Alarm went off at 2:30 a.m. I fueled with some caffeinated tea, banana oatmeal and almonds. Layered in Lululemon and Goodwill I set out to run a freezing marathon!
At the beginning I challenged myself to this: push hard and run a race I could be proud of.
I ended up missing the official start (complete with fireworks) for reasons out of my control. I was bummed but determined to not let it get me down. That was easy to do when I saw the supporters lining the first mile after the start.
I was in a sea of athletes, the first mile of 26.2. I had invested so much into this moment and it was finally here. I was so proud to be a marathoner, out there running my heart out!
The best part of the race (other than the finish line) was running through long lines of cheering supporters. There were kids with “Run Mom Run” signs and several people holding up encouraging banners for a specific person. I thought of how every runner had a different reason for taking on this huge task. It was quite emotional.
I was definitely sad that none of my family had shown up to support me. David was there for support and to take pictures but I never got to see him. Just as I was feeling down about not seeing anyone in the crowd I knew I saw the familiar faces of Ryan and Katy! These two caught me at two different places throughout the race and it helped me push hard! Thanks girls!
The first 8 miles of the marathon went by fast. I was so distracted by the surroundings, the other runners and thought of “wow, this is really the moment that I’ve been training for so long for!”
Miles 9-15 were pep talks. I reassured myself of my goal time and convinced myself I could hold that bathroom break for just another mile… and another… and another :) (I eventually took that bathroom break- it cost me 3 minutes!)
Mile 16 was when running stopped coming so easily and my mind had to work as hard as my body. This was the same mark I struggled with in my first marathon.
Mile 20 hit me hard. I was so distracted my pain in my lower back and my feet and took many walking breaks. Not only were my shoes way over the 300 mile max, but they’ve hurt my feet from the start. Yes, I have been a bad runner.
Miles 21-23 I remembered that, when my body hurts bad enough, walking is just as hard as running so I might as well just run!
The last several miles were hard. I had already realized my time was going to be much higher than expected and planned on taking the rest of the race a bit slower. Still, it was hard to run when I was hurting when I no longer cared about the clock.
Our bibs had our first names on them so as we ran past supporters they’d cheer us on by name. It was so cool to hear strangers yell, “Go Ashley! You’ve got this!” at the perfect moment. This really helped me get back in the game toward the end.
And then was the moment I had been waiting for. I turn the corner to see a gospel chorus singing us on. Around the next corner family and friends of the runners covered the finish line as far as the eye could see. At the very end was the glorious finish line, the one spot I had set out for more than five hours earlier.
I couldn’t help but cry. Even though I did a marathon in November, it was for this moment I even laced up my running shoes again five months ago. It was through training for the Disney marathon that I became more confident and strong. I was so proud of myself.
Then I crossed the finish line and ran to a tent to get some ice! My body was sore!
Overall the marathon was very challenging but also very rewarding. I accomplished a marathon in spite of freezing temperatures. It’s funny because at some of the hardest moments I had silly thoughts like “I’m never going to run a marathon again! I quit running!”
Now I realize this marathon reminded me why I love long-distance running so much- and why I want to do so many more marathons! It’s the unspeakable benefit I get from holding myself to a training schedule, waking up at 5:30am to run and eventually running for five straight hours in freezing temperatures. It is unreal.
My official finishing time was 5:13:37- 16 minutes slower than my last marathon and 28 minutes slower than I planned on finishing. I think a lot of it had to do with the cold… but I don’t care! I ran another stinking marathon! Wooohoo!
One thing this race did inspire me to do is speed work. I’ve always focused on distance, accepting whatever pace was necessary to get me to a certain distance. Now I want to set some speed goals and make running a bit more interesting!
A few more fun photos from the race:
#1… how fun is he?!
From the sequence of photos it appears these marathoners were all strangers… two had to carry one across the finish line before she was put into a wheelchair!
And this sweet guy- he stopped to get his baby and carried her over the finish line!
Thanks for supporting me through this awesome journey!
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