I survived my first marathon. Notice I said "first" and not last? That's a good sign. I think.
Just the facts: I finished in 4:15:48, or about a 9:44/mile average pace. I was doing so well in the first half (a familiar story for runners), averaging 9:09/mile, right on track for a 4:00 or under marathon.
Then the course veered to the left for the half-marathoners and the right for the masochists. And the hills began. One after the other, unrelenting, long, steep and soul-sucking. For at least 7 miles. The remaining 6.2 miles were long, undulating uphills and downhills.
Oh, and the photo above? As I was jumping up on a curb in the first half-mile, while we were rounding RFK Stadium, I fell hard, landing with all my weight on my right patella. Ouch. I jumped up and kept running, although I limped badly for the next half-mile before my knee settled into a dull throb that alternately waned then roared to life for the next 25.2 miles.
Besides bruising it, I didn't realize I had badly scraped it up (despite my tights) until I went to ice it at the end of the race.
I'm going to collapse on the couch. The real race report comes tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Wow, that looks painful!
ReplyDeleteAwesome job on the marathon!! Fantastic! Enjoy some rest!
That's a great time and congratulations on finishing your first marathon! "Nice" souvenir pic of your race too! Battle scars to tell your grandkids about some day ...
ReplyDeleteWoo Hoo! You ran your first marathon INJURED! And you had a great time. You are such a stud!
ReplyDeleteYikers!! you don't fool around when you fall. You are the definition of HARDCARE! congratulations on a fantastic run on a very hard course!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS! Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteGreat first marathon,also a good time too, and you kept on when so many would of stopped when getting a injury like that...My hero
ReplyDeleteHARDCORE. I meant to say, HARDCORE. Your marathon took a lot out of me.
ReplyDeletePoor Bexxy! That's a nasty looking knee. But I think your time was excellent. I'd have loved bringing it in at 4:15 on my first one, especially with all the hills.
ReplyDeletecongratulations! A great time, and an impressive looking wound. I can't wait to hear the whole story!
ReplyDeleteOUCH!!
ReplyDeleteOk, there's your first marathon badge of courage.
Heading back to read the full report.
Thanks for all of the support, y'all! You guys are so great. And Glyn, leave me your email so I can reply directly to you. How's your marathon training going?
ReplyDeleteWell done! That's a terrific result - be proud. You know you get to wear your finisher's medal for a week right?
ReplyDelete