Let's work backwards - kind of.
When it was over and on our way back to the hotel, I told 710 never again would I run a marathon. He rolled his eyes saying I said that after my Cleveland full 17 months prior. At that time I truly meant it - but time heals most wounds. And time wounds most heels.
Morty tried to tell me beforehand to run the MCM for the experience. I should have listened better Or at all.
I knew the pace I needed for the time I wanted. None of it seemingly unreasonable. And while I didn't make my desired time, I did better than any previous marathon. I should be happy with that, but I wasn't. I am - but I'm not. That ended up being a long-ish discussion with my therapist on how to not focus on the disappointment(s) but celebrate the wins. At least I recognize it. Fixing it.....ehhhhh.....we'll see.
Yes, I PR'd. Yay me!
While I wouldn't have made my internal goal, I did lose 10-12 minutes waiting for a bathroom at mile 18. Well....more mileage, as after I passed it, I doubled back unsure I could make it to the next bank of port-a-potties. Then I had to wait and wait for one to be available. I also broke my momentum in that 10-12 minute timeframe.
I had never run a race so large. 40,000 signed up. 31,000 finished. Not to say 9k didn't, as I'm sure not all 40k actually started. It's the largest non-prize money marathon.......so they said.
The course was incredible. The weather was fantastic. The crowd support out of this world. Save two stretches on freeways, there were tons of spectators along the route.
The crowd of runners never truly thinned out. I spent most of my time dodging people - and so crowded was the first mile that I did 11:51 (!!!). At least I didn't have to worry about going out too fast like I normally do.
710 was to meet me at mile 17 with provisions (half a banana, new electrolytes, a mandarin and two new gels). He surprised me by showing up at mile 6. It totally lifted my spirits. More surprising that I saw him in the crowd. He was at 17 as well.
Since this was the 50th MCM, I thought bugs would all be worked out. My operations background kicked in multiple times from packet pick up, to merchandise to bathrooms and transportation. But I trying not to focus on those, though some made for some very angst ridden moments.
I'll provide the below example of fuck-up-erry for their logistics.
The official photographer had one job to do. One.
The race ends at the Iwo Jima Memorial. From one side you get the entire memorial and a view of many monuments in DC in the background. The above is what they shot of everyone. I mean, what the fuck.
Honest to fucking g-d. Set yourself up at the one shot and take it if everyone that way. He wasn't even near the right spot and didn't even get in the bad angle of the memorial behind me. And I was a bit out of it to even notice where I was (or wasn't) standing and maybe said something.
Yeah - it's a little thing, but c'mon. 50 years! This was super low hanging fruit to fix. And a dozen or two "little things" start to add up. This is where I failed to channel Morty and "do it for the experience".
Someone in the Old Man's Running Group asked if I'd do it again. In my head, I said "no" immediately. But knowing what I know now of it - I might. No time soon. There are other races to be run should I choose to do another marathon.
Now that I sworn marathons off, after I applied to Chicago 2026, now they'll select me just to spite me. Right?
BTW....the Old Man's Group......they told me they downloaded the MCM app and they tracked me as a group at breakfast after their Sunday run. I was embarrassed and touched all at the same time.
I sometimes take for granted how extremely difficult it is to run 26.2. I get I'm hard on myself, but somewhere deep down in me, I know this is a huge achievement. I'm working on appreciating that. Maybe if I can, that will be the actual win.
Song by: Fitz and the Tantrums
2 comments:
It is a huge accomplishment
You finished, without having to be carried away on a stretcher, that is a HUGE win, and a wonderful experience.
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