I ran my first marathon last Sunday! Wow...what an experience. I'm going to write about the whole weekend (more for my own records) so I apologize for the long post.
Joe and I flew to AZ on Friday morning since the race was Sunday morning in Phoenix. At this point, I didn't really know what to think or feel. I felt nervous and excited all at the same time. I knew I had been training for a 4 hour marathon but really didn't know how realistic that time was. That would mean I would have to run an average of a 9-9:10 minute miles for 26.2 miles!! I ran 4 miles at this pace on Thursday and just about died and the week before when I tried to run 5 miles at race pace I couldn't do it and had to slow down.
My pre-race strategy starting on Friday was rest and carbs. I didn't run at all from Friday until the race and probably had more carbs that week before I've ever had in my life. Everyone was so accommodating to my diet. We had dinner at Joe's Aunt and Uncle's on Friday and they made a full on carbo load meal, then my Aunt Jackie and Joe made pancakes for breakfast on Saturday morning and my Aunt Jackie made a full on pasta buffet for dinner. My well balanced, protein loving, anti-carb overload husband was very sweet and didn't say a word about the lack of options in his diet. Friday night I got about 12 hours of sleep which was slightly embarrassing being that I went to bed before everyone in the Shirif household and got up after them.
On Saturday, we went to the Health and Fitness Expo. This is where I picked up my race # and information. The whole Shirif family came with Joe and I. It was so much fun looking at all of the vendors and getting pumped up for the race. Here is a picture of us ladies having a good time! Left to Right (Me, Amani, Aliya and Jackie)
Sunday morning: race day. The family woke up at 5:45am to take me downtown to the starting line. During the drive there, I was feeling completely nervous. It was hard to go into something knowing that you were putting your body through pain. I was certain that I would have at least an hour of excruciating pain today. Once we arrived to the race start, it was hard not to be completely excited. There was music, tons of people and my family who were all super excited for me. I knew the race was going to be okay and I could do it. I still didn't know how fast I could do but I knew I was going to make it through. Here are some pictures from before the race. (Notice that it's dark!)
The starting line had over 20 corrals (depending on what time you were planning on finishing in). I was in corral 4. Once I got to my corral, I found a 4:00 hour pace group. An experienced runner was setting a 4 hour pace and holding a bright pink sign that read, 4:00. I was totally stoked that I had a group to run with that could help me achieve my goal. Before the race started, I already knew the names of a couple of other runners. At this point, I decided to complete soak up every moment of this day because I realized that this is it. This moment is what I trained for for the last 4 month. I woke up at 6am on Saturdays, I spent money on tennis shoes and running gear instead of cute boots and jeans, I sacrificed time with my husband for miles on the road, every day for the past 4 months has been about his moment.
As the gun went off, I couldn't help but smile. As I crossed the starting line (about 1-2 min. after the gun) I saw Senator John McCain! That was a great motivator to get started.
I knew that my family was going to be at the mile 8 rest stop so that mentally was my first check point. Those first 8 miles were awesome. I was with my pace group, chatting with people and my body felt strong.
It was so fun seeing my family cheering me on around mile 8! It gave me such a boost that I knew the next 8 miles were totally doable. I stayed with my group for the next 8 and continued to feel good. Once I saw my cheering section at mile 16, I ran over and gave everyone high fives! I'm not going to lie, I felt pretty cool. : ) Now, I was starting to mentally prepare for the last 6 miles because I knew they were going to be the toughest mentally and physically. Before the race, I asked my cousin, Amir to run the last 5 miles with me so I knew that would help. (Amir is an amazing high school runner.)
My first down moment of the whole day was around mile 19. I lost my pace group. : ( I ran over and got my water and got lost in the shuffle of people (keep in mind that over 30,000 people were running at this event so every water station was very crowded). Even though I didn't stop, to get water, they were moving through the station so fast and I couldn't catch up. It was so sad to see that bright pink sign getting further and further away.
At this point, I knew I couldn't get discouraged because I had been doing so well. I actually looked at my watch and was running 8:30 miles! I did my best to stay strong and knew I would see Amir in 2 miles and he could help me get to the end.
Uh-0h, around mile 20 I had to pee. I didn't want to stop and use an out house; it would be so hard to get back on pace. Suddenly, a little pee came out and I thought "screw it" and let it go. Yes, I full on peed my pants! There was something powerful about saying, nothing is going to get in the way of me running this race. I wasn't sure if spectators could see the pee dripping down my leg but honestly I didn't care. I was running a marathon! At the next aid station, I poured a cup of water on my shorts so i didn't smell. It's a good thing my legs don't rub together when I run or there could have been some serious chafing going on.
Mile 21...Amir!! The moment, I spotted him I want to grab his arm and squeeze but there wasn't time for hugs. I gave him my Garmin and said, keep me between 9-9:30 miles. He was so awesome and supportive during those last 5 miles; i couldn't have asked for a better running buddy!
At this point in the run I was tired okay maybe exhausted but somehow my legs were still moving and at a decent pace. My whole lower half felt numb, I didn't feel pain, I didn't even feel as though I was moving, it was an indescribable feeling. I was sooo thirsty. At those last few water stations, I couldn't get enough. I had a Jolly Rancher around mile 23 and it was like gold. Candy had never tasted so good.
Amir dropped out a little before the finish line and I couldn't believe it was almost over. I heard a spectator say, the finish line is right around the corner and then I saw it! Balloon statues lined the road; it was quite a sight. Somewhere I found strength and energy and felt like I was sprinting as I made my way to the end. I heard the announcer say my name as I crossed the line. WOW! I just ran my first marathon and it wasn't that bad. It was actually very enjoyable.
As I was making my way through the finishing corral, I was noticing that it was really hard to walk. I was limping majorly. I don't even know what hurt but my legs were not liking me. A medical person pulled me aside and thought I needed ice. (see below) Before I saw my family, I had chugged a bottle of water, at a banana and started on a sports drink.
Wow! What a day! Then, I found out that my time was 04:02:26! Thank you to my husband who fully supported every moment of my training and race. Without your support, I never would have been able to make it through. I love you so much! Training and running a marathon isn't cheap but it was worth every hour and dollar.
Thank you Tarik, Jackie, Amir, Aliya and Amani. You made this weekend one I will remember forever. Your support, enthusiasm and encouragement meant the world to me.
Running a marathon: check (it feels good to check things off the life goals)
My cheerleaders!
Amir and I just passing 35K.
The finish. Unfortunately Joe couldn't get a pic of me but I thought the balloons were fun.
I don't know if you can tell but my lips were blue after I finished...strange! Also, my friend Kari was there at the finish. : )
I'll take blue lips over bloody nipples any day! OUCH!
Kari and Kellie
Wow...that's a lot of people.
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