My report of the weekend and race can be found here. I can't wait to read yours whether posted here or sent via email. I have a million questions that I never got to ask Sunday night:
Were you nervous at the start?
Did you ever experience the runner's high?
Did you hit the wall or a "bite me zone?"
How did you feel half way through your race?
How did you feel as you crossed the finish line?
How does it feel now that you're a marathoner?
When's your next race? (I'm only asking this because so many of you have already started talking about it!)
Those are just a few of the things I'd wished I asked in SF but hope to hear all about soon. Again, CONGRATULATIONS ON THIS AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT!!
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Thursday, October 23, 2008
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Well, I haven't even begun to put into words a full report of this weekend. I think I'm still trying to process it all. But here goes, I'll answer your questions! They're good ones and are making me think....
Were you nervous at the start?
Not exactly nervous. Excited, maybe a little apprehensive about what all those hills would actually look like. More than anything, I think the overwhelming emotion was excitement. This was what we've worked for for so many months. Oh yeah, I was feeling a little like "What the hell have we gotten ourselves into?" as well! :)
Did you ever experience the runner's high?
What? When would that happen??!! High, no. Strong, yes. Around mile 10. All of a sudden I realized that I was running much longer than ever before w/out a walk break, that I would finish.
Did you hit the wall or a "bite me zone?"
Oh yeah. Around mile 6.2-6.5. Somewhere in there. I was with the girls that I had been training with, they were gabbing away, and all of a sudden there was this huge hill that we had to go up. I didn't want to talk, I didn't want to hear about boyfriends. I just wanted to get up that damn hill! I remember looking at them, apologizing, saying "I'm getting to that 'tunnel vision' place and a I just need to move. Don't take it personal." I put my head down, started moving faster, and when I looked back again they were gone! I did the rest of the race by myself.
How did you feel half way through your race?
After the "bite me" place? I felt great! Strong. I realized there that I could do this--teammates with me or not.
How did you feel as you crossed the finish line?
I've come to realize that my finish line pics will never be pretty. I see that line and cry. Not in relief, just emotion. I think I spent half of the weekend trying not to cry! I actually stood on the side of the chute, watching people come in, and I wanted to go back out there again. Must have been post-race brain melt.
How does it feel now that you're a marathoner?
Awesome!!! So proud!
When's your next race? (I'm only asking this because so many of you have already started talking about it!)
Ok. The TENTATIVE plan goes like this: a LLS endorsed 5K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving (I'll spend $20 to do a 5K with Greg!), the Long Island Half in May (with the goal of improving time), possibly the NYC Half in July (also a time thing for me), all with the long term goal of the Marine Corp Marathon in DC (with TNT)next October. Hey, after 4 half marathons, what's left??!! Anyone want to join me??!! :)
Were you nervous at the start?
Not really. I was very cold and anxious to get moving!!
Did you experience a runner's high?
I had a lot of high moments. It was so much fun to be running with Kristen. The end was definitely a high point as well.
Did you hit a wall or "bite me" zone?
I don't think I hit a wall per se. There were a few times I was very tired, but Kristen the encourager and coach kept me going. Even the three brief times I walked, she only let me go a bit before kicking me into running again. ;-)
How did you feel halfway through your race?
Halfway for me was up that huge hill. It actually went really well and we ran most of it. I think we walked for a minute or two. My coach from TNT met us on that hill and ran with us for a bit. That was a nice change of pace and helped distract me.
How did you feel as you crossed the finish line?
I put it in my email, but I was full of many emotions at the time. Excited, relieved, sore, honored, strong, etc.
How does it feel now that you're a (half) marathoner?
I want the 13.1 sticker for the back of my car. ;-)
When is your next race?
I have some friends trying to talk me into the Zooma half marathon here in Atl in Nov. I don't think my body can do it again so quickly. I've decided to wait and run in the ING half marathon (here in Atl) in March. I want to beat my half marathon time. ;-) Michael may try to run it with me. I think I'm going to do the Jingle Jog (5k) in Dec and run for time, so that'll be my next race.
Thanks so much for everything, Amy!
Were you nervous at the start?
I was COLD and HUNGRY (surprised, anyone?)
Did you ever experience the runner's high?
I have to say, when I was running/walking by the view of Alcatraz & the Golden Gate Bridge, stopping to take pictures & admire the view, I was truly thankful to be having that experience.
Did you hit the wall or a "bite me zone?"
I didn't hit a wall--but see next question.
How did you feel half way through your race?
I did feel a little discouraged at how SLOWLY I was progressing. This was deliberate because I didn't want to risk my little stowaway (and btw, I heard the heartbeat last Wednesday!), but I definitely had a competitive side & was secretly hoping to still finish in under 3 hours. And by halfway through, I had realized that probably wouldn't happen.
How did you feel as you crossed the finish line?
Thrilled to have finished! What an amazing feeling that I had been working towards for months!
How does it feel now that you're a marathoner?
I'm so proud of myself--and all of us!
When's your next race? (I'm only asking this because so many of you have already started talking about it!)
Definitely after May 23--probably a long time after. However, I am hooked. I'd definitely like to try another half (not sure I could ever commit to the full . . .)
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