Last year I did a half marathon and thought that was torturous, but I've now since changed my mind. The half marathon is a cinch compared to the 26.2 mile marathon. As I started out yesterday, I was running strong. My first thirteen miles were actually pretty good. I was averaging eight and half minute miles, but then I hit that 13th mile and I knew I wasn't going to be able to keep up with my pace. My total time on the 26.2 miles was 4 hours and 47 minutes. Calculating that out for you, I did the first half under 2 hours and the second half in 2 hours and 47 minutes.
The 13th mile marker was the hardest mentally to get through because all I could think about was I was only half done. So I dug my heals in and kept imagining the next mile. Each mile, I picked off slower and slower, but I was getting through it. By mile marker 20, my body was starting to reject this whole escapade. My feet were on fire not to mention bone crushing pain along with my hamstrings and calves were starting to tighten. I don't know how these people who run several marathons in a year or in a lifetime do it. Our bodies were not meant to run 26.2 miles at once. I was loosing energy. I needed something. Normally, I don't like drinking Gatorade during any sport activity. It usually makes my stomach upset and I tend to feel worse than before, but I had to do something. So at the water stations, I chugged a cup of water and then a cup of Gatorade then chased it down with another cup of water (with the back half of the marathon I walked through the water stations to be able to drink all this hence the longer time). I have to say the extra sugar helped. The venue was also offering these gel packs (sugar induced gel to help with energy). I tried a taste and that almost made me vomit. I will never do that again. I was running next to a guy who jumped off the route for a second and grabbed a plastic bag next to a tree. He had pre-placed a banana on the route. Now that was smart. I would've definitely taken a banana over that gel pack.
With all this water and Gatorade drinking, I never used the bathroom facilities the entire run. Which reminds me of the funniest poster sign a spectator held up during the whole run (this was around mile marker 15, the route took us back through some dirt roads and wooded areas, not as many port-a-johns available) was "Don't you wished you took a Dump before?" I thought it was funny because a lot of people do have go once they start running. I was fortunate not to have this problem.
Anyway, after mile marker 20, I tried to run through the pain, but I found myself walking more and more between each mile. Once I hit mile marker 25, I ran the rest of the way in at a very slow pace, but I did it. That last mile was the most torturous of them all and felt like the longest. I was ready to cry when I finally saw the finish line.
After crossing the finish line I wanted to collapse and curl up in the fetus position, but I knew I had to keep walking. I still had to stretch, collect my stuff, eat something, and walk to my car. This presented a challenge since I could barely walk.
All in all, I accomplished something not everyone can do and all before I turn 36 years old this month. I'll be happy to run a half marathon anytime after this experience. Now onto allowing my poor body to heal. I have to get ready for Tough Mudder (the 10 mile Army inspired obstacle course challenge) in September. The Handyman will be joining me for this event.
An honest description of what a runner goes through on the marathon. Good for you!
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