Veterans Marathon Race Report
Apparently when you don’t write about a marathon right away, the report for it gets even longer. Oops. Props to anyone who makes it through!
I wasn’t sure about writing a race report for the Veterans Marathon. I mean, Bobbi wrote one, isn’t that good enough? And Kim mentioned we stayed over, and this Kim wrote a spectator report! Hee hee.
In all honesty, despite this marathon (and whole weekend) being a blast, it made me doubt myself as a runner, and I didn’t like that one bit. So I was pushing it out of my mind for awhile. And even now, as I come back to it a week later, I still feel the same way.
So I was avoiding writing anything about it because something that bothers me is when bloggers write unkind things about themselves online. It makes me feel so sad when I read my friend’s posts and they are too hard on themselves. Not that we shouldn’t be real with ourselves, and not that we should write those types of posts to fish for compliments… but I worry about people. I worry that they don’t love themselves the way they should. And maybe that topic deserves a whole blog post rather than being thrown in to this race recap (what do you think?). Anyway. I didn’t want to write something like that and have people think, “Kim is too hard on herself! She seems like she has no self-worth.” Or worse, to feel like they needed to write comments to make me feel better. Because that is not the point (and it wouldn’t work).
Gosh. I should just go on like this and skip the whole report! Ha ha.
So I usually try to give things a positive spin here. You won’t see any scathing reviews on something unless it was really bad. You guys know that. I felt bad just posting about how upset I was with the kids stealing our packages! And I didn’t want to write some “Woe is me my marathon failed,” crap. Because it was not a complete fail. In fact, it was completely fun. But it would be a lie to write a sunshiny report and say that I didn’t have those feelings of self doubt. So you’ll get two race reports below: “I should have stuck to my promise” and “Bobbi and Kim’s Awesome Weekend of Non-Stop Fun.”
I should have stuck to my promise
Does anyone remember my NYC 2011 Marathon race report? That is the last marathon I ran before this one. Here is the (almost) last paragraph from that post:
I think I need to take time off from running marathons and focus on losing weight. Running is so much easier for me when I am lighter. I feel like I have so much more in me, but am not taking care of myself very well. That will be my focus now. No more marathons for awhile.
All year I stuck to my promise and did not run a marathon. I did an ultra instead because you can run those nice and slow and not feel upset about pace. I understand this twisted logic on doing an ultra instead of a marathon may only make sense in my head.
But! I ran 26 miles to prepare for my ultra. And then ran the ultra and kept my mileage up. I ran a 20 miler with Bobbi that felt easy. Why not run a marathon with her?
Oh. Because I still haven’t lost that weight. Oops. In fact, I am heavier than I was when I ran NYC!
So. When I bonked at mile 16, yet again, in another marathon, all I could think was “Man! I really should have lost some weight! I have no business doing this at this pace! Oh well. Maybe I will lose weight later.”
I really am not committed to eating healthy or losing weight. And I am not upset with the way I look when I am heavier or lighter. I am a pretty happy person.
So. That’s that report. On to the next one!
Bobbi and Kim’s Awesome Weekend of Non-Stop Fun
I have been very lucky to get to know Bobbi pretty well over the past few years! We see each other every Wednesday night for strength class, our pace matches for runs, she helps my husband with his business, and we text and email most days.
So, when the Chicago Marathon didn’t go as planned for Bobbi, I was asking her the following Wednesday, “So, what marathon you looking at?”
Hee hee hee. I am on to you Bobbi!
She said she wasn’t sure, she was looking at some, but the stars would have to align for her to go, etc. So that night I got online and sent her info to the Veterans Marathon in IN, which happened to be on the one weekend I was free in November. Hmm, coincidence?
I emailed Kim (@ girl evolving) to ask what she knew about the race. It turns out she has run it. And then she very kindly offered for Bobbi and I to stay over the night before the race! Bobbi and I didn’t want to decide until the week of the race (despite talking about it every.single.day like we were running it – we were TOO excited!!!). We had heard it was a windy course and wanted to check the weather. That Monday we saw 13mph winds in the forecast and said “eff it” and went for it.
Road trip!
As you guys know, we had such a great time at Kim’s! We got there around 5:30 pm, got to hang out with Leo and Kim’s husband, Dave, eat a yummy meal and chat the night away. It was perfect!
The race was only an hour away (if even!) and we got there with no issues. Bobbi drove all weekend – she rocks!
Parking, packet pickup, and porta pottie lines were a breeze.
There was an awesome ceremony before with the local high school marching band and flag team, and a wonderful speech from the mayor. We were off at 8:00 am est!
The first half of the course went great. Rolling hills, steady 10:00 minute mile pace, keeping somewhat quiet (me) to save chatting for the end when I needed the energy.
At mile 9 the sun emerged from this strange cloud that I hadn’t previously noticed had so graciously been covering it. Damn.
And I started to struggle. At 9. Really? A hill at 11 got to me. Really?
Then at the half way point my legs didn’t want to go at that pace anymore.
