The People's Marathon

As many of you know, Matt and I have been training for the Marine Corps Marathon for about 6 months. The training took over our lives and there were times I was resistant to the commitment and did not complete all the runs I was supposed to. I have to say, the last 2 months of training were the hardest because I had several stubborn injuries, the worst one being my left foot. I concentrated on completing the long runs and skimped on the shorter runs so I could let my body recover. Rest did not resolve the issue and every step I took for 2 months hurt. As the race approached I was anxious about the injury but determined to run to the best of my abilities. 

We traveled to Arlington the day before the race and stayed with Chris and Sarah.  Thank you guys SO much for being so supportive. I was very nervous the day before the race. I didn't say much the whole day and felt badly for not being more social but I couldn't get my mind off of the race and my anxiety of not performing to my potential or disappointing Matt and myself. 

The morning of the race was pretty cold. Once the race started, we warmed up pretty quickly and got into a groove for the first 7 miles or so. As the miles progressed so did the pain in my foot and I had to stop and walk several times throughout the race. I knew that Matt wanted to finish the race in about 4 1/2 hours and I tried my best but I pushed my body to the limit. After mile 20, the entire rest of race was mental. As Karen said, you have no more glycogen stored and you literally have to force your body to complete the last 6 miles. I really wanted to run the whole time but it just wasn't possible for me.  The last mile Matt and I ran hand in hand and we got to the finish in 5 hours and 9 minutes. I had great difficulty walking after the race on Sunday and on Monday.  Thank goodness Matt and I took a day off work to recover. 

This marathon was the most mentally and physically challenging goal I have every accomplished in my life. My comprehensive exams in PT school were a close second. I am really glad I did it and someday would like to complete another one and focus on my time more now that I know what to expect. 

Victory!!!!

Success tastes good

This photo is Teddy finishing the race. He ran with his suit on the entire time. 

Chris was tired from spectating

Matt rewarding himself

Monday after the race was an awesome day. Matt and I woke up early and Matt made banana walnut pancakes and we enjoyed mimosas and watched movies all day. 

Matt made cranberry orange muffins

Monday night was book club. Sarah was nice enough to invite us to her cabin in Capon Bridge. It was such a cool place. We had great conversation, food and wine and managed to stay away from political discussions (for the most part). The next book is The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. 

There is a sign by the bison head that said "This magnificent bison is evidence of the excesses of mankind." Sarah said the bison was there when she moved in.