Sunday, November 14, 2010

Final Marathon Post (maybe)

A week ago today, I was running the marathon. I’ve spent a lot of the past seven days thinking about the event and what the whole journey means to me.

This marathon means more to me that the two I ran and one I trained for back in my 20s. Why? Because this one was harder, all the way around – harder to train for, harder to run, harder to recover from.

The last time I trained for a marathon, I was 29 and child-free. I was able to go to running workouts in the evenings and run before or after work without a problem. On Saturdays I’d meet up with the crew and go running for hours. Afterwards, we’d have a leisurely breakfast, and then I’d go home for a long nap. By the time B got home from coaching Saturday diving practice, I’d be rested and ready to go. It was easy-peasy.

This time around, however, I couldn’t go to evening workouts because I had to take Ella to climbing practice. During the week, if I didn’t get out the door by 5:45 am, I didn’t get to run.  On Saturdays I’d have to start my long runs at 5:00 or 5:30 so that I could finish and get home in time to take Lily to ballet class. There was no time for breakfast with friends and a nap afterwards. Finding time to run was as much of a challenge as the actual running was.

I’ve had many people tell me that they are proud of me, and my response is always “Thank you. I’m proud of me, too.” And I am. I pulled off training for a marathon (albeit a slow one) while managing kids, a husband and working. That’s no mean feat.

Friends – and my husband – have asked if I want to do the NYC Marathon again. Immediately after the race, my answer was no. I’d done it and fulfilled my dream. No need to do it again. But now? I want to do it again. Now that I know what to expect, I know I can do better. Plus I won’t be starting from scratch with training. But I’m holding off on putting my name in the lottery – for now. There are a lot of great marathons in Texas that don’t involve leaving home for a week, as nice as it was to do that. If I decide to train for another marathon, and I think I will, I’ll pick one that’s closer to home.

And now for some pictures, courtesy of Brightroom.com.

bridge1 The Verrazano-Narrows covered with runners. Running across it was breathtaking.

Verrazano

Me on the bridge. The hat was a freebie from Dunkin’ Donuts, and I loved it. Unfortunately, I dropped it somewhere along the course.

cheering1

I have no idea what mile mark this was taken at, but it was obviously early in the race.

running1

Not feeling so good at this point. I think this is in Central Park.

finish1 

Finished! I’m the sunglasses-wearing speck beneath the lion on the banner. In the top right of the picture you can see the Chilean runner and his entourage.

finish line

I was crying and laughing at the same time. One friend said I looked delirious, and I think that’s a pretty accurate description.

7 comments:

donna said...

Sometimes I read other people's blogs about their marathon or ironman training and they really make it sound so easy...fitting it all in. they seem to have plaenty of time to do a 6 hour ride on a Saturday and a 4 hour run on Sunday followed by a nap, a swim and a dinner out....but invariably they don't have children. And that really does change the dynamic of your training. Then it becomes all about time management doesn't it. Ithink that's what makes it a greater accomplishment than your pre-kid marathons. My tri team coach says that there is more accomplishment in getting to the starting line in an ironman than crossing the finish line...and I believe it!

Runner Dude said...

The Dad is very proud of your run. Figuring out how to juggle family, work and training is a huge challenge. Way to go and good for you!
The Dad

janny226 said...

Yay for you!!!

Pearl said...

I'd be delirious if I ran a marathon, too!

Ran cross country in high school and loved the high. But getting back into it? Ran around the park the other day -- like carrying two puppies in a gunnysack in a fannypack, if ya know what I mean...

Pearl

Becky said...

I'd be delirious too. So proud of you!!

Susan said...

When I saw the coverage on the Today show I thought of you. So wonderful! And what beautiful weather you had!

Congratulations and enjoy your next challenge.

dearheart said...

Wow! Running a marathon (or three) in a lifetime is impressive. Congrats on juggling it all and finishing! I'm still doing the half marathon gig a few times a year. I hope to one day work up to a full marathon.