Savannah RnR Marathon Race Recap: Part 2

5:00A ALARM
Time to get up!!!  It's RACE DAY!!

Even at 5:00A, in a hotel room with family and friends who traveled from out of town to be here for the race (which I am so grateful for!!!) and all of my running gear set out...it still didn't feel like we were about to run a marathon..26.2 miles.  Attribute that to dedicated training, sleepiness or severe denial, it felt like getting up for a fun run.

We all got up, got dressed and ate some breakfast.  Jer and I took our breakfast to-go (Nature Valley Bar & coffee) and headed down the street to meet our fellow Dnationers for pep talks and photos by 6:00A.  What a great team!!  It was very cold this early and were grateful for the meeting space.  After pics, it was time to either head to gear check or to the corral!!  Here we go....

LOVED running into friends in the corral gates!!  Way to get the excitement elevated!!

While we are waiting in the gates, we saw friends both participating and on the sides eager to cheer on friends, loved ones and strangers on the remarkable feat we were about to endure (still not convinced this was actually happening..).  The music began and the wind blew cold.  This was a race where the runners were comfortable sharing "their space" to keep warm.  The closeness really helped block the wind and no one seemed to mind!  Then we heard it..peaking through the song of, "I love Rock & Roll"..was the National Anthem.  Prior to races, this moment is a very powerful one for all of those in attendance (of course I mean, I can't speak for everyone..but for me, it is very powerful).  Silence falls over the 23,000 runners and all eyes are on the US Flags at our side..wow.

Announcements were made and then the first corral's horn went off!  OMG..it was getting closer and closer for our wave to embark on the course. Horn....Horn...and then there was our signal!!  Off we went!! 
Within the first 2 miles, I shed my arm warmers (A.K.A. long socks) along the side of the road with a smile knowing all of the throw-aways were getting donated to local shelters.

My amazing friend ran with Jer and I for the 1st 11.5 miles before the half course split with the full.  She went on and beat her half PR by over an HOUR!  WAY TO GO and I am soooo proud of you!!!

The support from the residents along the side of the road was just as genuine as the volunteers staged throughout the course and was incredible.  My sister and her boyfriend were also following us throughout the course and met us with excitement and signs on several spots along the course..wow!!  Now that is dedication!  Some of the signs were funny while others were emotional.  Both were just what we needed and kept us going for the entire race.  Just passed mile 15 we passed another friend's house who waited outside and added signs for us to see as we passed:

What an awesome surprise!!

Miles 17 - 22 were my hardest as we hit a headwind, uphill and my IT-Band was really beginning to hurt.  Luckily, I had been carrying my trusty Clif Shot Blocks (as mentioned in previous posts) for the energy I physically needed.  Which are my favorite flavors you ask?  Strawberry and Tropical Punch are my current favorites and were also the flavors that carried me through the race. YUMM :-)

After mile 22, it hit me how close I was and I got my 2nd wind!!  I know my mother was watching from above and helped to heal me to continue on.  When she was here on Earth, she was a paramedic after all..

Right before Mile 26..I saw a very cool sign my sister had to push me for the last .2, it said, "Sayin' Heeeyyyooo"  Let me explain. I mentioned to her awhile ago and I am so impressed she remembered, I love the song, "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz and could see that being my 'finishing' song.  I LOVE it and find it so exciting!!  You must check it out!  Gosh, it was so awesome she remembered and knew exactly where I needed it.  While I was beaming at the sign, her boyfriend caught and action shot!

Finished in 5:29:12 Officially!  It's true!!  Here are some additional photos:

This was amazing and I thank all everyone for their support, donations and dedication.

What's next ????  More races?! I have PR's to beat :-)

Half Marathon: 2:20
Full Marathon: 5:29

Stay Tuned..

Savannah RnR Marathon Race Recap: Part 1

Good Morning!

I know it has been awhile since I have posted, however, I am still pinching myself to believe it actually happened...but it's true..I ran my first marathon!!!  This incredible experience has been so surreal and I feel blessed to be able to have accomplished it.  Here I will share with you what happened...

The days before...Packet Pick-Up & DetermiNation Pasta Dinner

The Health & Fitness Expo was fantastic.  I eagerly approached my corral # 15 stand to pick up my bib.  It took a lot out of me not to grab it, run around holding it high it the air and shout, "OMG OMG OMG!!" As I was not alone, I held it together and continued through the fabulous merchandise areas, sampled products and eyed the very cool gear they had to offer.  My favorite was this shirt that said, "If you see me collapse, pause my Garmin" haha Makes me chuckle everytime!  Once I made it through, it was time for the DetermiNation Pasta Dinner..

Prior to dinner start there was singlet decorating which I lovingly added an, "In Memory" ribbon for my mother and added a, "Happy Birthday Mom!" to the back of my shirt as well for her.  This was also a fun opportunity for photos, pep talks and any of those questions..like..what have we gotten ourselves into?

 

Following the fun, it was time to eat!!  I am sure the food is all of our favorite parts.  I had noodles, artichokes (these were soooo delicious), grilled chicken and marinara sauce..YUM.  During the dinner, we were reminded of why we endured the 18 weeks of vigorous training, why we exceeded our fundraising goals and were reminded that we are all in this together.  There was laughter and there were tears, both of which were overwhelming emotions and all with good spirits.  Following the meal and presentation, it was time to get to bed!

...Next Blog Post is Race Recap...:-)