Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Colorado Marathon Race Report – Part Two

When we left off last, Tara and I were starting our marathon journey down the canyon. We parted ways as we had different time and pace goals.

With the pre-race night I had, I had no clue what I could or would bring to this race. I expected the best, but was prepared for the worst. The temps were about 30 degrees, the air was crisp and cool and the sun was just starting to emerge through the canyon. We were running to the east, so the sun warmed our faces. I had on my cheetah running skirt to make me think I could run fast. I had asked for and gotten this skirt from Running Skirts for Christmas specifically for this race. I only wore it once during training to make sure it didn’t chafe in all the wrong places. It didn't. And no, I never soiled it.

Here was my strategy going into the race - it wasn’t rocket science: Run the first two miles 10-15 seconds slower than race pace (8:40). Pick it up after that and maintain between an 8:30 and 8:40 pace for the remainder of the race. I wore a pace band, and set it for a 3:45 marathon to give me some wiggle room.

I was good for the first mile and took it slow.

Mile 1: 8:49

Mile 2: 8:27 (well, I kind of broke my rule on this one).

Another marathon rule I had was to drink at every aid station, alternating sports drink (Heed during this race) and water or drinking both. I stuck to this for the entire race with the exception of miles 24 and 25 when I couldn’t have given a shit, I just wanted to get to the finish. I had decided I would take a Hammer gel every five miles.

Mile 3: 8:28

Mile 4: 8:21

The sun was starting to really shine through now. No one on the course was talking. It was extremely peaceful with only the sound of running shoes on pavement and the white water flowing in the river only feet from the road.  I was completely and utterly in the present moment. I had decided to hold off on any music until at least the halfway point, and was very glad I did. There are so few moments in life when we are simply present. When we are not worried about much of anything, are not multi-tasking, are not distracted. We are just taking in what is before us. I did not know if I would make it 26.2 miles. I did not know if I would meet any of my goals. I did know I could put one foot in front of the other.

Mile 5: 8:19 – vanilla Hammer gel

Mile 6: 8:18

Mile 7: 8:22

At this point I decided to take advantage of the downhill and bank some time. I knew that these miles would be my fastest because once we got out of the canyon (about mile 17), it would flatten out and there would be some hills. I checked my pace band every mile and knew I was at least 2 minutes ahead of a 3:45 marathon. It was good to know I had a cushion if I needed to slow down later. I started to pass a girl and she said “Geez!” I asked her what was wrong and she said, “Well, if anyone passes me I look at their legs and if their legs are strong and toned like yours, I decide it’s okay for them to pass me.” Then she added, “But, I AM NOT GAY!” Her being gay was the last thing on my mind. Like I would worry about a lesbian hitting on me at this point anyway. She told me she was running her first marathon and wanted to break four hours. I told her she was WAY on track to do this. We would run together until about mile 18 when her husband jumped into the road blaring a trumpet. Made me totally crack up. I lost her. I hope she met her goal. I love runners.

Mile 8: 8:27

Mile 9: 8:22

You think about a lot of things while you run. Now I thought about Lucky and the fact that he would have his eye removed in the morning. I cried a bit. Lucky has the must stunning, big, beautiful brown eyes and it killed me to think one of them would be gone. I kept thinking about that quote that “the eyes are the window to the soul” and it broke my heart. I tried to file the sadness away, but sometimes it overtook me.

Mile 10: 8:17 – vanilla Hammer gel

Mile 11: 8:30

Mile 12: 8:11

I thought about the fact that I was nearing the halfway mark. I got such a mental boost when I thought I was coming up on mile 11, but it was really mile 12! At this point I knew Ken had started the half marathon and was on the same course. It gave me some comfort knowing he was close by. I hoped he was having a great race. What I didn't know was that he had blown out his calf at mile 3 and had to hobble the remaining 10 miles.

Mile 13: 8:07

Half marathon time: 1:49 – right on track for a BQ!

First marathon girl and I whooped and hollered as we passed the halfway point. There is something so mentally uplifting about knowing you are halfway. I had just congratulated myself for not having any poop emergencies when I had an unexpected squirt in the skort. It would be the only one for the race, but at the time I got a little freaked. It was so surprising I actually yelled out, “Shit!” And it was.

