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Marine Corp. Marathon - RunMarathon


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Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C.
United States
Total Time = 5h 23m
Overall Rank = /
Age Group =
Age Group Rank = 0/
Pre-race routine:

Wake up call from Fit and Trix, 30 minutes early: "Morning Chippy!!! We're going to call and wake you up in about 30 minutes!"
Event warmup:

Peeing behind some cars (and on Trixy ... sorry Trixy! I've never peed on a girl before, but if I had to do it, I'm glad it was you... ;) ), waiting around, walking to the start. I was concerned because my foot -- which had not been bothering me all week -- started bothering me on the way to the metro. Clearly, it has to be my shoes -- I was in a different pair of running shoes the day before and my foot was fine, but the minute I started walking in my current running shoes, my foot started to hurt. I'm bummed and confused, because I've been running in these shoes for about 1.5 years with no problems, and also because that meant I was hosed for race day.
Run
  • 00m
  • 26.2 miles
  •  min/mile
Comments:

This run was weird. I was tired from the get go -- I'd been tired all weekend.. I was sleeping, but I wasn't feeling rested. The minute we started running, I knew I was in a bit of trouble -- my legs felt dead. During my long runs, it normally takes me about 7 miles to warm up, so I figured I'd get into a groove around that time.

Around mile 3ish, someone stepped on the back of my shoe and it came off. Being a good lil marathoner, I tried to move to the side of the road to stop and put it back on. Rick held me back so I didn't get int he way of a group of people bombing down the hill on the side of the road -- literally off the course -- and after that group went by I stepped off. Whoops -- there was a guy drafting that group and I stepped right into him. He yelled at me and went on his way. I was sorry I ran into him, but you know ... off the side of the road is where I suppose to go to stop. This was made worse when we saw him at the bottom of the hill STOPPED and panting and all "Wow, good hill." and then he yelled at me again for stopping on the course. Dude -- I was OFF the course, and you're a jackass. Anyway, that annoyed me but on we went. Aaron was doing a great job pacing me, and Team Chippy was being very nice about the 8:2 run walk I was asking them to all do.

Around mile 11, we saw 3558, sporting the coolest shirt of all: "Go Chippy, She's all Heart". I almost started crying -- that was so totally awesome!
Potty break for fit and trix at mile 12, saw some of my friends along the way (who were great to come out and support what they no doubt think is an insane endeavour), and at mile 13 my brother hopped in the race. He originally wanted to run the last 5 with me, he started goal inflating and wondering if he could do the whole last half :) It was great to see him. He's great company and fits in perfectly with the crew, which is either a compliment or an insult depending on how you choose to take it :) By this point, I was feeling the familiar creak in my knees that indicated impending ITB trouble. And sure enough, mile 16 came and misery struck. It hurt to bend my knees and it hurt to land on my foot. Damnit!

This was a real low point for me, miles 16, 17 and 18. We were still doing 8:2 run walk, but at one of the intervals, I just couldn't start running again, and started walking, and thats when I knew it was over. I wanted to cry -- I had these great friends there who all wanted to run with me, but it hurt to run! We stopped and stretched a few times, and finally I just got mad. It hurt to run, it hurt to walk, and Haines Point sucks anyway. Running fast hurt the least out of all of these, and so off I went. Whatever pace I was at felt great -- aerobically it felt comfortable, and it was the lesser of all evils for my legs, so I held it for as long as I could. As we got out of Haines Pointe and up to the bridge, I was getting so annoyed at the crowd of people .. it hurt to slow down, and they were in my way! Grrrrr. Eventually I slowed to another walk and then I was done. There was no water on the bridge, and I was dying, and from that point on, it was pure survival mode, just tring to finish. Mile 21 brought Lane and his awesome awesome Subway cookies -- god bless that man-- and Crystal City, and almost done.

I look back and I'm bummed about how this went down, but I can't forget how much fun it really was. I mean, don't get me wrong, I was hurting -- at one point, stake asked me how I was doing, and the conversation went like this:
Me:"Well, I pretty much want to kill myself"
Stake: "Nooo, no you don't. You're fine"
Me: "Fuck you! I DO want to kill myself"
Stake: "Noooo, no you don't"
Me: "Don't get semantical on me! I'll kill myself if I want to kill myself!"

(Poor guy. Thanks for putting up with me babe! :))
But, in the middle of all this misery, it was fun. We were randomly springing into renditions of Baby Got Back, singing any song we could think of, filling in our new found friend, Green Guy (G2) on our inside jokes, and basically just hanging out. I am so touched and overwhelmed at what good friends my running partners are... Team Chippy started as a joke by Trix one day a few months ago... she asked me if Aaron was pacing me and I said yeah, and she was like "oh, wow, it's kinda like a 'Team Chippy'" and it steamrolled from there. I wish I could have put forth a better performance for them, but at the end of the day I will never forget this great group of people, who came along for a leisurely Sunday run, helping me achieve something I once thought was impossible.

