Little Rock Marathon - RunMarathon

Tried to not start out to fast- think I did OK... it was really crowded which helped keep me in check. My legs felt tlike the running was effortless- but I felt like I was really breathing hard... I always feel like I am breathing harder then everyone else I run with...???... The first 10 went by really fast 53:57...saw my husband after that and told him I was tired alreadt and that it was hard. Started to be really hot and uncomfortable... it really was a big change to run in that weather and there was awind I wasnt reaally expecting either. At about mile 12 I really felt like crap- my calves were already cramping- I seriously thought about turning in with the half marathoners...My plan was to start with abottle of infinite and my husband was going to give me another around the halfway point. I saw him at mile 12 and he asked if I could wait til mile 18- whatever- it wasnt tasting so good anyway. I told him I didnt know if I would make it that far. Stopped and went to the bathroom got out and sw the 4:00 pace group go by- I sorta said screw it at hat point and walked the aid stations and stretched my calves out whenever I needed to. The biggeste hill was at mile 13- thats what they said I have no memory of it at all... miles 12-16 were really a blur. 1:57 was my halfway split. Mile 16 or 17 we hit a really long downhill slope that was along the river- I REALLY needed that. Got to mile 18 and thought only 8 more miles- I love 8 mile runs- Actually felt ok- although I was obviously running alittle slower. Mile 20 was at 3:09... all my training runs of 20 miles were right at 3 hours- ugh... really just couldnt figure out what my real problem was. Hit a big hill at mile 25 with ANOTHER big hill right after it. I think I actually ran all the hills up to these- my hill trainig really did pay off- I think the wind was harder on me then the hills (HTFU... I know, I know) Walked up the hills, ran down :) Ran the whole last mile in. I didntfeel that great joyous feeling, I wasnt proud, I was just so happy to be done.
We got the biggest, cheesiest finishers medals ever, seriously... Ill have to post a picture- thay say the have the worlds biggest finishers medal-lol- I almost fell over when they put it around me:)
My ITB actually felt fine the whole race (ummm I mean run)... I think the advil helped. BUT I had this really bad pain in the ball of my foot- it feels like the bottom of my foot is bruised- AND on the other foot my sock was bunched up by my middle toe- I told myself I should stop and fix it but of course- I didnt- well that toe nail is about to fall off :) a true marthoner now arent I??

I think I really should have had some endurolytes- I never really even thought to bring some. I think I was pretty well hydrated so something with my electrolytes was off.
I think Id start off even slower.
I think Id do more training at race pace too.

Sat down and took my shoes off.... probaly should have done that- hubby had to give me a piggyback ride to the car:)
After I was back my sister called and told me someone died after his run- he was from Madison and had a 3:02 race- he died right after crossing the line. How sad :( They did a great job of keeping everything going becuase I dont think any of the racers knew about it until after. That heat was tough on us "northerners"


At first I was kind of disappointed but I really cant complain- top 10 in my AG isnt too bad.
I learned a lot. And am even today thinking about when I can do another...is May too soon???;)


Little Rock puts on a GREAT race- it was very well organized- the volunteers were awesome and there were SO many of them. The expo was good, the past race was good, the finshers medals were..... ummmm different :)
Id go back- for sure