Eileen is much speedier than I, so I normally don’t have the opportunity to run with her, but we ran the first couple of miles together, and that was a lot of fun for me. Of course it meant that I came out of the gate a bit quicker than I intended!!! But at mile 3, I pulled back and said goodbye to Eileen. I wanted to keep a 12 min/mile pace for as long as I could, hoping for 18 miles before my race became a bit more fractured.

The race was really well supported, and because of the TNT folks (both from in and out of the region), there were TONS of spectators. It was quite moving to see them and talk with them along the route. I can’t say for certain, but I saw nearly every state. The ones off the top of my head that I didn’t see were Alaska and Arkansas... but I can’t think of any other that was not represented. Wait no. I saw neither of the Dakotas. (o: There’s something about a marathon (as opposed to a HIM, that makes you feel there presence more. At one point I saw this family cheering from the side, with a gargantuan sign with a picture of a little boy, about a year old, saying Our (insert runner’s name) runs for (insert name of child). In the picture the boy was naked--or actually I should say mini-manly parts were showing for all to see, below a tube top, specifically known as the Survivor buff. But the word that stuck out was Survivor. I was very touched, and felt myself near to tears. The marathon itself was to raise money and support for Leukemia, so it was a perfect match to TNT.

Had a chance to talk with several of them while I was running (THE FASTEST RACE OF MY LIFE!!!) and while I was chatting with two women about some local interests, I ran into a barrier, knocked myself off my feet and fell directly on my chin. Hmmm. Utter pain!!! I just lay on the ground for several moments, completely stunned. Several nice people were trying to assist my ignominious self but I was trying so hard not to cry that it was a bit overwhelming! Of course this was only at mile 9 or so, and I was not about to let a great deal of training, sweat and effort go down the drain! So as soon as I determined that my ankles and knees were ok, I was off. Of course running was the best thing I could have done for it, because all of that adrenaline and body-producing morphine dealt with the pain problem almost right away! In fact I kept thinking to myself... hey! it must be getting better! It doesn’t hurt at all. (o:

Another thing that was so great about this race, is that it was fun!! Tons of DJs placed along the run, great aid stations, several odd perks offered along the way (the oxygen bar (what???), the pedicure station (please!!!), the Ghiradelli chocolate aid station (ok, that sounds pretty good!)) Just a ton of fun. Spectators were way into the race, as well. One family was holding a big sign that said, “So-and-so, there’s a six pack waiting for you at the finish line!!” Of course the person in the family holding the sign looked to be WELL below the drinking age... perhaps even the “I cross the street by myself” age, so I had a good laugh about that as well!

At the top of those early hills, there were abunch of young (good looking) guys screaming and cheering us on. As I got closer I could hear some of what they were saying, which seemed to be that they were letting us know they were single. Of course as I was able to read their signs:

YOU GIRLS ARE HOT!!

CALL US AT 555-6378

It all became clear!! Did I mention that the race was comprised of 95% (or more!) women?? So there was alot to see of interest and plenty to enjoy!

As to the race itself. I approached the day with a lot of excitement and hope. When I signed up, I was still a lot heavier, and felt like it would be a tremendous struggle to finish in under the 6.5 hour cutoff. As I got closer, I reallized that I was totally going to make it! That was exciting in and of itself. But I still didn’t have high expectations about my time. Considering my training, my times, and my body weight, I expected that I would finish, without too much problem, in 5:45. But deep in my secret heart, I wanted to do 5:30. That was hard for me to imagine, but I hoped anyway!

At every mile marker they had a digital clock, and I could see that I was running about 3 minutes ahead, consistently of a 12 min/mile. Frequently I saw little gains on this, topping out at 4 min. 30 sec ahead of a 12 min/mile. Now, 12 min/mile is my GOOD pace, so I was pretty excited about this. My 13.1 split was clearly at this pace. But I was tired, and didn’t know how long I could do this. But I knew that I could run ‘til mile 20. I wasn’t so sure of that before, because on my one 20 mile run, I walked... A LOT!

But I stayed super-hyrdrated (a tend to dehydrate myself) drinking even when I didn’t want to. And during those first 20 miles, I never walked, except for about 15 sec. duriing the aid stations. I was dwindling, but felt ok. When mile 21 came along, I still hadn’t walked, then 22. Well, the aid station walks were getting a bit longer. I hit the wall at 22. So hard!! I felt like I was doing the death shuffle, but as I looked at the time, I was still pretty close to a 12 min/mile, but that 4.5 min edge was dwindling a bit. I did through in 3 walking breaks at this point, for a total of about 3 min and 45 seconds. I was so amazed, I couldn’t believe what was happening. As I got to that last 10k I realized that if I could mostly run, I’d be able to finish sub 5:30!

As I came into the chute, I was hurting so badly. I saw my mom, and as I got to the finish line, I couldn’t help but raise my arms... then I started to cry. I saw my time and felt like I couldn’t believe it was me!! Couldn’t believe the changes that had been wrought in me (body, mind and soul)

Best race ever.

Not a dang thing! I ate and drank like I wanted to, I ran better than I knew I could, I enjoyed myself immensely!

Awesome girl SWAG at this race. No medal, but each finisher got a necklace designed by Tiffany and Co., given to us by men dressed in Tuxedos on silver platters. Dri fit Nike Women's shirt. I'll try to post a picture if I can figure that out.

When my mom found me and I had a chance to eat, I sat down because I was in serious pain, as my calves had been cramping for the last 3 miles. I also noticed that my face (see unglorious fall above!) began to heart like... well you know. When I mentioned this to my mother, she made me go to the Firs Aid tent to make sure nothing was broken. When I got checked in, I told the attendant, "I feel on my chin, and it hurts A LOT. I also think it might be starting to swell and it may be bruising." He looked at me like I was insane, because unbeknownst to me, it looked like someone had really clocked me, and the swelling was equivalent to a button mushroom sprouting out of my chin. Ah well. Ignorance is bliss. But nothing was broken, so he gave me some tylenol and an ice pack (which really helped with the fungal grown on my face!)

Finally found Eileen and got my official results. Totally joyous!!!

After I got my bag from the bag check, I went over to the changing tent. It was hysterical! There were these big gaping cracks in the tarps, so you could see all these naked women without even trying!! But like many of the women there, I thought to myself, if some guy wants to my pruny ass, who am I to deny them the pleasure!!!

Headed off to a fancy, yummy meal with Eileen and mom. Home to church, where my friends (who know a lot about the struggle I've been through with weight and really being kind to myself/my body) rejoiced extravagantly with me!


I decline to answer this in the usual way!!!! And instead will just say, I've got to figure out how to deal with cramps late in the game! Nutrition? What?


I'm the poster child for "if you thought you couldn't do it, you might be wrong!" If you (women?) are interested in a great race and a bit of travel, come on down for the SF Nike Marathon! Something else!