Image from www.runwithwes.com
Sooooo... I ended up running the full. Here's how it went down.
FRIDAY: My bf and I rrived in downtown Seattle around 4pm, got parked around 4:30. Ran into the expo, grabbed my packet, t-shirt, and swag bag. I was pleased that this year's shirts were cuter than last year's. I was also pleased that they hadn't run out of RnR Seattle Brooks running jackets, unlike last year. I limited myself to that ONE merch item (although I pondered buying a souvenir pint glass also).
Walked along the Seattle waterfront w/the boyfriend, founda delicious restaurant where we ate dinner (we were a little underdressed...oops). We crashed at my brother's and cousin's condo for the night. Only got a few hours of sleep.
FRIDAY: My bf and I rrived in downtown Seattle around 4pm, got parked around 4:30. Ran into the expo, grabbed my packet, t-shirt, and swag bag. I was pleased that this year's shirts were cuter than last year's. I was also pleased that they hadn't run out of RnR Seattle Brooks running jackets, unlike last year. I limited myself to that ONE merch item (although I pondered buying a souvenir pint glass also).
Walked along the Seattle waterfront w/the boyfriend, founda delicious restaurant where we ate dinner (we were a little underdressed...oops). We crashed at my brother's and cousin's condo for the night. Only got a few hours of sleep.
Image from www.running.competitor.com
SATURDAY: Woke up at 6. Got all my stuff on, ate a little breakfast. Rushed out the door. The starting line drop off point was less than 4 miles away from the condo, but traffic was CRAZY and I got to the start line way after my corral starts. Fortunately, since the race was chip timed, I just jumped in line and got started.
Within moments of starting the race, I had a weird pain in my upper left leg that I haven't ever had before. I started to get worried that I wouldn't even be able to run any distance, or even drop down to the half and walk it. I decided to stick with it and see how it goes. It got better within a few miles. My tendonitis in my left food started acting up within the first mile as well. And I dry heaved on the side of the road around mile 5. Not a good start to the race--I did ponder if it was a sign that I was supposed to quit, then decide I'm too stubborn to not race. I decide to wait and see how I feel at the fork where the half marathon and marathon courses split around mile 9/
Ended up feeling alright at the split, and I decided to try for the marathon. I hit the wall at mile 11, because I had been so nauseous that I couldn't fuel. I started eating running gummies like mad, and downing water at every post. Slowly started to feel better, but ended up taking a lot of walking breaks between mile 11 and the end of the race. Saw my bf at miles 15 and 22.
Mile 24, started getting calf and thigh cramps. Tried to stick out the last part and finish strong. Managed to run across the finish line, not in too much pain. Although my time was slow (4:50:26), I consider it a decent race given the mental and physical circumstances. And my bf bought me flowers from Pike Place Market, so I can't be too upset :)
I think I'll take a break from running marathons for awhile. I'll still run, but I need a break. Mentally and physically. Just focus on overall fitness.
How was your weekend?
How was your weekend?