Mile 14: 8:04

Mile 15: 8:20 – Tried to take a chocolate Hammer. It was like tar. Threw it away after gagging

Mile 16: 8:32

As we came out of the canyon the sun was in full force. Mile 17 was the first point where we saw spectators. My only marathon experience was the Rock ‘n Roll Phoenix which had thousands of spectators and entertainment every step of the way. This was such a different experience. Seeing those people cheering me on as I cruised by was incredibly invigorating. I felt like I was flying.

Mile 17: 8:29

Mile 18: 8:06

I’m not a big Rod Stewart fan, but I have always loved the song Forever Young because of the message contained in the song. This was playing in my ear as I cruised by the spectators. May the good Lord be with you down every road you roam. May sunshine and happiness surround you when you’re far from home. May you grow to be proud, dignified and true. And do unto others as you'd have done to you…

Mile 19: 8:19

Mile 20: 8:21 – banana Hammer gel

There was a big ass climb called Bagel Hill between miles 19 and 20. I saw an aid station at the top and was concentrating on that. I powered up the hill. I had given myself permission to grab a drink at the aid station and walk through, drinking, until the trash can several feet away. It was mentally good to know I could take 10 seconds rest walking at each aid station if need be.

At mile 20 I had a great boost when Jill appeared to cheer me on and run with me for a bit. She really lifted my spirits – told me all the things everyone wants to hear at mile 20: “You look great!”, “It’s all downhill from here.” “You’re almost there.” Thanks Jill, I needed that!

Mile 21: 8:20

Mile 22: 8:50

Mile 23: 8:38

At this point, I had to dig deep. Everything below my waist hurt. I started to feel sick. I knew it was only three miles to the finish, and I knew that I had trained for this very moment. Here is where my mental strength would need to take over my body. I expected this to come and when it came, I was prepared. I dissociated from my physical body in a sense. I told myself I was tough. I told myself that nothing would keep me from my goal. I reminded myself that I was running towards my mom, dad, husband and kids who were at the finish line. It was Mother's Day. I teared up. I knew at most I would only be running another 25-30 minutes. I knew I could do anything for that amount of time.

Mile 24: 9:08

Slowest mile of the race and most challenging. I clung onto two girls beside me who were going for a similar time goal. This was the point at which a volunteer was trying to balance three feet of stacked HEED cups and just happened to let them fall right in my path. I was not in the mood for this and had to hurdle them to avoid falling. Freaking A!!!  I told myself I could slow down until mile 25. Then I agreed with myself I would pick it up for the rest of the race. Yes, I was talking to myself at this point.

Mile 25: 8:35

I knew I had done it. I knew I could walk the rest of the way (but I wouldn’t) and still make my goal. I started yelling “YES!” and a huge smile took over my face.

Mile 26: 8:29

I saw Ken, my biggest fan, at the 26 mile mark. I have never been so happy to see anyone in my life!! He yelled, “Go baby go. You’ve got this! Run to the finish!” I turned the corner and saw the FINISH line sign. It was SO close.

.2 mile: 8:10

I sped up, searching the crowd for my parents and kids. I saw them on the side lines and cheering me on. Sam took these photos:

waytothefinish marathonfinish

I crossed the line and fell into my dad’s arms, sobbing. Then my mom’s. It came gushing out.  The stress fracture, the missed marathon in November, the weeks of training, the love and support of family and friends, Lucky.

crying

momdadme2  familyshot  

medal

Final stats: 3:42:36/ 8:28 pace/ 8th out of 70th in age group

And…I shaved 21 minutes off of my one/only marathon time (4:03 - 17 months ago)

Then reality set in and in perfect Shut Up and Run style I started to feel sick:

feelingabityucky

I knew all those gels wanted to get out via the colon. I headed to the porta potty and some guy in line said, “Cheetah girl! You were really kickin it at the end.” I said, “…and I got my Boston qualifier.” He started screaming, “Cheetah girl is going to Boston!” I love runners.

I knew we had to make it home and make it home quick. I spent the afternoon in bed and on the toilet. Who cares? One of the best days ever. By 5pm I was up for a margarita.

And at 7:30 the next morning Lucky got his eye removed.  He is fine. He still has one beautiful brown eye. He is one eyed and three legged. And he still has an erection.

Thanks for reading about my journey. Running is so much more than physical. It is about accomplishment, determination, discipline and success. It makes me a better person.

