Running a marathon wasn't ever on my "bucket list".
I hate running. Really. Then something happened a couple years ago and I became addicted. I realized I could run. I could run far and I could keep going when I wanted to quit. While I still didn't like it, somehow it became a competition within myself. It became therapy. It became a release.
See here: When I finally "got" it.
When I hurt my leg/ spine last year and couldn't run I realized how much I needed it. It drove me crazy to NOT run. Strange after all those years of loathing it.
I signed up for the Houston Marathon and the entire time wondered slightly what I was doing and why. I trained when I could- squeezing runs in after work before I picked up Georgia some nights. Other nights she went with me and I pushed her around in the stroller. Many times I just wasn't able to run. I ran every other weekend when she was at her Dad's house. I woke up at 5am most mornings to do core training at home so I wouldn't re-injure my leg and spine.
I was sick with a kidney infection last weekend and missed a pretty important weekend to run going into the marathon. Sunday when I finally felt somewhat human I forced myself to at least walk Memorial which was truly all I could do. :/
Running and finishing the Houston Marathon yesterday was a pretty overwhelming experience. At first I was doing much better than I expected pacing out at under 8:30 a mile. About half way through my paced slowed then around mile 20 I hit a "wall". Mile 23 I felt like I was dying. The last mile (which I thought I would be able to pull deep and race my way in) was the most miserable thing I've ever experienced. Well- actually mile 23 and 24 top the last mile.
I told my friends that I hope this is like child birth and the memory of how awful it was fades away so I'll want to do it again. Sure enough this morning I'm ready to do it again (of course after the soreness fades) but hey! At least I can walk today....and I've all ready found my next run. I'm addicted.
This would be the "wall" or Death by Running. Your pick.
The Medal! It's Official!
My Stats! Not too shabby for my first Marathon!!!
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