Myrtle Beach Marathon

Where do I even begin?

The whole weekend was a blast. We drove to Myrtle Beach Friday night. We got our numbers and timing chips, got some spaghetti in our stomachs, tried to stay extra hydrated, and settled in to our hotel room. We all laid in our beds while Danielle read off motivational quotes ("Thank you, sir. May I have another?" and "Are you going to throw in the towel, or use it to wipe off the sweat?" and "Relax. Power. Glide." to name a few). I ended up using several of them during the race.

We woke up early to catch the shuttle that got us to the 6:30am start. We had just enough time to stand in line for the bathroom and shake off some of the nerves. I waved Danielle goodbye as she went to the front of the 2500 runners. I squeezed my way into the middle. Standing there all alone in the middle of this huge group of runners was an amazing feeling. I was so happy to be there.

My goal was 4:20. My foot was feeling great. I tried not to think or talk about the foot before the race. I wanted to stay positive.

On your mark, ... get set, ... go! We were off. Well, the front runners were off. It took me over a minute, I think, to cross the start line. I decided to run the first half at a comfortable 10 minute pace. It took a lot of effort to run that speed when all I wanted to do was go for it. But, I've read enough and heard enough to know that I would be paying for it later if I went off too fast. So, I kept a steady pace and allowed LOTS of people to pass me. The first two miles were hard on the legs. I hadn't run since Tuesday, so they were really tight. I'll have to remember that next time.

After mile 2, I was feeling great. I was feeling better than great. I was so happy. I'm sure there was probably something I could have been doing at the time that could have made me happier, but ... I couldn't think of anything. That's exactly where I wanted to be (just wait to see how I was feeling 4 hours later...).

My right foot flared up a few times in the first half. Scared me half to death. A couple of times I started doing the limp thing. I knew anything could happen, so I was mentally prepared that I might have to walk. Still, I was scared. But, those shots of pain and awkwardness in the foot didn't stay long, and they were completely gone by the second half.

Around mile four, I heard the distinct sound of a cowbell. Hm, could that be Jenna? Sure thing. Really, I didn't think I could be any happier, until I saw Jenna clanging that bell. She was running around the entire time we were running so that she could cheer us on at different miles. Seeing her familiar face throughout the race pushed me and kept my spirits up.

The whole race completely changed once the half marathoners finished. There were fewer runners, and there was just a different feel to it. None of us were throwing in the towel. We were ready to push on together. After we passed the half way mark, I took off my jacket, and I handed it off to Jenna around mile 16. I was so elated and nervous that I would be getting to mile 20 soon.

This is where the fun started wearing off. Miles 20-22 were still pretty good. I could feel myself struggling a little bit more to keep up the pace (I was really wanting a negative split), but I still felt strong.

At mile 22 I told myself, "Okay, just run from your apartment, to the Sports Center, and back. Four miles. You've got it. You do it all the time." I could feel myself slowing down. Then the sprinkles came. Then the rain came. Then the rain pushed the sweat from my forehead into my eyes. Then it burned my eyes. Then I wanted to cry. Maybe I did. I don't know.

At mile 23 I saw Jenna and some other girls yelling my name. The night before, Danielle quietly told Jenna that mile 23 is when I would need her the most. I chuckled. I wasn't chuckling now. I gave Jenna a look of, "Help...". She told me later that I looked strong. I definitely wasn't feeling it.

Miles 23-24. I let myself walk twenty paces a few times. I don't know why. It didn't make anything feel better. I was very surprised, though, that my body was still going. I kept looking at my watch and my 4:20 goal was slowly running away from me. But I wasn't throwing in the towel yet. During races I love to tell myself, "You can die after you cross the finish line." Luckily, that hasn't happened, yet.

Mile 25. The crowd is absolutely the only thing that kept me alive during the last mile. They were yelling that we had already made it. Finish strong. I saw Danielle (who had finished with a PR of 3:28!). Then I saw Jenna one last time before I turned the corner for the last stretch. I heard the announcer call my name. I crossed the finish line. 4:18:39. I was overwhelmed. I still can't express what I felt as I crossed the finish line. I hobbled around looking for food and drink. Then I found Jenna and got the hug that I ran all those miles for.

I don't think there could have been a happier person there yesterday. I pushed my body to see what it could do, and it surprised me. I can't wait for my next marathon.

Here are some pictures of the weekend. Jenna has all the pictures of the actual race, so I'll try to get those posted soon.

This if a view of our hotel from the beach.
We could hear the waves from our room.


Jenna--the hero of the day

We saw a few dolphins playing outside our window,
so we went out and took some pictures.

Thank you all for your support! It means a lot knowing that there are people cheering me on and inspiring me from a distance!

Half marathon clock time: 2:06:55
20 mile clock time: 3:14:30
Finish clock time: 4:19:55
Finish chip time: 4:18:39
Pace: 9:55