109 comments:

  1. Great race report..
    I laughed
    I cried
    I said: Eww
    Thanks and congrats again!

    ReplyDelete
  2. WOW. This is awesome! You are amazing!!! When I run my marathon in a month I'm going to channel you... except for the squirts part. I'm hoping to finish skid-free... but with an awesome time and attitude like yours! You're amazing!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. LOVE IT! Wonderful report. I teared up right along with you. I love that you had your moetional moments, and especially such an emotional overload at the finish.

    I'm inspired by your performance. You and smart and strong!

    Congrats again! BQ BABY! Go Cheetah Girl go!

    ReplyDelete
  4. So proud and happy for you. Congratulations, Cheetah girl. And glad to hear your puppy is doing all right.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Aw, jeez. I just teared up reading this. I'm so happy for you. Great recap of the day!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wonderful. So inspirational. You make it seem so easy, but I know you really trained hard, and you deserve it. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Loved reading the whole recap- wonderful job, you've gotta be on cloud 9 with the BQ! Hope your dog is doing okay and your stomach is feeling better. Eek, can't wait for my first marathon in a few weeks!

    ReplyDelete
  8. wow I am laughing and crying! Your great! I am hugging you all the way from Maryland! What a proud moment for the whole family! You go cheetah girl!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congrats on your awesome accomplishment! I loved your recap- so heartfelt and emotional yet hilarious at the same time. So excited for you!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Awesome race report. You did such a great job holding even splits for the whole thing. Way to go!!

    Glad to hear that Lucky is ok too...nice footnote.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh Beth, I am soooo proud of you and all that you have accomplished!!! I too have tears in my eyes reading your story! You worked so hard for this moment, and inspired us all in your journey!Reading about your journey during the marathon, your time, exceeding your goals, and seeing your family at the finish just made my day! I will indeed, "Shut Up and Run" and think of you with every step I take! Way to go friend!!! Savor this accomplishment, you earned it the old fashioned way through overcoming obstacles, hard work, and training smart! What an inspiration you are Beth, and one I am blessed to know personally! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Horray for Cheetah girl!!! I am so happy for you! and so sorry for Lucky...just enjoy the heck out of his one-eyed self

    ReplyDelete
  13. Congrats! You really must feel like super woman, you worked so hard and it really paid off. I hope Lucky has a speedy recovery, give him a nice belly rub for me (mind the erect penis though). :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Only a few words can describe what i just read -

    Inspiring
    You are AWESOME
    BQ - Congrats.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Congrats again cheetah girl! sounds like the perfect 'skirt for a squirt'. See you in Boston...although I said I'd never go again...sometimes I lie. Glad Lucky's doing well.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This was the best post! I really feel like I experinced that race with you. I love seeing this accomplished emotional tender side of you. I love that picture of you in your mom's arms!

    Thanks for taking me along your journey!

    Congrats on an amazing race.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Chills. And tears. One of the best race reports ever. I am so, so happy for you! You are seriously super woman!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am so so stoked for you ! Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Congratulations again! I loved your recap. You rocked that race. Maybe I'll see you in Boston...nope not running it but my MIL is.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love that Rod Stewart song too...it gave me chills and made me tear up when I read that...I started out my marathon with my pals and they ditched me early on...I had an experience 2 months before where the same thing happened. Back then it sucked and really hurt my feelings...but in the end I used it as a lesson. When I finished that race, I knew I could do it on my own if I had to. That carried me marathon day...I also didn't let myself break out my ipod until the halfway point and it was something to look forward to. I also knew that I always go out too fast at the beginning and music makes me go faster...so I wanted to save it for the 2nd half. When I rounded the corner, looking at he finish line and BY MYSELF, the theme song from Top Gun came on my ipod...I teared up so bad I couldn't see. I did it! It was way more emotionally fullfilling than my first race!

    ReplyDelete
  21. wow! This post made me super emotional! I'm so happy for you, you're one tough cookie!

    Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  22. GREAT pictures!!!! you look great and so happy!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  23. An AWESOME race and an AWESOMR race report! YOU ROCK!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Kinda made me tear up. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. You did a phenomenal job.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Way to go Beth. I am so excited for you that I actually even teared while reading and then lost it when i saw your photos at the end. Awesome awesome job!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Great report! Awesome job out there. Thanks for telling ahead of time that there were no (serious) bathroom issues. I was seriously worried for you. Some GI system you've got:)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Yay yay yay Beth!! What an incredible report, what a journey. On to Boston! Right on, just right on.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love it!! Running is so much more I agree! Thanks for sharing your report and your training as I have been really enjoying it!