What would you do differently?:

My life was all over the place this spring and summer, and as a result so was my training. I need more time on my legs. Aerobically I wasn't suffering, but I was haveing mechanical meltdowns right and left. Need to get more time on the legs to make sure that doesn't happen again.
Post race
Warm down:

Hobble hobble. Ice. Hobble. Beer. Hobble.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Mechanical shut down. Aerobically I KNOW I can hold a faster pace, but if your knees don't bend and you can't use one foot, it's really hard to run.

Event comments:

This race is very well done. I'll be back.




Last updated: 2006-10-31 12:00 AM
Running
00:00:00 | 26.2 miles |  min/mile
Age Group: 0/
Overall: 0/
Performance:
Course:
Keeping cool Drinking
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall:
Mental exertion [1-5]
Physical exertion [1-5]
Good race?
Evaluation
Course challenge
Organized?
Events on-time?
Lots of volunteers?
Plenty of drinks?
Post race activities:
Race evaluation [1-5]

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2006-10-31 9:23 AM

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Master
2052
20002525
Colorado
Subject: Marine Corp. Marathon


2006-10-31 9:34 AM
in reply to: #584071

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Queen BTich
12411
500050002000100100100100
,
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon

The only goal for your first race is to finish. Your team doesn't care about how fast (or slow you go)...well maybe Aaron does Kidding.

I can't imagine how AMAZING it must have been to have that many people with you for your first marathon. I, along with many, many others, had to suffer alone. You did great and don't be upset. You've come so far and had a great time!
CONGRATS!

2006-10-31 9:36 AM
in reply to: #584071

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Champion
7704
50002000500100100
Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon
Congrats on a great first Mary.....Hey you finished in style !!  I totally get the whole my legs let me down thing..you arent' alone...enjoy basking in the post mary glow

Edited by sue7013 2006-10-31 9:36 AM
2006-10-31 9:41 AM
in reply to: #584071

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Champion
6627
5000100050010025
Rochester Hills, Michigan
Gold member
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon

I think your performance was TOTALLY held back because of that piece of beef jerkey that you expelled later.  That sort of thing has been shown to cause ITBS in lab rats, y'know.

Congratulations.

2006-10-31 9:41 AM
in reply to: #584071

Master
1597
1000500252525
Colorado
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon
I said it before- this race was run and won long before you got to the starting line. I couldn't have made a better decision than to run this with you. You have so many people that are un-f-ing-believably (shut up, it's a word) proud of you.
2006-10-31 9:45 AM
in reply to: #584071

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Champion
5183
5000100252525
Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon
i love you Chippy!
(I TOLD you hains point sucked ....)


2006-10-31 9:59 AM
in reply to: #584071

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8763
5000200010005001001002525
Boulder, Colorado
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon

Nice report Chipster- thanks for posting it finally - like 2 days later - whatever - anyway - you are my hero - hell of a year for you - surgery, run a 1/2, kick *SS at another 1/2 - run a marathon - you did more in the last few months than most people do in a lifetime - you rocked it - no doubt about it. Just think about where you were 12 months ago. A LOOOOOOONGGGGGG way from the finish of the FINEST marathon in the world, don't you think? You are ROCK solid kid.

Now, my TOP TEN pointers that will help you for next time:
1. don't pee on your friends
2. Follow an ACTUAL training plan
3. expel beef jerky earlier
4. Follow an ACTUAL training plan
5. Get better/new shoes
6. Follow an ACTUAL training plan
7. work on that ITB!
8. Follow an ACTUAL training plan
9. run more than 3x per week and finally...
10. Follow an ACTUAL training plan

Bask in the glow, lap it up (get your mind out of the gutter) and then write down some long term goals - where do you want to be in 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months or even - think about where you want to be in 24 MORE months! 4:00 at MCM next year? Qualify for Boston in 2008? Etc. Put a pen to paper and dream BIG. :-)

"The man on top of the mountain, didn't just fall there" - NZ - 2005 - Anonymous

Edited for Possum!



