After my first marathon (Indy Monumental 2015), I said I would never do another one. Then my friend Tami wanted me to run the Chicago Marathon with her (2017). And after discussing IRONMAN training with my bud, Zack, he suggested I go ahead and get another one under my belt. Since I work the Derby Marathon, I opted for the Carmel Marathon in Indiana. Super flat. Super small. Super close. I trained really well, and in some tough winter conditions. So I felt ready.
I knew it was going to rain days before the race, so I sucked it up, packed a poncho, and dowsed myself in vaseline.. Sometimes the forecast is wrong.
NOPE.
It rained... a lot at times, and the 10-15 mph winds didn't help.
I'm usually good until I get into the upper teen mileage. Not this time. I hit a very dark mental state at mile 8. That's too early, but my glass became half-empty when we spent about 2 miles running into the storm head first. Boo. I got over it when we separated from the 13.1 runners.
I ate a snack, started some music, and picked it up. I felt okay again.
The dark and angry came back at mile 17... but it lasted until mile friggin' 23. Seriously.
We ran on basically a highway, right next to a lane of traffic, directly into the rain and wind for 6 FRIGGIN' MILES. I got angry. I got disappointed. And my expected 4:45 PR went crashing down when the 4:50 pacer passed me at mile 23. (Apologies to that pacer for my bad language when you passed, btw)
Physically, I was okay. Mentally, I was not.
If you know me at all, you know I HATE running in the rain. It defeated me. And listening to my poncho rustle for 26 miles pissed me off.
24-26 was a blur, but I just kept chugging along, never looking at my watch. I didn't want to know how bad I was doing.
I crossed the finish line, looked at my watch, and for the first time in the 2nd half of the race, I actually smiled.
This average runner finally broke 5 hours. (4:58:55). Yep! I barely made it, but I made it!
I hope the finish line photographer got my smile and fist pump, because it made it all worth it.
Soaked and chilled to the bone, I walked back to my car, feeling okay. Not bad ass, or extremely accomplished... just okay.
As I sit here today, sore and walking backwards down the stairs, I'm happy.
People I know who haven't ran a marathon are amazed that I'm not thrilled with my finish.
My run club people are happy for me, but I'm almost embarrassed to tell them my finish time. They are all super fast. I'm the epitome of average. I'm not competitive at all with others, because I know I can't truly compete with anyone, except myself. These difficult races really put things in perspective.
I'm glad I got it done. I'm actually glad the weather sucked because I'll be ready for sucky weather in the future. But the first thing on my mind is "I wonder if I would have gotten my desired finish time if it was sunny and 70 degrees?"
Who knows.
I'll recover for a few weeks, and spend some time in the gym and with my swim coach. Then move onto my IM goal, above all else.
Happy Sunday!
I am so proud if you. In my running days, I hated running in the rain. Not sure how you did 26 miles in a poncho!!! Any runs around St. Louis?
Love the honesty. I understand your ‘embarrassment’ I don’t like my times or finishing last on training nights but my friends say the same as yours. You’re pretty badass in my book and a kickass leader of our training program! You make it fun. Keep being average it’s working for you.