    ReplyDelete
  29. So awesome! Congrats! Sounds like a lot of hard work paid off. Running is for sure so much more than physical...it's hard for a lot of people to understand that. Nice job!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Yay!!! Congratulations! I am so glad you had such a great race! You deserve it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. i am so so so so proud of you!!! you deserve every bit of happiness and excitment EVER!!!! i loved reading the race report! it felt like i was right there with you!!!

    aw i'm sorry about lucky.... but it seems as if nothing can get this guy down! :)

    enjoy that bq girl, you deserve it!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Awesome awesome hilarious amazing race report. Congrats again on such an awesome race!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Congratulations again and great race report! I am glad Lucky is doing good!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Awesome race report! Congrats on such a fantastic race! And I'm glad to hear Lucky is okay too :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. Congratulations Beth! You're amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  36. You made me laugh and cry with this race report; congratulations on your Boston Qualifier!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Just reading your recap made me tear up...you go Beth!! I am so super happy for you and to have BQ'd, that is beyond awesome!! Congratulations on such a wonderful race - you did it!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. absolutely loved reading this! woot! you are so strong and tough and are GOING TO BOSTON!! maybe i'll see you there?! and apparently it's okay for you to pass me because you have strong legs :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Outstanding!! Well done lady!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I ran my first half marathon the weekend before last, three weeks after my daddy passed away. Every time I felt like I couldn't make it up the hill or around the corner, I thought about him and how he managed to fight through his cancer until the very last minute. He never stopped fighting, and that helped me to never stop running. When I finished I realized that, if I had been able to keep that pace for twice as long, I would have easily BQ'd. I love your race recap, especially the end with your family at the finish line... I remember the feeling of seeing my mom screaming for me at mile 13, and it helped me to sprint to the finish despite the pain in my legs. I love running!

    Reading your race recap makes me so excited for my next half marathon (in November... unless I find one sooner!) and hopefully my first full marathon in the not-so-distant future!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Congrats, Congrats, Congrats on you BQ :)!!!!

    Great race report, glad the tummy held up till the end :).

    Sorry about Lucky, glad he's doing alright.

    ReplyDelete
  42. that was a great recap and I'll be mentally channeling a number of your thoughts and ideas in my race

    ReplyDelete
  43. I've been reading your blog for a few months now, but I think this is the first time I've commented. GREAT race report. You had me in tears! Congrats on the BQ!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Sounds like one helluva journey. Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Seriously girl I am in tears reading this! You rock cheetah girl!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I enjoyed this read immensely because I not only shared many of the same experiences, I also remember running alongside Cheetah Girl for many of the final miles of the canyon. We even passed the halfway point together -- I was the tall, dark-haired guy with the massively chiseled calves right in front of you and First Marathon Girl as we crossed the time strips. We have the same split times. After that, you two passed me and I got to watch you fade off into the distance over the next mile to Ted's Place. And no, don't worry, I didn't hear you yell 'shit', let alone see any.

    You done good. Congrats.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Awww. What a wonderful report - it sounds like the race was positively magical! Glad that Lucky is doing well, too.

    Go Cheetah Girl!!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. @Howard above - seriously???? That is amazing. What are the chances that you really ran with me for all that time? I think I remember you and your chiseled calves. I love that you found my blog and actually remembered me. Hope you had a good race too!!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Great recap...I teared up of course. Awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Great job Cheetah!!!! So amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ran my first two weeks ago and I honestly could never imagine running 8:30s, you amaze me!

    ReplyDelete
  51. WOWW...awesome-ness! Congrats on your new PR AND your BQ!!! You rock!!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Girl, you had me tearing up with FOREVER YOUNG, I cry every time I hear that song and I've heard it about four or five times while I'm running and I still cry...but your picture of you and your dad had me sobbing(well, not really but I would have if I hadn't been in the middle of a staff meeting..ooops, don't tell!). Marathons can be so DARN emotional and it never, ever gets any less emotional.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Man, that got me feeling emotional. Nice work, girl!

    ReplyDelete
  54. What a gripping and epic race recap. "Mile 25 - I knew I had done it" ... gave me chills reading it. That must have been an incredible feeling. Congratulations on conquering so many things in your race.

    ReplyDelete
  55. You're an inspiration! I LOLed at the part about the man with the trumpet.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Brilliant brilliant brilliant! Well done!
    Great race report, I am all teared up.
    Brilliant.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Congratulations, Cheetah Girl! Too funny about Trumpet Man.