Edited by mikericci 2006-10-31 10:14 AM
2006-10-31 10:03 AM
in reply to: #584071

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Master
1791
1000500100100252525
Raleigh, North Carolina
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon
Great job Chippy!!!!  You ROCK! 
2006-10-31 10:05 AM
in reply to: #584071

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Champion
5183
5000100252525
Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon
wait- Mike- did you just say we should follow an actual training plan? what a great idea! I had heard of those, think I may have even seen one once... hmmm...
2006-10-31 10:11 AM
in reply to: #584131

User image

Master
2052
20002525
Colorado
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon

mikericci - 2006-10-31 10:59 AM

Now, my TOP TEN pointers that will help you for next time:
1. don't pee on your friends
2. Follow a training plan
3. expel beef jerky earlier
4. Follow a training plan
5. Get better/new shoes
6. Follow a training plan
7. work on that ITB!
8. Follow a training plan
9. run more than 3x per week and finally...
10. Follow a training plan

Whoa. Wait -- what's this "training plan" thing of which you speak?

Thanks for all your help this year Mike. Can't wait to see what fresh hell good times this year brings. Get ready ...

2006-10-31 10:15 AM
in reply to: #584158

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8763
5000200010005001001002525
Boulder, Colorado
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon

Dearest Chipster and Possum,

I ammended my post for further clarity.



2006-10-31 10:16 AM
in reply to: #584071

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Master
2052
20002525
Colorado
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon
Ha! Noted.
2006-10-31 10:20 AM
in reply to: #584071

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Champion
5850
50005001001001002525
Michigan
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon
i really didn't mind the peeing.  it was when you started to lick it off that was wierd  i love you and need to you to come to sunmart, Q, fit and I need you there, i don't think the fleeb NEEDS you there but he sure as hell wants you there
2006-10-31 10:20 AM
in reply to: #584071

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Buttercup
14334
500050002000200010010010025
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon
Atta' Girl!!!
2006-10-31 10:21 AM
in reply to: #584071

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Champion
5615
5000500100
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon

Congrats Chippy.

You were simply amazing.  The next one will feel much better, I'm sure.

It was such an honor to be able to share that day with you.  Thanks for letting me be a part of it.

Enjoy the well earned rest.

2006-10-31 11:26 AM
in reply to: #584071

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Master
1558
10005002525
Pensacola, Fl
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon

Congrats Chippy!!!

and yes, I would have run another 12 miles to get those cookies for you if I had to!  You totally rock!  Glad to have been there to see it first hand!

 



2006-10-31 11:57 AM
in reply to: #584071

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Veteran
123
100
San Diego, CA
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon
Chipster. You are the most awesome person ever!
2006-10-31 12:28 PM
in reply to: #584071

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2006-10-31 12:29 PM
in reply to: #584071

Pro
4481
20002000100100100100252525
Reston
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon
you f*ckin' rock.  (p.s.  i made this shirt all by myself.  iron-on letters and all.  i guess i F*cking rock too)

Edited by 3558 2006-10-31 12:31 PM




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2006-10-31 12:45 PM
in reply to: #584071

Master
1831
100050010010010025
Keller Tx
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon
awesome accomplishment!  completing the easy tasks can't possibly be as sweet as the completing the hard ones.  sounds like you had a ton of support and a lot of fun along the way.
2006-10-31 12:49 PM
in reply to: #584071

Master
1978
1000500100100100100252525
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon

It's been so awesome seeing and hearing all the cool stuff that happened for ya (even among the painful ones) on the run.  I'm glad I got to do my sub-4 but I would have loved it JUST AS MUCH to be there with you during all of that...even the "I wanna kill myself" part. 

The main thing is, you did it!!  I was so happy to be there with ya before and after the race.  I can't wait to do another one and see how much better you do.  Trix is right...you should come to Sunmart with us!!!  We'd tear it up!

Congrats on a wonderful, awesome, tremendous achievement, it won't be long before that 4:30 is yours!!!



2006-10-31 1:02 PM
in reply to: #584071

Pro
4292
20002000100100252525
Evanston,
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon

Way to go Chippy!  Yay!  Ya done great girl, way to persevere.

 

2006-10-31 1:10 PM
in reply to: #584333

Master
2052
20002525
Colorado
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon

Heee. That is AWESOME! 

3558 - 2006-10-31 1:29 PM you f*ckin' rock.  (p.s.  i made this shirt all by myself.  iron-on letters and all.  i guess i F*cking rock too)

2006-10-31 1:31 PM
in reply to: #584071

Champion
8766
5000200010005001001002525
Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon

Congratulations, Chippy!  Like so many other posters said...you have come SO far!  You showed those heart doctors what a little determination can do!  We're all so proud of you.  It only goes up from here!

Now listen to the good coach, will ya?

2006-10-31 3:17 PM
in reply to: #584071

Master
1480
1000100100100100252525
Plant City, FL
Subject: RE: Marine Corp. Marathon
Congratulations on a freaking awesome day Chippy!! 
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