AndreaL completed a Marathon!!!!

AndreaL

I think on the first one...nobody expects to be out so long! You did so well, and really pushed yourself to finish. That's what is so impressive. I haven't done a marathon since last year. I actually did a 50K (31 miles) on trails Labor Day weekend of 2002. Loved it and scheduled another one in March of 2003. But got a nasty flu bug which forced me to miss it and knocked me on my butt! Then injured my achilles tendon last Sep. My achilles is finally better and I am slowly running again. These message boards have helped so much thru my recovery and the new workouts I have received from Cathe have helped tremendously.

Yoga sounds great for you now...just take it easy...:)...Carole
 
RE: The details

Congrats Andrea!


I ran my first marathon in Pittsburgh. I finished 4:11 chip time. I was so elated when I crossed over the finish line. I trained for 20 weeks and believe it or not, running on the treadmill in the cold winter last year! My hubby would set up the fan and I would run 3 hours on the treadmill. I know it was nuts when you think about it, but all soooo worth it. I also ran in 14 degree weather to "toughen" up.

In hindsight, I can't believe I put so much time into something! I just new I wanted it badly.

The day of the Marathon, I came home and walked up and down our street in front of our house. I was even able to workout the following week (easy runs and lifting)!

I want to run another one but they will not have one in Pittsburgh this year. I may look into a different state to do it.

Anyway, I am so happy for you! To me, this is a real test of endurance, perseverance and dedication! Good luck with your continued training!

babydollsea
 
RE: Marcia

Hi Andrea,

I commented on my 1/2, but I never really wrote too much on it.

I did the Garry Bjorkland 1/2 marathon in Duluth, MN. It is run the same time as Grandma's marathon. It's the third week in June every year.

I was very happy with my experience, but I'm not sure if I could actually run a FULL marathon. The 1/2 was just perfect for me at that time anyway. I'm not sure if I could find the time to train that long. Some of those runs are pretty lengthy as you well know.

THE RACE: We had to be at the start at 5:30am - brrrr it was cold even in June up in northern MN. I started out very slow as to not lose any energy. I actually handled everything REALLY well, I never walked (which was a huge goal of mine) and only stopped a couple times to use the bathroom. The crowd was AWESOME - very supportive and lots of things to do and see while I ran so it wasn't boring at all. My gut hurt pretty bad during the 8-10 mile part. I think the nerves were playing a good trick on me at that time. BUT, the last 4 miles were AWESOME! I had gotten my 'third' wind ;) and took off. I felt like I was just sprinting so fast (I'm sure it wasn't THAT fast, though). When I was at the last mile or so - I saw my 7 year old son, my brother-in-law and some friends cheering me on (I got tears all over again now) - what an emotionally last mile. (My DH couldn't make it - unfortuneatley.) I finished and they announced my name - OMG - it was one of the best experiences of my life!

I was sore for a few days and my nerves must've played a big part because I did spend an awful amount of time in the bathroom the rest of the day, but it was worth it - FOR SURE.

Good luck, Andrea on any other races you have in store. I'm sure to do that one again this year. :) Marcia.
 
Carole

I'm sorry to hear about your injury. Now that I know you are an ultra-runner I can really ask you some questions!

Andrea
 
babydollsea

Thank you for sharing your story! I love reading other's experiences with marathon. Awesome time too...you are quite speedy!

Andrea
 
RE: babydollsea

Andrea:

I don't know if I am speedy...I just prayed the whole way! I remember taking the gels too at mile 17 because my legs were cramping. The gel helped me alot. I couldn't believe when I passed mile 20 mark. I think that is where I gained speed because I was on such a high (I made it to the last 6 miles).

Did you run with a "time team"? I ran with the 4 hour team. But when my legs cramped, I lost sight of them.

Did you get a medal or token after the finish? We got a T-shirt of course, but they gave away a medal just for finishing.

Are you going to train for another one?

babydollsea
 
RE: Marcia

It sounds like you had a great experience! Congrats and good luck this June! Let us know how it goes:)

Andrea
 
RE: babydollsea

I didn't run with a time team. I trained on my own and ran on my own. The lowest the pace group went was 5 hours and I knew it'd take me a bit longer than that.

The medal we got was so awesome! And I'm wearing my tee now:)

I'm going to try and do some halfs so get more used to higher mileage and maybe train for the same mary next year. Was the only gel you took at mile 17? I usually take them every 48 minutes. Would you mind sharing your fluid/fuel strategy with me? I need to make some changes to mine. I always seem to get nauseous after 16 miles.

I'd also like to do a sprint tri this summer. My angel said that a tri is so much easier than a marathon. I don't think it'll be easy, but hopefully I won't suffer as much!

Andrea
 
RE: Debra

LOL, which injury? The answer is yes, I'm injury free thanks to a December virus that wouldn't go away. Leave it to me to take on a virus that has endurance & likes interval work. Biggest frustration is that I had to skip a hiking trip with friends down the Grand Canyon last week - still too weak.

The year 2003 actually ended with a crack. DH broke his ankle on 12/23, had surgery 12/24, with the canine culprit having her own surgery on 12/26 for a tumor. Their nurse could barely crawl out of bed. But we're all on the mend, with high hopes for regaining our fitness in 2004.

Andrea, I've really enjoyed "watching" your training. Especially with so many hindrances & constraints on my own fitness in 2003, it was satisfying to watch a thoughtful training program progress. You've come amazingly far with your running in a short time! Can't wait to hear what you've got planned next.

Debra
 
RE: Andrea

Thanks...hoping I heal soon. I really miss my long runs the most! You can ask me anything...I have no problem trying to help....:)...Carole
 
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