    Loved the report! You rock!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Congratulations again!! Loved your report. Off to mop up the tears.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Thank you for giving us Part 2. I was crying by the end. Not sure exactly why... but I am so proud of you. You are exactly what I want to be. Dedicated to your training and finishing with a smile. You ROCK!

    ReplyDelete
  60. YAY! CONGRATS! Love this report. Only you could write one this good :)

    Ha! The "I'm not gay" girl totally has me cracking up. She needs a blog!

    So sorry to hear Ken hurt his calf! Is he okay?

    I am totally going to be laughing at your "squirt" all day.

    Thanks for being honest about how mentally challenging the last 3 miles were!

    Happy to hear Lucky is doing well!

    ReplyDelete
  61. That is so awesome!!! I am new to your blog, but fell in love right away( I am NOT GAY! Ha!) I am crying for your accomplishment. I think only runners can appreciate what you actually go through to mentally complete those miles. Way to go!

    ReplyDelete
  62. congratulations. great race report...great post.

    ReplyDelete
  63. You are AWESOME!! I loved your report! Congrats on the BQ! I love runners too!
    Lucky is awesome too! One eye, three legs, and an erection! Glad he is feeling better.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Congratulations! Awesome job!

    ReplyDelete
  65. BQ!!! You are a cheetah for sure.
    Congratulations!
    Pet Lucky from me.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Congrats!! Amazing run girl!
    I've been creepin' your blog for awhile and I figured it was about time I started commenting. You are such an inspiration! --great job!!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Congratulations womsn! To have to deal with your poor doggie the night before like that then come out swinging the next day. Bravo!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Congratulations! It was such a perfect day for a race, I wish I had been there to see you finish.

    Glad there was only one squirt because I love that skirt, t'would be sad to soil it.

    ReplyDelete
  69. So freakin' incredible!! Way to go, what an awesome race recap!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Great job...you are amazing! It sounds like you had a great race with an awesome time...and BQ baby!!! Good for you!

    ReplyDelete
  71. You're such an inspiration!

    I'm wondering what your thoughts are on the barefoot running trends, Vibram five finger shoes and Nike Frees.

    ReplyDelete
  72. AGREED with everyone: Perfect report, I went through all the range of emotions right there with you as I read (without all the actual pain!)

    You are an amazing woman and, even better, a REAL woman. You told it like it was and with so much humility. Millions and billions of congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Excellent job!!! I love race recaps! chocolate gels sound very gross....I'm glad you warned me before I may have tried one! :)

    ReplyDelete
  74. Awesome race report and great race!

    ReplyDelete
  75. I rarely comment...I'm more of a "blog stalker" - but I love your blog and I especially LOVED this recap. Amazing.

    Congratulations! You rocked it Cheetah girl!

    ReplyDelete
  76. I said congrats last post, so I'll just add: you should rock the pigtails more often!

    ReplyDelete
  77. ugh...i'm crying. felt like i was right there with you at mile 23. congrats on a great race (and for not pooping yourself).

    now mail in that boston lodging form! i got my confirmation the other day!!

    ReplyDelete
  78. yeah! so, so great!
    parts i loved:
    thinking about your dog w/his eye
    Forever Young- i sang that song at my hs graduation!
    blogger Jill was out there to cheer you on! that's fabulous
    realizing you did it.
    crossing the finish line w/Ken saying 'go baby go'
    pics of you w/your parents.
    okay...i basically loved it all!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Awesome report...kinda made me teary eyed a little too! I cannot wait to have this kind of experience some day. Congratulations on a rockin' race Cheetah girl! And thanks for the being an inspiration!!

    ReplyDelete
  80. Congrats Cheetah Girl!!
    Love the picture of you hugging your dad!!
    Great Race recap

    ReplyDelete
  81. so great! I had tears :D <3 ya and ya did a great job!

    ReplyDelete
  82. Congratulations!!! I am sooo excited for you! The picture of you hugging your dad made me want to cry! :) Congratulations again on such a great race!

    ReplyDelete
  83. Awesome and inspiring race report! Congratulations on Boston!

    ReplyDelete
  84. I hope you know that you wrote one of the bet race reports I have ever read. Just great.

    What a awesome job!! You rocked! And, I love that the runner wanted you to know she wasn't a lesbian. ha!

