carolyn and Elissa and I gladly let her.  However, shortly thereafter Carolyn said that she was just about done pushing it.  I had gathered during the race that Steph was the one really gunning for a sub-4:00 race, as Carolyn had already qualified for Boston, so Elissa and Carolyn were helping Steph get her goal.  Aren't runners amazing people?! 

Anyway, at mile 21 I decided to try to decrease the relatively small distance between Steph and me, and I met up with her at a water stop at around mile 21.5.  I continued to push the pace a bit, but realized after about a half-mile that Steph wasn't with me anymore.  I was sad, as I really did enjoy running with her and the others, but I needed to press on.  This was my race to finish.  I was ecstatic at mile 22 to catch up to and pass the two men who were the 4:00 pacers!  I had spoken to them before the race, and they'd planned to run an even-split race (around 9:10's the entire way).  So I was behind them from the start, but to finally reach and surpass them... wow, what a feeling!  

Most marathoners will tell you that everyone has their own personal "wall" that they hit in a marathon.  It's at that point that you truly have to rise up and dig deep.  Jen struggles at miles 16-18.  For me, as I learned yesterday, it's miles 23-25.  It was a very isolated part of the race, as we were on quiet trail with little cheer support.  And at that point, I was just plain exhausted.  I was running sub-8:30's, and was ready to be done.  I could feel a blister forming on the ball of my right foot, and my calves and shins were screaming at me.  Those three miles were an eternity, I tell you.

And then, exactly when I hit mile 25, my left foot threatened to cramp up.  I felt the tell-tale twinge, and I knew what was next. Either it'd cramp up,and I'd be stopping to try to stretch it out, or I could will the cramp away.  I have a history of foot and calf cramps that would come on in my sleep when I am pregnant (don't worry, I'm not!), so I got really good at breathing through them and willing them away. I did some quick flexes and breathed slowly, slowing my gait just a bit.  And I prayed.  God listened, and my foot relaxed.  

The final mile was just mind over body, one foot in front of the other.  I passed several people (mostly relay runners).  Early in the race I was very supportive of my fellow runners, exchanging encouraging words.  At this point, though, I was barely able to support myself.  The self-talk going on in my head could fill a book!

I knew the finish was going to be in the football stadium, and I almost cried when I saw it ahead of me.  My Garmin was only slightly off on the distance I'd ran, but I still wanted to stop running the second it said 26.2. I kept going, of course, running up (yes, up!) the slight incline onto the football field, and then I heard my name announced as I approached the finish line.  I heard Jen's voice yelling for me over everyone else, and I stepped under the finishing arch.

That's me!  A marathoner!!!

I fell into the arms of the volunteer who put my medal around my neck and wrapped me in a Mylar blanket.  I think I had her worried, as I was very woozy at that point.  She gave me water and I asked for a banana.  Unfortunately the food was a good distance away, at the post-race party.  Jen was right there, though, and took me from the nice lady.  I was so happy to see my friend again.  I couldn't stop the tears, and neither could she. I wanted to sit down so badly, but I knew that the best thing for me was to walk.  Jen told me to smile and fake it the best I could so she could take my finisher's photo for me.

Can you tell how much pain I'm in here?

Second 13 splits:

Mile 14: 9:06

Mile 15: 9:00

Mile 16: 9:05

Mile 17: 8:54

Mile 18: 8:55
Mile 19: 9:02

Mile 20: 8:49

Mile 21: 8:37

Mile 22: 8:32

Mile 23: 8:24

Mile 24: 8:29

Mile 25: 8:29

Mile 26: 8:29
Second 13.1: 1:55:40

Final (official) time: 3:56:22

We picked up my cool glass finisher's mug, and headed over to the post-race party, where I sprawled under a tree while Jen fetched me food.  Of course, I knocked my chocolate Muscle Milk all over my food when I laid down.  Yep, I was toast at that point.  Jen kept begging me to eat, and all I wanted to do was lay there. I finally managed to eat a banana, and then we decided to head for her car.  I was in no shape to "party", and neither of us really are into that part of the race experience anyway.

Me struggling to get to Jen's car... walking was no joke!

We headed back to the hotel where I showered, and then we packed up and hit the road.  We stopped in Toledo for lunch at Outback.  A cheeseburger sounded amazing, until it was sitting in front of me.  The four GU fuel packets that I'd ingested during the race did a number on my stomach, and I knew I wasn't going to be eating much. I did eat a few fries and half of my burger.  The best part of the meal was actually the icy cold Coke that I got to drink!

The drive back to Columbus was long but still wonderful. I was on my marathon high, and Jen was so stoked about her amazing day as my crew person extraordinaire.  Ice cream sounded good, so we stopped at Graeters for cones. As we licked our ice cream in the warm afternoon sun, I finally let the feeling wash over me. I had done it.  I had ran 26.2 miles. In under FOUR FREAKING HOURS!

 

 Jen and I in our Fellow Flowers shirts (I got her one for her birthday last week!)

So.. how am I doing today?  It's been just over 24 hours since I finished my race.  I definitely feel better than I did 24 hours ago LOL!  My only war wounds are a slight sunburn and that blister on my right foot.  My calves always hurt the most after I race, so I'm sporting my compression sleeves for the next few days.  They really do help with recovery for me.  I'll be taking another Epsom salt bath in a bit.  My appetite is slowly starting to come back; right now I'm just trying to rehydrate with Gatorade.  Walking up and down stairs, and getting on and off the toilet, are both pretty hilarious at this point.  I'm glad I took the day off from work, because I really needed the day to physically and mentally recover.  My friends all told me this would be necessary, and it was good advice for sure.

I bet your next question is... now what?  I'm going to spend this week recovering.  I'd like to get in a walk today, but it's pouring down rain here so I'm not sure if that will happen.  It's what my legs need, though.  I had thought I might be ready for an easy run on Wednesday morning, but I'm rethinking that. I have a planned easy short run on Saturday early morning.  Many marathoners advocate for a "reverse taper" of sorts, where you slowly build back up your miles again, so that is going to be my rule of thumb. 

Up next on my agenda is a 5K in early July.  I want to kill my PR, so I'll be working out weekly at the track to get my speed back up.  I still plan on some long weekend runs with my friends, but nothing like what I've been doing.  This body needs a bit of rest.  I am also registered for a triathlon relay with Jen and her super-speedy triathlete hubby.  I'll be doing the swim, Curt will do the bike, and Jen will do the run.  I need to get back into the water, though--it's been almost 2 years since I swam even a lap!  I am going to sign up for a twice-a-week class at the community center where they'll give me a workout to do.  Hopefully this motivates me a bit. The swim is 1500 meters in Alum Creek. I've never been an open-water swimmer, but I am excited about the new opportunity!  

As for distance running, Jen and I are planning on racing in a half-marathon in September in Akron.  And just today, I took the plunge and registered for my second marathon.  I'll be running in Columbus in October with some of my closest running friends!

I knew, even during those awful final miles yesterday, that I would be running another marathon.  I want to go faster, and I know I can do it.  My training will change a bit for my next marathon.  I'll be running at a faster pace for some of my longer runs.  I want it to still be fun, though... I love what running is for me right now: a social outlet, a way to better myself. 

So, that's it, in a (rather large) nutshell.  The day truly was epic, from start to finish.  I am so very grateful to all of you who followed me through Facebook and the RaceJoy app on your phones.  I loved all of the support!  I truly have amazing friends and family members.  This one, though... she takes the cake.  Jen, there are no words... this pic sums it up nicely though.  Love ya, mama!

Woo-hoo, 26.2!!!