Well I did it. 42.2 km (26.2 miles) successfully completed in 4:27:57. But as you can tell from the photo, it wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.
I spent the days leading up to the marathon worrying about my cold and how it would affect my ability to complete the distance. I focused on sleep as much as possible and ate the sufficient quantity of carbs. My dad (the ex-marathoner) arrived in town as promised on Thursday and helped get me into the appropriate pre-race mindset (read: scared shitless).
We hit the expo on Saturday which helped build my excitement. Seeing so many runners in one place is always so inspiring. I picked up my race package and treated myself to a souvenier jacket. Now I HAD to finish.
Race day morning always is the worst for me. The alarm goes off at 5:00 A.M. and reality comes crashing down. I inhale my typical random assortment of pre-race foods and try to calm my jitters. My favourite part of the race morning is putting on my gear. I love my running gear and I know this stuff is going to get me through the day. My Asics 2130′s, my Nike garmets, and of course my iPod with Nike+. I attach my racing bib and timing chip and I’m good to go.
It’s cool out but I know it wont matter once I’m on the course. It’s actually perfect weather for running. Thankfully the rain storm from last night passed. We get to the Start/Finish area and another rush hits me. 13,000 runners are all doing their pre-race routines.
The gun goes off at 7:30 A.M. and we’re off. I start out slow to see how my legs are feeling. It feels like it’s been forever since my 32km long run. I’m surprised by the amount of spectators cheering us on as I settle into a good solid pace.
A friend of mine cheers me on at the 7km mark – I feel great as I run near Granville Island. Across from Canada Place at the 13km mark I see my dad and Melinda and I’m feeling really strong. It wasn’t until we started into Stanley Park around the 20km mark that reality started sinking in. Every kilometer from this point on started feeling exponentially longer.
All I can think about is the 100ft hill waiting for me at 28km in the form of the Burrard Bridge. I run down past English Bay and I see my friend again, now cheering me on from the 27k mark. It feels like it’s been forever since last I saw her 20k ago. I use her energy to recharge and propel over the Burrard Bridge. 100 feet… piece of cake.
The next 13k were the worst. Out to Point Grey and back. Every step out, means another step back. All I can think about is what my body will do after the 32k mark. I break through the barrier and every new step means I’m running the furthest I’ve ever run before.
I hurt. A lot.
38k and all that’s standing between me and the finish line is that damn bridge again. Running up to the bridge I see my friend again. She jumps onto the course and runs with me over the bridge.
Final stretch. Approaching the finish line I see Melinda and dad. I high-five them and run as strong as I can over the finish line. And that’s where everything comes rushing up.
Every emotion that built up over the 42.2k comes rushing out and I’m balling my face off.
Painful? Yes. But an amazing experience. Now to figure out my next one.