    ReplyDelete
  85. you
    rocked it.

    That photo of you in your mom's arms got me. completely got me. Instant tears.

    And I'm so with you. I love runners. Seriously the most supportive group of people ever!

    Way to go Cheetah girl!!

    ReplyDelete
  86. I loved that race report! I totally started tearing up towards the end of it! I am so happy for you! You did so awesome!! Woohoo!!!

    ReplyDelete
  87. That Jill must be some sort of studette woman; most likely got all your juices pumped up and got ya energized again. hehe. I couldn't even tell you how thrilled I was to see you coming up that hill and just gunning it out; you looked and sounded incredible and I knew you were going to totally smash that BQ time! What an honor to run a bit with you!!

    Now let's get a date on the calendar with Tara and get some Mexican and margs like we said. It's time for the CO chicks to celebrate!! SOOO very proud of you, girl!!

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  88. What a great race report! Congrats on your BQ! That's awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  89. This is awesome. I should dare to dream. Imagine what you could have done on sleep and proper fuel. You could have beat those Kenyans. Very proud of you, Beth.

    ReplyDelete
  90. GREAT race report. You really rocked that marathon.

    Hope you legs are recovering - and hope Lucky is doing OK.

    ReplyDelete
  91. CONGRATS! You were smoking fast. Really consistent splits too. So awesome.

    ....and he still has an erection. If we were only so lucky to have his problems. Truly, he IS the lucky one.

    ReplyDelete
  92. Totally tearing up right now! Way to go B! You really killed it out there and had a fantastic race! You ran smart and strong!

    ReplyDelete
  93. You're amazing. I was tearing up at the end. Glad to hear Lucky is still doing what he does.

    ReplyDelete
  94. "There are so few moments in life when we are simply present." You are so right, and I agree with you that running can make someone a better person overall. I am going to bookmark this inspiring post and return to it whenever I need a little motivation. You rock, cheetah girl!!!

    ReplyDelete
  95. Congrats lady! I knew you could do it. And I knew you couldn't post with talking about poo. (Check my blog on that subject!)

    You are going to Boston baby!!!!!!!

    And I too love runners. We're a great lot aren't we.

    Awesome report. Gave me goose bumps!

    ReplyDelete
  96. Amazing journey, and race report! You totally rock! Crying now after seeing the pic of your hat covering your face after crossing the line. Just awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  97. You are AWESOME CHICK!! Great Job!! Keep up the good work, and keep on telling us about everything!

    ReplyDelete
  98. what a great report and an AMAZING race!!!! so excited for you :) hope recovery is going well and you are still basking in the BQ glow :)

    ReplyDelete
  99. I know I'm a little late to the party, but I have to say, best.race.report.ever!
    I was laughing, then crying, then cheering, then laughing and crying again!
    You are an amazing runner! And I am so happy for you! Thank you for sharing your journey!
    I hope Lucky is feeling better - I was worried about him!
    Hugs and congrats!!! Beantown is awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  100. WOW WOW WOW WOW

    Your report gave me chills - the good kind - and goosebumps, the good kind.

    DO YOU REALIZE HOW EFFING FAST YOU ARE????

    I'm sorry, but holy shit, you are awesome, amazing. WOW!

    CONGRATS!

    PS. Thanks for your support with my surgery. IT DIDN'T HAPPEN! I wrote about it. I'm mad, but whatever. Take two in 4 weeks.

    ReplyDelete
  101. So awesome - CONGRATS! i generally tear up at marathon recaps (im just a crier by nature) but this one in particular (plus the lucky stuff) was just too much...in a good way! like others, i was laughing and crying!

    ReplyDelete
  102. OMG! What an awesome report! Kudos to you and love to Lucky! You are so freakin' funny.

    Winks & Smiles,
    Wifey

    ReplyDelete
  103. This is an awesome story! You started the race pretty crummy, but ended up with your BQ! It proves that it works to just "shut up and run"!

    ReplyDelete
  104. I'm glad I found this race report. It's just what I needed to read. I'm running Carmel, Indiana Apr 20th & trying to make my 2nd attempt to BQ. I missed it by 1 min 49 seconds in New Orleans 6 weeks ago.

    You blog is AWESOME!

    ReplyDelete
  105. I just read your race report on the Colorado Marathon. A belated congratulations. I hope this comment reminds you of all the joy that day brought.

    ReplyDelete