I felt pretty strong up until mile 21. My legs got tired around 21, which is where I planned on fatiguing. What I didn't expect is how sore my shoulders and feet were. My feet were what really bothered me. I don't know why this run was so different from my training runs. My feet had experienced soreness before, but not like this. It really made a difference on my time which frustrated me a little bit.

Coach jumped in with me again around 24 and gave me the kick in the butt I needed to finish strong. What an amazing feeling to cross that finish line!

Looking back over the race, I really blew my nutrition. I had a plan worked out, but I pretty much threw it out the window before the race even started. I knew where all the water and Poweraide stops were and I had planned to take liquids every other water stop. I would start with water and then alternate with Poweraide. I also had planned to take two gels on the run...one at mile 10 and the other at mile 19. That morning, I decided that I didn't like how one of my gels was sitting on my leg. ( I pin them to the inside waistband of my shorts.) I took it off and decided I would use one at mile 10 and then take the gel they offered late in the course. Not a smart decision! It really messed with my mind as things happened during the run. After 18 miles (close to where I had planned to take my get) I started thinking about how I should have stuck to my plan. I wondered if I would have enough energy to finish strong. I started craving cold water, which they didn't have on the course. The Poweraide was cold, so I drank more of that than I needed. On and on it went! I was reacting to my fatigue and discomfort, took in too much of some things and not enough of others. I have to get this worked out before my next race!

Overall, this was an amazing experience! I loved running for TNT and wouldn't trade this experience for anything!

Stick with my plan.

I would not have beat myself up mentally during the run when my pace dropped. This didn't help my time or make the last 4 miles go any faster.

Slow walk (about 15 minutes)
Water
Banana (15 minutes after run)

I laid down in the grass after I checked in with TNT and wanted to sleep so bad. After much nagging by a friend, I did some very, very, light stretching. Honestly, I didn't want to move any part of my body. I'm not sure how I even got off of the ground!


Soreness in feet.
Nutrition


This race was well run! I know why so many people travel to San Diego each year to compete in this marathon! The expo was fun and a great draw. Lots of fun!