After running the distance series I thought I would hit my own personal goal at the marathon...a 3:50. However, todays conditions were not favorable and my stomach didn't allow today to go quite as planned. The wind was terrible I would say 16 miles were head on into the wind and it wore my legs out. I had adjusted my goal finish time to 4:00 hours but I finished with a 4:01, which was still an 18 minute PR from my first marathon last year. Even though I did not get exactly what I wanted I still am lucky to be able to do this; not everyone can run and for that I am grateful.
Now lets get into the race. Crystle, Brooke, and I all started the race and it felt great we were all laughing and talking. Then we hit the turn around and the wind was terrible. just terrible. No matter what we did it didn't help and the wind still got us. After the bridge I made my first bathroom stop out of three. I caught back up with Crystle and Brooke and we ran together for another 2-3 miles. We started to separate a bit then I was by myself. I never realized how amazing cheering spectators can be until today. I was struggling when I hit the wall around mile 15 then I got a second wind, which was short lived because once I hit Fort Story it was terrible, the wind was against you the entire time. I came out of Fort Story ready to kill the last 5 so I could still hit under 4 hours but the wind continued a little longer. I continued on and saw a group of my fellow runners and my coach around mile 25. I almost balled when I saw them all the inspiration and then I felt like I would disappoint everyone and especially my coach if I got over 4 hours. I looked at Dennis and said...I am getting over 4, Sarah who gives a shit; and really who does why was I getting worked up over this. Even after this I tried to make it to the finish under 4 hours and made it to the finish at a 4:01. Not quite my goal but nonetheless an 18 MINUTE PR!!
To everyone who volunteered, spectated, and CHEERED today a HUGE THANK YOU IS IN ORDER! You are all AWESOME!!!!!! During a race I have never high fived so many people , from kids to the military on base! The inspirational crowd today kept me going. Thank you to my mom, she has dealt with me during this training cycle and I know that isn't the easiest job! Dennis in no words can I thank you enough, you got me to the starting line injury free and in the best shape of my life. I have never trained for a race like this in my life, this is my first legit training cycle! It was amazing I made new friends and got closer to a few that I already had. At the end of the day I am lucky to have all of my friends and family to support and encourage me. Thank you all again!
GO DWEP!!!! :D