26.8 miles complete! Wait, how much is a marathon again? Oh yeah, that’s right: 26.2. I, however, ran 26.8 on Sunday. Just call me an overachiever.
Honestly though, I ran more than the normal marathon length this past Sunday…on accident. The course went through a neighborhood, which was blocked off/marked by cones. There was a fork in the path at one point with a cop to direct you in the right direction. (Well, at least you’d think.) But this cop decided to let me go the WRONG way, so I ran a part of the loop through the neighborhood twice! Yay me!
Despite this, the marathon went very very very well. I was slow – - finished at 5:27 – - but I only stopped to walk a couple of times and wasn’t in any pain whatsoever throughout the race. I did start to feel like I might spew around mile 24-25, but it wasn’t actual nausea. It felt more like my body was so tired that all bodily functions were kinda…willy-nilly. Also, I really don’t remember much of miles 9 thru 19 (besides the neighborhood detour), which I guess could be considered a good thing.
Many people say crossing that finish line is one of the best feelings in the world. I, on the other hand, felt like a space cadet at the finish. Before the race, I imagined I would get all teary-eyed and/or emotional after I completed it. Ummm no. I zoned the hell out for this race and, as I’ve already been telling people, I think it was a coping mechanism (which I do/did NOT mind). At the end, I was definitely glad I didn’t have to run anymore, but I also think I was too exhausted to feel exhilaration of any sort.
It was awesome though, and I’m very glad I decided the A1A Marathon would be my first. The course was super flat for the most part, the scenery was fantastic (for the most part) and the weather was PERFECT (completely). That’s right, I said, “I’m super glad I decided the A1A Marathon would be my first.” That means there’s more to come. I don’t know when or where, but I think I’d like to try another. And speed things up a notch.
Some pointers for the race:
- Bring extra energy goo/gel/whatever. The A1A Marathon people said they’d have energy gels at two rest stops, but they had granola bars instead. Granola bars? Really? Really?
- Try and empty out your system as much as you can before the race. You do NOT want to use the port-a-potties. BLECH.
- If you know you will have to use the restroom during the race, and you very well may with all the water/energy schtuff you’ll consume, try to go earlier in the race but NOT the very first rest stop with toilets. You’ll find long lines and, once again, you’ll be disgusted.
- Sorry to go back to the restroom thing again, but…Bring a small amount of toilet paper just in case. From what I heard, the TP ran out quickly.
- If it’s your first marathon, go slow. And then go even slower. You can always speed up near the end if needed. (It was kinda cool being able to pass up a lot of people near the end.)
- Don’t bring one of those belts with water bottles on it. Everyone who ran with one of those looked uncomfortable and had to basically stop every time they wanted a drink. Most races should have plenty of rest stops with water/electrolyte stuff. I recommend drinking at the stops instead. More comfortable, less stopping and starting and readjusting.
- Drink a little bit at most stops but not at all of them. “Listen to your body” and drink as much/little as you think is needed. (Don’t try to gulp as much as possible just because.) Also, drink a combo of water and electrolyte/Gatorade-type stuff if they have it. It will make a difference.
- DRINK DRINK DRINK (water) a few days prior to the race. I hydrated the hell out of my body (especially the day before), and I think it made a huge difference with how I felt through the race.
It’s OVER, thank God. But now, what’s next? Stay tuned…
