Saturday, March 25, 2006

Race Recap: Nano version















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.

12 comments:

  1. Wow, that looks painful!

    Awesome job on the marathon!! Fantastic! Enjoy some rest!

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  2. 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 ...

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  3. Woo Hoo! You ran your first marathon INJURED! And you had a great time. You are such a stud!

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  4. Yikers!! you don't fool around when you fall. You are the definition of HARDCARE! congratulations on a fantastic run on a very hard course!

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  5. Great 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

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  6. HARDCORE. I meant to say, HARDCORE. Your marathon took a lot out of me.

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  7. Poor 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.

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  8. congratulations! A great time, and an impressive looking wound. I can't wait to hear the whole story!

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  9. OUCH!!

    Ok, there's your first marathon badge of courage.

    Heading back to read the full report.

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  10. 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?

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  11. Well done! That's a terrific result - be proud. You know you get to wear your finisher's medal for a week right?

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