Well I didn't qualify for Boston in fact I only shaved off 4 minutes but boy did I work hard for those 4 minutes! Four months of training, speed work, tempo runs and fartleks for 4 minutes! I guess I have to train 10 more months to shave off the next 10 minutes. Yikes!
The last 10 K were so hard! I had to really concentrate just to keep a descent pace and not stop. I tried to concentrate on the lyrics of my music to distract me from the pain but the last kilometer felt like it lasted an eternity!
I was pretty much on track the first 30K but couldnt keep it up for the last 10. I ran out of steam. I just could not go any faster. Maybe if I had stayed with the 3:55 bunny from the start I would have been more consistent. I couldnt find my bunny and the race was starting so I just followed the bunny that was closest to me and that was the 3:45 bunny. I was too excited and went out too fast. Which is advise I tell everyone else NOT to do.
I had said that if I didnt qualify for Boston I would be done with marathons. Marathon training is so time consuming! But I've kind of got marathon fever. My husband said: "No you dont!" I figure if I can keep up the 20K long runs on the weekends then I'll just have to build up my mileage a couple months before the marathon. Im looking at doing my next one in the spring. My brother-in-law inspires me because he never gives up. He says he'll never give up trying to qualify for Boston as long as he's running. It may take us till we're 65 but someday we"ll qualify!
This marathon was tough but it had its great moments too. One was at the 30ish K mark. I was having a hard time. I was feeling very slow and discouraged when my marathon theme song came on my MP3 player. "Here In My Life" by Hillsongs. As the song started my spirit started to lift, I started to get that feeling. That feeling that Jesus is with me and running right alongside me. But when I get that feeling I raise my hands worshipping while Im runninng. Its kind of embarrasing but I cant help it. Its happened running in my neighbourhood before but it cant happen here. Not at the marathon. Especially since there are alot of runners going the opposite direction and they will all see me. But the music is starting to build...the drummer is going wild....oh no...its happening! She sings - "You are my freedom, Jesus you're the reason".....nooo not here! Its too late. It happened. My hands are reaching to the sky, my eyes are fixed on Him and the tears are falling, my speed is building faster and faster... and I am soaring! I feel total joy, freedom and strength. I dont notice the other runners but Im flying and I dont really care.
I didnt qualify but I've got something better. Marathon fever!
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