SO, the last 10 miles were unbelievable. I never dreamed it would be as easy as it was (not that it was easy, I just thought I would hurt a lot more!) I really think it was bc of Andy. Andy like I said earlier, just came up to me around mile 16 and kept me going. I don't know if he felt bad for me or what, but man I'm sure grateful for that complete stranger who pushed me and just gave me the confidence that I could do it and that sub-4 was totally going to happen.
Mile 16-21 flew by. I think one thing that really helped me was having mental goals and points in my mind to "make it to." The whole time all I really wanted to do was make it to mile 21. Make it to mile 21. Because at mile 21 was where I got to see my favorite person!
Call it coincidence, a little blessing, or whatever, but let me tell you, the course ran directly in front of the hospital where Kyle was. Kyle told all the nurses that I was running and convinced them to let him roll out in his wheelchair to give me a high five. It was just so great!! All the family was there and cheering me on and I felt like I could've run forever.
Once I had made it to mile 21, I knew I was there. The rest of the course was downhill and/or flat and it couldn't have gone better. Andy talked to me along the way and as I got feeling more tired (mile 22ish) I put in my music. He told me about his kids, I told him about Kyle, etc. Time flew!
Average paces for miles 13-26
13- 8:53
14- 8:53
15- 8:46
16- 8:34
17- 8:40
18- 8:44
19- 8:40
20- 9:00
21- 8:34
22-8:19
23- 8:30
24- 8:23
25- 8:17
26- 8:08 baby!! Fastest mile
When I crossed that finish line I was so excited! And really, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. However, I did HURT when I stopped running. And, Monday. WOW. I have never been so sore in my life. I really couldn't walk normally until about Thursday. And I didn't do a thing last week. Not a run, swim, or anything.
I did my first run Tuesday and I could tell my legs were still tired. I was definitely ready to go again, but about mile 4.5 I was feeling pretty tired. We'll see how this weekend's run goes. I think I'll take it easy and just do a 5-6 miler.
I will definitely be doing another one! Next one with Becca and/or Kyle??
For updates on Kyle visit caringbridge.org/visit/kylebess. There is a chance he could come home Sunday. I'm PRAYING it happens!!!!
I LOVE how his nurses let him roll outside to see you during the marathon. That just made my day.
ReplyDeleteYou ran that marathon SO incredibly strong, I am so impressed (but not in the least bit surprised)!!!
Your splits are SO solid.
You have so much potential, you are going to blow your next marathon out of the water if you decide to do another!
My fastest mile was also my last one too! My turning moment was also when someone gave me the confidence that I was going to make my goal. It's amazing when you realize that it's going to be a reality. I remember seeing my parents around mile 20 and crying and saying "I'm going to do it."