26.2 Miles - 365 Days Ago

It's 10/28/2013. Exactly one year ago to this date, Andy and I were running the Marine Corps Marathon (also exactly one year ago to this date, Hurricane Sandy was on her way). Without a doubt I can say that experience is one of my top 10 most memorable moments of my life. That's pretty important - so let's relive it shall we?

Practicing at the expo :-)

You know how when you've been preparing for something big, you typically get a little nervous/jittery the morning of? I thought I'd wake up a nervous wreck, but surprisingly I felt very calm. Interestingly, I had the same feeling the morning of my first half marathon. I guess it's just because you know, like it or not, it's going to happen. You will do it. So why freak out?

In our hotel, ready to head out.

We woke up insanely early, boarded the shuttle, and went through the security checkpoint to enter "Runner's Village." Looking around and knowing every single person I was seeing had endured the same training process I had was incredible. Running a marathon is hard. But what is much harder is training for it. The time, the commitment, the sacrifice. It's a long road (no pun intended). Being surrounded by all of those runners who knew what I'd gone through to get to that point, and knowing they'd done the same, was incredibly inspirational.

Entering "Runners Village"

My "stand out" memories from that morning? Sitting in the parking lot huddled under a tent (trying to avoid the wind and cold) while eating our PBJ sandwiches. Standing in the world's longest porta potty line, and subsequently using the world's most disgusting porta potty ever. IT WAS DISGUSTING. 

TP - taken from my hotel

I also remember feeling a little sad as I tossed my backpack (I used it to carry toilet paper and my food) and a long sleeved shirt to the side of the road (bye bye!!). And the feeling of sheer joy as I stood with Andy at the starting line, knowing everything we worked for, my dream of running a marathon, was about to come true.

The Start - we're there somewhere!

We ran and ran and ran. The course was much more crowded than I'd ever expected. The water stops were impressive - they were manned by Marines in uniform, were HUGE, and very well organized. The spectators were amazing - the best two spectators were my parents who were at different points along the way with water, extra food, a first aid kid, and great signs! Without a doubt, our experience would not have been as good without having them there as our support team. 

Andy and Babs!!

Andy and I stayed together for the first 18.5 miles. I'm so glad we made it that far together. From there on I was on my own. At mile 20 I popped in my headphones and did my best to zone out and not think about anything else besides putting one foot in front of the other. I never "hit the wall" but I will say my feet hurt, my legs were tired, my back hurt, my arms were sore, I was sick of eating gels, I could feel myself getting easily irritated by other runners and spectators alike, I was livid when the wind blew my visor off and I had to chase after it - yet all the while I was still aware that I was really doing it. Each step was further than I'd ever gone. I was so excited to be nearing the end, but also sad to realize the journey was almost over. 

Mile 19 or so

Mile 23ish

As I neared the finish line I had a burst of energy and gave it my all going up the hill to the end. I thought I might cry, but instead I just had the biggest smile on my face as I crossed the finish line. I hugged a Marine (I was so happy!).

This is it!

SO happy

 I got my medal, had my picture taken, waited in a long line for food, and then (surprisingly) had to walk another mile before reaching the "family link up" zone. And then I waited. It was probably another hour before I finally found my parents and Andy. I was so tired, but still on cloud nine. 

My medal!

United at last!

Waiting to go back to the hotel

The rest of the day was spent getting back to the hotel (that was actually quite a lengthy process), showering, and EATING. And of course, it was an early night because we were so tired.

Andy - completely spent

The next day I struggled just with walking - I kept stumbling because I wasn't picking my feet up enough, or my quads would just give out. Also the next day, Hurricane Sandy hit with full force, extending our trip 3 days as we were stuck in our hotel (not exactly ideal).

And there you have it. Going through this process taught me a lot about myself - that I'm a lot tougher than I thought. That I can persevere regardless the challenge or obstacle. It made me appreciate my relationship with Andy so much more as he was the major force getting me out the door for our runs together. It reminded me what a huge and amazing support system I have in the way of my parents and friends.

It took me 4:56:15 to cover 26.2 miles, but it's not only the race itself but the months of training leading up to those 4+ hours that make me proud to say, "I'm a marathoner."

RunnerBabs!

One last thing... sorry I know this post is ridiculously long. I also want to say how glad I am that I started this blog. The original intention was to track my marathon training, but it's turned into so much more. It gives me a space to help stay in touch with people near and far, not to mention giving me an outlet to express my thoughts and feelings. I'm glad I've stuck with it for an entire year past the blog's originally intended "end." You're not getting rid of me so easily!