This was my first marathon but my second attmempt at one. I trained all winter last year for a March marathon only to get injured just before the race. My injury took me several months before I was able to run at all again. Being able to finish this one was even more valueable to me. The longest I had ever run was 20 miles and because I was watching how much my feet had deal with, I decided to take it easy on uneven ground. This course was a little more challenging than I expected but within my range. It was really the perfect day weather wise and a great set up for newbies. I felt good on the first three loops. The hills and uneven ground were getting to me by the fourth loop. Now, the wheels never "fell off the bus" but they sure wobbled the last 4 miles. It was very difficult to continue running after you crossed the finish line. I am so glad I did. My training buddies came to cheer me on and were sure an inspiration as I struggled that last few miles. My whole body just wanted to stop so badly but I knew I wouldn't. I met my loose goal of doing it under 5 hours. Having never seen the course, it was hard to know what I would do. I was on pace for something a little faster but just coldn't hold it in the end. It did help that I didn't use my Ipod until after mile 20. I kept one ear plug out but it was a nice distraction at that point. I saw others wearing them and was a little surprised since I wasn't sure if it was ok to do. I never wear headphone while I am trail running so it was a little luxury. This was the best I was nutritionally thus far. That is a big victory in itself for me who always struggles to find the right nutritional balance.

I am still learning how to train for a trail event. I followed a "concrete" plan and then was flexible with the time because the terrain. I think I might train by time rather than simply by distance next time. The farthest I had ever run was 20 miles at 3:40. This means I had to run nearly 70 minutes longer than my longest run. No wonder the wheels started wobbling. I also got laxed on my strength training toward the end of this training session. I know it would have helped if I had kept it up consistantly. I didn't realize until now that I forgot to take my last Hammer gel. It would have probably helped those last few miles. Maybe.

I hobbled around while catching my breath. I had developed a wheeze the last few miles. Weird, since I don't have asthma. It only lasted a bit. I thought I would have been more emotional but I was still really in the zone. It took me a few minutes to have it really sink in that I had done what I set out to do and get excited. My training buddies got me a coke and some chicken noodle soup which hit the spot. I took a picture with the wonderful RD, Kevin and my beloved Gingerbread cookie finishers award.


I had a spot on my foot (possible stress fracture in the works) that I had be favoring the last few weeks. I noticed it on the climbs and it made my other leg work even harder than it already does. I think my inexperience and inconsistant strength training hurt me a little.


I would have given it a 5 if the course had been marked correctly. Trail race are a different breed. There is a lot of emotion support but none of the fancy ongoings you get in a concrete race. It suits me to just go out there and run without any of the fan fare. I ran miles without seeing anyone and that was fine with me. If you have ever considered a trail race, this is a great one to try. You can do everything from a one loop to an ultra marathon on this course and you can decide on that day what it is that you want to do.