Running 13.1 Miles

Last April, while commenting to someone else that they should try the Avengers 1/2 marathon in

Anaheim in November, it somehow turned into me contemplating taking on that challenge.  I had never wanted, desired, or dreamed that I would ever run that far....ever.  I also had lost any desire to race after my first and only race, the 5K that went along with the Indy mini back in 2003.  Yep, a long time ago.  I had a terrible time, terrible run, and never looked to do another race ever again.  I have done 3 Warrior Dash races but never considered them to be racing.  It's obstacles, some running, and time isn't an issue.  After thinking I may have rounded up a few folks who might run with me and getting support and encouragement from Amie, I told myself I'd try it.  Then everyone I thought might go with me couldn't go anymore.  So I guess I was going to do this adventure by myself.  What's life without any adventure?  Thankfully I found a 12 week training program so I could start running after summer camp was over.  I don't think my body could take training and summer camp all at the same time.  At first it was easy.  Lots of 3, 4 ,5 mile runs.  Before this started, I had never run more than 5 miles at a time before and that was only one time.  My usual runs were between 2-3 miles.  Gulp!  I was running in the hottest part of the fall and I soon found myself needing to branch out and not just run the same loops at camp over and over.  The first 6 miler, then 7 miler, were okay.  It was a long time to run but totally doable.  The 8 miler was a huge mental breakthrough more than a physical one.  I couldn't fathom running that far but once I got going, it was really good.  At this point I think by golly I can do this!  Then came the 9, 10, and 11 mile runs...those weren't pretty.  I can't describe in words how I felt.  The 9 miler came on a windy day where I decided to go way out from camp and the GPS glitched and lost about 1/2 mile or so and my head got out of the game and the wind was brutal and just zapped my legs.  By now, I was running for almost 2 hours and by the end, your legs are going forward even as your brain says no, your legs feel like they will fall off if you simply stop to walk, and you almost want to cry because WHY AM I DOING THIS?!  You get done, you take a shower and refuel, and almost forgot how it felt...until the next run.  Yeouch!  It wasn't till later that I realized that "this" is the "wall" that runners, athletes talk about.  It's very real and very rough.  I then researched how to refuel my body to prevent hitting that wall.  Shortly after the 10 mile run, I decided to take a week off of training.  Some people thought I was crazy but my brain and body totally needed that time off.  Between work, trail rides, volleyball practices/games, soccer games, and training....I needed a break.  I went back at it and the 11 mile run felt about like the others, still not great and I was apprehensive about even approaching the 13.1 miles as I knew that once I hit 9 miles, it was going to be rough!  I decided to not run the last long run of 12 miles and just rest my body and stick with running the 3-6 miles.  I continued to research what to eat prior to the days of the run, what to eat for breakfast, during the run, etc.  I felt as ready as I could be.  I wasn't worried about not running that last 12 mile run and the impact it might have on the race.
I arrived in CA the evening before the race and got checked in both at my hotel (1 mile from Disneyland) and my race packet along with the cool shirts and memorabilia.  I had to be at Disneyland between 3:30-4 am (Eek! I don't do early and I don't exercise early!) and after a great meal with Jamie Volaski in the park, I headed to bed early and surprisingly fell right asleep with two alarms set to wake me up.  I woke up and got ready to board the shuttle to the park.  Got checked right in then had to wait about 2.5 hrs before I would even cross the start line (why did I have to be there so early??)  It was cold, so chilly that morning and I had to ditch the warm clothes when I checked my bag.  I was a little nervous but I just wanted to get going!  Here's me waiting in corral F...you can't tell how cold I am!

Once I got going I tried to find my rhythm.  Even though those last few long runs didn't go well, the one thing I knew was the rhythm I needed to find with my cadence and breathing.  I tried to settle into that and after a bathroom break at the first mile (hey, I had to wait a LONG time in corral F!), I settled into the run.  It wasn't fun having to stop and slow for the slower runners in the narrower areas but I tried to think of it as they were keeping me from going too fast too early.  I tried to take in all

the sites as I went.  Sometimes passing others, sometimes being passed.  Running most of the way; walking very little.  If I did walk, I tried to count my steps and keep it around 100 before I picked up the run again.  It was so cool to have the cheerleaders, bands, and the crowds cheering everyone on.  I felt really really good.  I got to run through Angels stadium around mile 8.  Now I knew I was headed into the mileage that was when my body wouldn't want to keep going.  I had gatorade chews in my pack and had taken advantage of water stations and I was ready.  Miles 8-10 actually felt pretty good.  I was keeping pace with a Thor and Loki...and Thor kept having to encourage Loki and I listened as they encouraged each other.  When I hit the last 5K of the race, I was definitely starting to tire some but I knew I could run 3.1 miles. I was actually starting to get a little emotional as we headed back towards the park.  Whether it was the weeks of training, the times I doubted myself, or the fact that 3 years ago I could barely walk without piercing pain, I got a little choked up as I continued to run.  I picked up the pace a bit and realized that all of the time and effort was going to culminate in that finish line.  As I saw that finish line, surprisingly all emotion left me.  I crossed the line, received my medal, and it was kind of like, "Now what?!"  All that time and effort and I didn't know how to feel!  Can't explain it.  But I know now that I can do it.  I know that taking the time to train is well worth it.  I left the park knowing I'd like to do it again.  Grateful to have a body capable of doing it and doing it well.  In a time better than I thought it'd be (2:30).  I'm inwardly proud of myself and what I've done.  I did it for no one else but me.  Thankful for a friend who encouraged me to try something new and out of my comfort zone.  So go out there and try something that pushes you, challenges you, and then work hard at it.  It'll be the best feeling you've ever had.