Marathon #2

Wow, it has been far too long since my last update! Sorry!! First graders are kicking my butt :-) On September 21st I ran my second marathon. I can't believe I just typed that- someone pinch me! The girl that never liked to run and never imagined running one has now done two! I went into the Airforce marathon with a plan of only finishing better than last time- lets recap last time!! 20 minute pee break in Chinatown, blistered feet, took shoes off and a finishing time of 4:52. Not a bad time and an amazing experience but I wanted to do a bit better even if only a few minutes. People kept asking me my plan and I really didn't have one for this second race. My friend Julie was convinced I should run with a 4 hour pace group or better yet with her in the 3:55 and I had been blowing her off for weeks about it. So, the day before the race at the expo I finally said to Julie, fine ill sign up for the 3:55 pace group with you and you leave me when I fall behind! I never thought I'd break 4 hours let alone 3:55 but knew that's what Julie wanted to hear and that if I gave in she would shut up!! (Everyone who knows her knows what I'm talking about:-) I love you Julie!!) I knew I needed to have a plan before I actually ran- I mentally was hoping for a 4:15- I knew that I had done all of the training, it had been a bit easier this round, I was faster, weighed less, and was much more prepared mentally for 26.2 miles. On race day it was a mess! We were running late, it was pouring, and we started in the last wave. When we started I told myself that I was going to have fun and enjoy the race. The first 14 miles seemed to fly by! Julie, Rick and I were talking enjoying the course. I did have to pee at mile 13 but opted for the bush instead of a line! I quickly realized that we were on target for a 3:55. Because of our late start it was really hard to feel like I had locked into my pace but felt great. My friend Rick was amazing and got water for me and Gatorade so I could focus on running. The biggest difference was the lack of crowds at this race so I realized it was all up to me, I could not depend on a crowd to carry me to the end. I enjoyed every step of this race- mentally I locked in and just ran! I had a blast and am so thankful to everyone who was cheering me on! 

Here is a finishers picture from last year in Chicago and one from Airforce!! 

Yes, I shaved 63 minutes this year! I am not sure how it happened- it was perfect! I guess I have a clue as to how it happened...I've worked my butt off!!