St. George Marathon 2010

What an experience.   I’ve wanted to do a marathon for a couple years now.  This year I signed up really wanting to do it.  Unfortunately that desire didn’t translate so well into training.  This summer was busy.  I was sick quite a bit, we traveled a lot, and then school and work started.  I kept thinking I’d do it eventually.

It’s embarrassing really.  I didn’t train a lick.  The most I ran all summer at one time was the 6.2 miles I did in the mud run. And that was in June.

Crazy. I know.  What was I thinking? 

I was thinking that my entry cost money I didn’t want to completely waste,  I didn’t have anything else to do, and I wanted to see how far I could go. 

Mark and I joked the week prior about the Marathon on Saturday.  I told him there was absolutely no way I was going to finish, and I hoped I could make it half way.

After a terrible night’s sleep, I woke up at 3:45 to load the buses at 4:15.  (why is it when you really need to go to sleep, you can’t – drives me crazy)   I was hoping I wasn’t forgetting something really important that is just common knowledge to the typical marathoner. 

I took my phone with me, and was so glad!  I was able to text Mark the whole time.  Since I had no clue how it was going to be, It was nice to give Mark updates.   He was so encouraging too, It was almost like he was with me.

So I ran. 

It was really nice until around mile 11.  My calf started cramping really bad.   Mile 14, my knee screamed at me.  I texted Mark and told him I didn’t think I could keep going. 

I’ve been congratulated a lot, and it reminds me of the Nephites in 3rd Nephi when they boasted in their own strength,  when the Lord spared them.  I don’t feel good about taking the credit, because I prayed quite a bit during this race, and I know that I was blessed. 

By mile 16, my knee felt fine. 

Mile 17 I got to chat with my sister Lisa, who was working at an aid station, and I had an energy boost.  

Mile 18 my energy boost died.  But I came so far, I just couldn’t stop.  I would walk the rest of the way if I had to.

I walked and jogged on and off the rest of the way.  My calves gave me the most trouble.  I just focused on the next aid station where wonderful volunteers would rub Icy Hot on my sore muscles.

my dad, giving me water.

The last six miles, my feet really hurt.  I curled up my toes to keep them from hitting the end of my shoe.  I didn’t know what was going on with my feet, I just knew they hurt. 

Even though it was painful, it was exhilarating too.  Enjoyable even.  I like this sort of thing.  I like really hard workouts.  I like to push myself. 

The hardest part was the last 300 yards because I refused to walk.  All my muscles screamed at me, but I finished with tears of pain and relief in my eyes.   It took me 5 hours and 14 minutes.

The most enjoyable part was hugging Mark afterwards.  He was encouraging and supportive at a distance and it felt so good to be with him again.

Now I can say I’ve done a Marathon, but I don’t feel like I really did it.  I didn’t put in the training hours, and it was honestly a miracle I finished.  It was a very spiritual experience which I am grateful for. 

The recovery was hard.  I was too tired to take care of myself afterwards, and I was so incredibly sore.  I couldn’t walk normal for 3 days.  My toenails were black, and have now fallen off.  I feel great now though, and it’s all a memory.  One I hope I never forget.   I look forward to actually training and completing a marathon.  I think it will be much more enjoyable and satisfying.