Janette's Blog
(Click Here for Janette's Run Log Summary)
I DID IT!!!!!
November 24, 2011 12:50:31 PM
Distance |
Time |
Mile Pace |
| 26.2 Miles | 5:37:38 | 0:12:53 |
Well, I did it!!! On Sunday, I completed the marathon in Philadelphia. I actually finished a bit faster than I thought since the end of training did not go quite as planned.
The weather was perfect. The start felt warmer than the half marathon in September. The high was about 60 and it was mostly cloudy. Chris brought me down to the city and we parked in our little lot. We got there around 6:15 so we didn't have to wait TOO long before the start.
I started in the front of the last corral about 30 minutes after the elite runners started. The first half I ran 7:30 - walked 2:30. That kept my legs from getting too tired and gave me nice breaks.
My parents and Chris saw me at mile 7 and my dad jumped in the race. It was so exciting to see people I actually knew. I was waving frantically until I got to them. Dad ran with me until the split at mile 13. He was a HUGE help because he kept me distracted for almost a quarter of the race. That part went the fastest. Thanks, Dad! You're the best!
I saw Mom and Chris at the split at mile 13. It's called the split because the half-marathoners are finishing and the rest of us are heading out on half #2. As I was heading out, the majority of marathoners are starting to come into the finish. (I'd say most people finish between 3 and 4ish hours.) I was feeling pretty jealous as I was heading out.
The second half felt pretty fast actually. Looking back I can remember all the mile markers, but time seemed to be passing quickly. We actually had to cross the bridge and then cross the same bridge again. Manayunk was pretty exciting. Even though I was towards the back of the pack, there were still a lot of fans cheering. There's a long uphill out of Manayunk.
I pretty much walked out of Manayunk and continued walking the rest of the race. I would jog anything that was obviously a downhill - which wasn't much. Because of all the walking I never felt like I hit the wall. I think it kept me from feeling too sore afterwards as well. I was passing many joggers with my brisk walking. The last few miles were the hardest. There weren't many fans left; they were all at the finish.
My mom was about a mile from the finish. I was very excited to see her and I knew I was close! She tried to get me to start jogging there, but there was still a slight uphill. I walked up the hill, but when I got to the top, I started my jog to the finish. Dad and Chris were standing about 2/10 of a mile from the finish. I gave a big smile and wave and kept on trucking.
It felt incredible to cross that finish line. I got my crazy space blanket and they put my finisher medal on my neck. I walked through the incredibly long finishers area, collecting some food and photograph opportunities along the way. Eventually I cut through the fence and got a huge hug from Chris. We walked back towards the Art Museum and met up with my parents. I stopped to stretch and then we headed home.
I am so proud of myself for my accomplishment. I am not sure I am ever going to complete another full marathon, but I am so glad I did.
Thanks to Chris and my parents for being out there to cheer me on, and putting up with all my crazy training. I love you!
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November 25, 2011 11:21:35 PM
| Name: Mom | |
| We are so proud of your accomplishment! | |
