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Marathon Memories, Core and More

Compared to most marathon race reports in Bloggyland, mine was short and sweet. While running those 26.2, I wrote paragraph after paragraph in my head, just as I have composed dozens of brilliant and clever blog posts in the shower and while driving my little midge to preschool. But something happens to my brain when I actually sit down at the computer. It's like I get stage fright or something, and I can't remember more than one or two things I was planning on writing, usually the less interesting (boring) things. So four months post-marathon, here are a few things (and keep in mind that I am claiming they are not boring) I remembered I wanted to share about my first marathon experience:

  • The night before my race, I ate a chicken salad from Cafe Rio. I ate this salad the night before almost all of my long runs. I never really planned on eating it pre-run; it just always happened that way. I didn't dare change things up the night before the race, so when I made my hotel reservation I also researched Cafe Rio locations.

  • I ate a banana and about half of a peanut butter and honey sandwich on the way to my marathon. I had to force myself to eat because I didn't have an appetite that early in the morning.

  • The race was very organized, from the two minutes it took to pick up my packet to the aid stations that were never out of anything.

  • The expo was small and didn't have anything worth waiting in line to see with two tired little girls.

  • I loved the first half of the race, which had very few spectators but beautiful scenery. I may change my mind once I have other experiences to compare it with, but I enjoyed the quiet of the first half of the race and didn't mind the lack of spectator support.

  • I did cry. Around mile 25. I just wanted it to be over. By this point, there were a lot of spectators and I felt pretty stupid crying and walking, but I was emotionally exhausted and frustrated that I wasn't as physically exhausted as I had planned on being at this point in the race.

  • The sense of accomplishment as I crossed the finish line made me want to sign up for another marathon then and there. But I also have to admit that feeling was also the result of wanting to see what I can do when I don't have an injury slowing me down the final seven miles.

  • I wish I had taken more pictures at the end. And I will work on my post-race pose for future photo ops.

I'm sure there are more, but I'll quit before too many people stop reading. As far as future running goes, I had physical therapy again yesterday. We did some stretching and worked my legs and core. My abs are feeling it today.

We are really focusing on my core because my PT said it is common for runners to have leg and knee pain if they don't have a strong core because the legs have to compensate for pelvic instability. There is a core workout in the February issue of Runner's World, and it says strong abs can help improve form, reduce injuries and make you faster. It has been interesting to learn more specifically how this is true.

My PT didn't have me do the running test on the treadmill, and I forgot to ask him about it. I don't know if he plans on doing it tomorrow. Whatever he has planned, it will be interesting because my girls will be tagging along. Every time my PT asks about my schedule, I tell him it is pretty open and I just have to work around finding a babysitter. And every time I say that, he tells me over and over just to bring my kids. He can't be totally oblivious to the reality of what that means because he has two boys, ages 4 and 2. But I still think it will be interesting.

Comments

  1. I keep remembering things from mine that I want to update. I think I'm just going to revise the post even if it is after the fact. I'm sure no one goes back and reads it but me anyway...
    "Glory Days...." :)

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  2. My girls would have loved to go to my PT appointments with me. :) And I bet my PT would have loved them there. Have fun tomorrow!

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  3. Just went back to read your race report. Great report! I totally know what you mean about having little things come back to you here and there. I could probably fill a journal with all those random tidbits from my first marathon.

    By the way, I *heart* Glee and love that version of "Don't stop believing" you posted.

    Can't wait for you to be running again! I need a running buddy!

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  4. Be sure and tell us how it goes with your girls there and what the PT says. It's a great option to be able to bring them.

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  5. I have flashbacks to my first marathon all the time. Usually stuff I didn't remember right after the fact.

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  6. Just read that you are in PT - way to go on your run!

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  7. Nice post. Keep working, you'll be back stronger than ever!!

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  8. So nice that you have the option to bring your kiddos. Good luck with the PT. I'm new, so I'm heading back to read your original race report :)

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  9. I hope your back in running form soon.

    Your girls will make PT more interesting!

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  10. Hey I just came across your blog while browsing running blogs- hope you don't mind! :) I'm guessing you're talking about the St. George Marathon? I ran that last year too! What was your injury? Totally agree about composing fabulous posts in your head while running or showering and then blanking when I'm with computer. Well, I don't have kids yet but it's encouraging to know that moms still find the time to run!
    Check out our blog if you want:
    http://sherunslikeagirl.blogspot.com/

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