I've heard about "The Wall" and up until yesterday, have managed to avoid it.But, at mile 18, "The Wall" and I became very well acquainted!
The race started out great. I placed myself right in front of the 3:40 pacer from the start. My plan was to stay in front of him as long as possible. I knew I had to give myself a little room to slow down the last 6 miles. I had a goal time of 3:45 (my Boston Qualifying time). The first half of the race went just as planned and I finished 13.1 in 1:48 (my best). I saw my family and gave them a thumbs up, thinking, "I've got this." But, somewhere between mile 17 and 18 something went awry and my body announced, "I'M DONE!"
And... then... bam, I hit it...The Wall!
I don't know what happened and I don't know where it came from, but my legs tensed up and it suddenly felt like I was pulling a truck behind me.
Then, the 3:40 pacer passed me.
Then, the 3:45 pacer passed me.
I tried to hang with her, but it wasn't gonna happen.
I wasn't going to qualify for Boston...just wasn't my day.
I painfully pulled myself through the last several miles and finished in 3:54.
As soon as I crossed the finish line, tears welled up.
I saw Lance and fell into him crying.
I knew my time was good, just not the goal I'd set for myself.
It's just the way running goes~ some days everything falls into place and some days one foot can barely make it in front of the other.
I haven't yet decided if I'll try again. Right now, the memory of last 6 miles (which felt like back labor) is still too fresh in my mind.
Yet, I realize, like it does with labor, my mind will eventually only remember the euphoria and excitement racing brings and I will be on to planning my next marathon.
10 comments:
3:54 is a VERY respectable time. Just remember the good parts, like with labor. It's all worth it in the end. Good job!
And when is the next big day?
How could it not be your day??? You completed a full marathon! Great job Sara!
You are amazing Sara! I think you are amazing for completing TWO marathons. You are aweseome!
Let's see. You ran 13.1 miles in 1:48. You completed yet another marathon. There were three adorable kids on the sidelines cheering you on with "Mom" signs. And to top it off, there was a cylist waiting for you at the finish line. If it wasn't your day, whose was it?
Congrats Sara! You're our hero!
Hi Sara. So nice to meet you:) I really enjoyed reading your story that was so eerily similar to my own... and I also enjoyed your thoughts at the end. (glad to know I'm not the only one who always compares training and race day to pregnancy and labor!) I am feeling some of those same things. BUT, I keep reminding myself that this was my first official attempt at qualifying... and yes, I failed. So should I just give up after one bump in the road? Well that's not me, and that's not who I want to be. And I don't even know you, but I have read the last few posts on your blog and I can already tell: that's not you, either. I think you should try again. I think WE should try again. How bout it.
BTW your legs are to die for.
I agree with "Anonymous." You're awesome. I can't even run to the mailbox :(
Who cares about dumb Boston? It's freezing there, right now, and I dated a guy from Boston, once. Not my shiniest moment;/
Now...on to wedding planning!!
You did amazing!!! Congrats.
Are you crazy? You are amazing! I get worn out chasing my kids all day. No way could I run a marathon! Let's get lunch soon!
Sara, I hit a wall around mile 3! I can't even imagine running 26 miles! You are amazing, and after reading your most recent post, I am glad you will be trying again.. You are quite the inspiration for many people!
Have fun with the wedding plans!!
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