My First Marathon: The Commentary

My first marathon has come and gone. I was thinking about how to write the blog report. And honestly, I have no idea how people can remember the details of each mile. It was just a big blur to me, an exciting, tiring, excruciating, fun blur. So, here is what I do remember:

THE GOOD:
1. The best part of this experience was the support from my incredible friends and family. I had support calls coming in, flowers at my door, cheers at the finish line, presents from friends, meals purchased, beers purchased – I can go on and on. I can’t thank everyone enough – especially The Captain (for being the best boyfriend in the universe), the running girls, the cool aunt who made a sign, Dariff and Shevon for the gift certificate (pedicure, here I come), Running Pals’ mom who came and brought a sweet card and my girlfriends who drove hours just to come have a celebration drink with us. Thank you everyone sooooooooo much. I feel so loved.

2. I finished! That was the main goal. And it didn’t kill me. Actually, I rather enjoyed it - in a sick, self-punishing sort of way.

3. I met a lot of really cool people while I was running. Everyone (except for this guy who almost spit on me) was really nice. I met a "Beach Runners" trainer who is into Chi-Running, an adorable old man who totally kicked my arse in the last 5 miles, a very inspiring hot older woman who motivated me at mile 23, and a Team-In-Training member named Aaron and his trainer who really pushed me at the end. Thanks everyone!

4. The weather and scenery (for the most part) were awesome.

5. There were a lot more spectators than I thought – some really fun with treats, blasting loud music and basketballs for us to shoot.

6. The free beer at the end was a delightful treat.

7. Our hats were really cute.


THE BAD:
1. I started to really hurt at mile 6. With 20 miles to go, I dropped my pace A LOT. I lost my running partner (who totally kicked ass) and struggled with sore hips and knees for the remainder of the morning.

2. Four blisters to report

3. Porta-potties – I know this topic has probably been beat to death, but honestly – I just can’t deal with them. Before the race, I waited in the long line to use them and actually got out of line just thinking about it. Luckily, the guy behind me let me get back in line when I re-gathered my strength. When I got out of the P.P. it looked like I had been crying because my eyes were pouring out water. Is it really that cost prohibitive to get the fancy porta-potties that flush?

4. Hills – the course was supposedly “flat” but there were more hills than I had ever run. For the most part, I walked the hills and oh boy, how my quads still burn today!


THE UGLY:
1. My hair. By the end of the race it was a complete dreadlock. I tried to braid it, but that didn’t help. I took about a cup of conditioner and 30 mins of combing just to get it brush-able.

2. The smorgasbord of junk food post-race. Holy crap. We could have fed a small country. The food ordered is also a bit of a blur. A few items I can recollect: mini-corn dogs, sliders (mini burgers), sweet potato fries, fried pickles, pizza, Cold-Stone Ice Cream and Beers! (Once again, Thanks to El Cap who sponsored this lard-fest).


FINAL THOUGHT:
Will I run a marathon again? Hell yes! I'm hooked.

Song of the day: Ghettochip Malfunction (Hell Yes!) by Beck