Newport Marathon 2009

I woke up to the sound of pouring rain. That is never a good way to start a day, especially on race day. Despite the weather, the day ended with one happy running chick searching the web for her next marathon and smiling about her PR. I have no idea how it happened because I didn't do a step of speed work and I trained at a much slower pace for this marathon.

The course was absolutely beautiful. Runners ran right along the beach and past amazing mansions. I only wish I could have appreciated the views a little more. I was looking down a lot of the time, trying to save my face and eyes from being pelted by the rain.

Miles 1 - 13 (mostly flat) went by quickly. A lot of people were doing the half marathon, so the course was crowded and full of positive energy. I had one very quick bathroom stop at mile 3 (I think it was nerves) and I hit the half way point around 2 hours 4 minutes. I was actually worried I went out too fast and would suffer during the last 13 miles.

Mile 13
I ate my first granola bar, turned on my music, and took 2 Advil because I had a strange pain right at the crease where my hip joins my upper leg (I'm not sure what muscle that is called or even if it is a muscle). Thankfully, the pain quickly went away.

Miles 13 - 21
I was in the 'zone'. At one point I remember thinking, "I could run like this forever." There were a few decent rolling hills during the last half, but I did my best to remember some running 'techniques'.

Mile 21
I had my second and last granola bar. I remembered to drink 3 slips of gatorade or water at every water station along the course.

Miles 21 - 26
I felt good. I was still cold and it was still raining, but the wind was calmer (until the last half mile). I actually think my body was probably in pain, but the terrible weather had me distracted. At the start of the race, I put on a garbage bag and 'throw away' shirt to keep me dry and warm. I fully intended to take both off as soon as I warmed up, but guess what I wore the entire race? You got it: my trash bag. How embarrassing, but it was worth it!

I will admit that I was bummed that I didn't meet any race day friends along the away (particularly no single, young, church going guys). Normally I meet a few people, but this race was very different. NO ONE was talking. I think everyone was too miserable and just wanted to finish.


Post Race
The food was excellent, hot pizza and soup. I actually had a craving for pizza when I was running, so I was very happy to see all the pizza boxes. I took 2 more Advil because the second I stopped running the weird pain I had at mile 13 reappeared. This time it was very intense. Thankfully it went away within an hour or two. Later on in the day, I felt pretty good. The next day, I woke up sore but not sore enough to call in a sick day (although I will admit, I took my class the long way to the playground because I didn't want to walk up/down 2 flights of stairs).

My 2 cent product endorsement goes out to: Clean Definition Telescopic L'Oreal mascara. My mascara stayed on the entire race. :)

4:07:13
Life is Good!