marathon 3

I never wrote about my 3rd marathon.  Which was last April.  Every once in awhile I get the feeling I should. So today's the day.

The Good
I wanted to do this race because it would be the last time to run with my friends in Kirksville.
Look at all of us!
21 girls ran either the half or full marathon. 
For many it was a first attempt at running that distance.
It was so much fun to cross paths on Saturday morning runs.
It was amazing to celebrate every single success. Week after week. Mile after mile.
I'm getting teary eyed thinking about it.
I got to run with Aimee. She changed my life.  She's inspiring.  I can't wait to run with her again.
Just to brag for a minute: it felt good to be somewhat of an expert and to give advice.
 I finished 2 minutes faster than my previous marathons.  Not a huge success, but better than nothing.

The Bad
This was my least favorite marathon.
From the start my legs were heavy. I think I was just worn out from running like a wild horse for an entire year.  Unless I get in better shape 3 marathons in one year's time is just too much.
The girls I trained with intimidated me.  I don't know why I let that bother me for 20 weeks! They were so athletic, so smart, and just all around awesome. BUT I shouldn't have compared myself to them. I'm cool, too:)
The weather during training was awful. It snowed, sleeted or temperatures in the teens most Saturday mornings.  The rest of the week was usually beautiful, but not Saturday morning.
I guess this part is also good.  I learned what I was really made of.  Way back when I lived in American Fork, and I thought running 1 mile without stopping was reason to celebrate, I told my neighbor that I couldn't run in hot or cold weather.
I was so weak and limited back then.
During training I ran a half marathon in St. Louis on a solid sheet of ice. Slamming my frozen feet on ice over and over was painful. People dropped out of the race. I really wanted to finish in under 2 hours.  I crossed at 2:26. Those 2 hours were rotten.  But I could do it.
Whenever people give me their excuses for why they can't run I know they are wrong.


Something Funny
A few miles into the race we saw the most hilarious thing happen.
A girl running a little ways ahead of us got the surprise of her life.
A deer jumped out less than 10 feet ahead of her and crossed the road.
Oh man, I'm glad that wasn't me.  I would have had to change my shorts for sure.