Here’s the thing. The 10:00 minute mile pace did not feel hard. I knew we would slow down on hills, but why the sudden bonk halfway?
I honestly did not care at that point. Bobbi was doing great and this was her last PR effort of the year. As long as she did well, I was a happy camper, no matter what happened.
She didn’t do well. Her stomach cramped up big time. She needed to use a porta pottie. There were none around. At mile 15 I asked some man if she could use the one in his home. He was so happy to help her out. I chatted with his wife while Bobbi was inside.
Then she was off again and looking good. And I was slowing down even more.
Here’s the thing about this course – the first 13.1 is with the halfers – you go outside of Columbia City (oh, guess I should have mentioned the town it is in) to the southeast and back. The second half is straight west and back. On country roads. Out and back. WITH EXTREME WINDS. Seriously. I could barely keep up right, and add that to running on the camber of the road, and I was a mess.
At some point (mile 18?) we had to run on gravel for awhile. Big, rocky gravel. My knee did not like that, which worried me, since I don’t normally have knee issues. I turned on my music for a sec to try to find a groove. Someone went by in an ATV and blew dust all over me. WTH? Also, apparently the clouds came back (according to the picture below).
All this time I was keeping Bobbi in my sights and would see her run and walk. I knew something was not right. Finally, she stopped to wait for me. I told her I was feeling like crap, she was too. And we decided to walk the rest.
8. Whole. Miles.
That took awhile.
We ran in to Kim (@ Healthy Strides) with two miles to go. We got to pet kittens. We met new friends on course. We told jokes. I almost cried. I limped. It was not pretty.
We ran the last few blocks!
And were SO HAPPY to finish. At least, I was anyway. We talked about why we kept going – we wanted the damn medal and to wear the jacket we got with the pride that we finished! And despite this not going the way we wanted, as Bobbi says, “We ran that sh*t.” And we still had a lot of fun together. It was a well run, awesome race, with fun people. We both just had bad days. But as I mentioned before – I am not sure if it was a bad day for me, or if I am just a cocky runner doing things she shouldn’t. Oops. That sentence should have been in the “I should have stuck to my promise” report.
After the race we talked to Kim (@ Healthy Strides) for awhile then went to Kim’s (@ girl evolving) for showers. It was so nice to talk to her and see a friend who understands the anguish of the marathon! And then we drove home. Still having fun the whole time. Just a little more defeated then before. Ha ha.
But on to more running in 2013 (and the rest of 2012!) together!
Themocracy
Ugh sorry for the bad race. But the fun and friendship neutralized the negatives right? Bad marathons are HARD physically and I think even moreso mentally. I’m glad the two of you toughed it out!
Oh yeah, it totally neutralized it. And neither of us regretted it. It was just a bummer it didn’t go how we wanted it to. But the nice thing about our relationship is that I feel like we could be totally open and honest and talk it all out so we both ended the day still feeling happy we did it… just physically and mentally worn out 🙂
“We ran that sh!t”. I love that. Just know that from someone like me reading this, I am just soooooo inspired by you.
Aww, thank you 🙂
Despite how awful the marathon was, you guys look super cute! You are amazing and continue to inspire me so much. That is all I have to say. 🙂
Thanks Kelly! 😀 😀 😀 We did get a few comments on the arm warmers! 🙂
I am so sorry to hear that the marathon didn’t go the way you wanted it to. But it takes tremendous courage to put yourself out there and run ANY marathon. Be proud for the way you pushed through and know how inspirational you are, no matter what. I still can’t believe you just up and ran a marathon like it was no big deal. I spent almost a year training for Chicago and you just casually pick a weekend when you are free to run one. Absolutely incredible.
And I so agree with you about those who are so hard on themselves in their blog (as well as those that are on an ego trip). Neither is good.
Thanks Emily 🙂 And thanks for reminding me about my endurance… I do always want to be at a point where I can at least run a HM without any training (just the distance, not to PR) so I am happy I can do that 🙂
Love the new picture at the top!
When I meet people at marathons who are doing their 50th or 100th or 300th marathon I always think, “Man, some of those marathons had to SUCK. They couldn’t have all been awesome.” So yeah, some will be good, some will be okay, some will be HORRIBLE, and some will be rocktastic. But it’s kind of thrilling to find out, right, in a sick way? In any case, I think if you want to take a break from marathons, you should. But if you enjoy it still, even if the results aren’t always what you want, then keep doing them! For me, I go in sometimes thinking it was a terrible idea… but I never know what I’m capable of if I don’t try.
We did meet a few people who were on that number of marathon! And I never thought of it that way 🙂 I don’t know why, but for me, the marathon is such a hard distance. I cannot figure it out. But you’re right that I should keep trying and see what happens (if I want to :)). One day I will get it “right”!
It sounds like a good time despite feeling defeated. You most definitely are a strong runner though. One bad race does not define you. 🙂 It’s also refreshing to know that you feel comfortable in your skin despite your weight. That’s huge!
If this is the Veterans in Columbia City, IN, this is a tough race for a full! I heard that the first half rocks then the second half BLOWS and then you also have to deal with the wind. Ugh! Sorry.
