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…

Shoes – check

Running pants – check

Shirt – check

Mp3 Player – check

GPS watch – check

Stuff to hold my hair back – check

Sanity – Still not sure

Honestly, I’m too nervous to even write more about it.  More later…maybe.

The tendonitis or what I appears to be tendonitis in the back of my left leg, something I’ve been dealing with for the past month or so, seems to have moved to the back of my right leg.  At least for that run.  WTF, mate?  I was actually doing pretty good up until the 19th mile or so.  After that, the back of my right leg just didn’t want to cooperate.  I thought walk breaks during my long runs would prove to be helpful, but it seemed to hurt worse when I started walking and transitioned to running and vice versa.  The back of my leg just started feeling like a cold rubber band.

I also didn’t sleep very well last night, probably for a couple of reasons: 1) I didn’t finish running til 10:30 pm or so.  2) My left knee (not my right — the tightness and pain went away — go figure) was killing me.

I’m still scared for the actual marathon, which I assume is normal… I’ll probably discuss this more indepth later on.  For now, I HAVE to finish this coffee and try to wake up.  One more long run.  One more.

Spent the weekend out of town, relaxing and definitely NOT running.  I run my last “long” run tonight (i.e. 20-22 miles) before my marathon.  I can’t believe it’s already less than 27 days away…

Yeah, even though I have a sinus infection, I’m going to push through it.  Just knowing I’ll have a few weeks of lower mileage should get me to push through it.  One more long run… One more.

So I created this blog a few months ago, in hopes of tracking my treks, foils, failures and the like as I trained for my first marathon.

Obviously, this is my first entry.  Hi.

I know you’re thinking “Why are you running a marathon if you hate running?”  Well, finishing one is on my Bucket List, honestly.  Also, I’ve found running as the best and easiest way for me to get in shape and…feel good.

I hate running.  I hate the process, but I love the results.  I simply run for that hour-long high after the run.  One of the best feelings to me is the moment the trail ends and/or the treadmill slows to 3.5 mph.

I still have a hard time considering myself “a runner.”  I hardly look the part, for sure.  I’m tall, lanky, awkward and slow.  I trip.  I lack…what’s the word…grace.

But I’m honest.  I know I will never be that person who says “I love to exercise!!!  I can’t wait to hit the gym every day!”  I never look forward to sweating my ass off and wearing myself out.  It’s not “fun” to me.  The mental benefits far outweigh the physical at this point, however.  I choose to run to maintain my figure (begrudgingly) and maintain my sanity (sometimes desperately).

My first marathon will be The A1A Marathon on February 21, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Flights and room booked, registration…registered.  Deep breath in and…