Wow – that experience sounds SO tough. I think that it takes way more mental strength to walk 8 miles of a marathon, especially when you are in pain. So sorry that it wasn’t a good race, although I’m amazed at your attitude.
While it’s been years since my first and last marathon, I feel like an ultra would more doable for me at this point than a marathon. Again, sounds like crazy logic, right? But I understand what you were saying about the marathon as training.
Ha ha ha. No – that logic does NOT sound crazy to me. I think you should go for a fun trail ultra. Hee hee hee. 🙂
Marathons are a tricky, tricky thing. You can train perfectly, and then any one little thing can screw up your whole race. Sorry that happened to you, and I’m sorry that it happened to Bobbi, but if it had to happen, I’m glad it happened to you both on the same day so that you at least got to enjoy each other’s company during the race!
Ah! You are so right. So happy we got to be together. It made it much more fun 🙂
Im sorry that you felt defeated but be proud of running 26.2 miles! For me running is so mental and for you to push through that tough course is an accomplishment in itself. That is amazing! I think 7 miles is my limit.
How is 7 your limit if your first half is in January? Tee hee hee 🙂 You mean it’s your limit right now? 😛
26.2 miles is 26.2 miles and is nothing to sneeze at! I like that Kim said she thinks about people who’ve run many, many more marathons than we have and knows that some of them had to be miserable. But even when they’re miserable you still hopefully have some good memories and experiences to look back on.
You “got to pet kittens.” That made all the pain and suffering worth it, right? 🙂 Marathons are like a box of chocolates, you never know what youre going to get. haha Proud of you and Bobbi for pushing through. I walked the last 13.1 of Chicago with L this year for his first marathon. Let me tell you that a 6+ hour marathon is infinitely more difficult (physically/mentally) than any 4ish hour marathon.
KITTENS! Yes. I kind of wanted to stay with the kittens but the cars scared them away.
So you know exactly what we went through. And that was your PF!!! (personal fave, right?)
Some days are just hard. I don’t want to discount your anguish, but some days just aren’t meant to be. Keep up the running! If you’re looking for a “running lighter” or accountability buddy, I’m working on losing some lbs this winter as it’s a straightforward way to get faster.
I can always use a buddy to encourage me to be healthier… when I am in the mood, lol. What are your plans? 🙂
yay for finishing and being there for your friend
We DID run that shit! And petted kittens! And had a great adventure.
I meant it when I said (at mile 20? 21? they all blur together…) that I was in no way disappointed that we tried. And I can’t imagine anyone I’d rather have tried WITH.
I’m so thankful for you. We’ll try again…maybe in 2014 😉
Aww, thank you! <3 <3 <3
I'm so happy we went out there too. It was a lot of fun, and really, such a special small town race!
We'll be back when we're ready, right? We'll find some other crazy stuff to do together in 2013 🙂
God, you guys are badass. I think I would have cried, out on those country roads with all that wind (I hate wind). You girls rock!
Thank you, Amy 😀
Just to echo what everyone else has already said…. just finishing a e marathon is an amazing accomplishment. Finishing a marathon where you struggled mentally and physically is even more of an accomplishment. But as a fellow type A personality, I totally understand your disappointment. That is why you blog- so other people can tell you how awesome you are, since you will never tell yourself.
Nothing to add that the rest have already so eloquently stated except congrats!
Bad races and runs happen. You are a beautiful person and I adore you more than I can express so try not to get too down on yourself. Lester wouldn’t like it.
Aww, thanks. And thanks for making me laugh!!!!! 🙂
So I heard Erin told you I was serious about the ninja costumes?!
Shoot, wish I knew what to say here. Girl, you’re awesome whether you weigh 10 lbs or 10,000 lbs. Your weight will never define you because all it is is a number. And marathons are hard, nuff said. You finished, and there will always be another.
Self love sometimes is just so much more difficult than loving others. Why are we always our own worst critics? Poop. Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend! Happy almost turkey day!
Aww, thanks coach! 🙂 I can still call you that, right?
Congrats on your big surprise win today too! 🙂
Indiana: The home of the redemption marathon.
I’m in the same boat as you. I went for a run this morning and my knee was so creaky that I got worried. My legs want to run, but my joints are not pleased with the pounding. Winter cross training, here I come!
Ha ha! It is the home!
I hope your knee feels better soon! How is your ankle?
Ugh I’m so sorry to hear about the awful race 🙁 These sorts of things are unfortunately so out of our control sometimes that we have no choice but to accept the situation as is, make the best of it, and keep moving forward. You’re lucky to have had a friend by your side – lifesaver!
I love the part about keeping going for the medal! That is usually my biggest motivation in any race — I gotta finish for the darn medal. I’m sorry that the race didn’t go as you had hoped, but you ran a freaking marathon girl. I’m still so proud of you for all that you continue to do in your running.
This is the second time I have felt like I had to finish a race for the medal (the other time was a half). I GOTS TO GET MY MEDAL!!!! 🙂
Thank you 🙂