Tag Archives: marathon

Race Recap: Marathon #15, Little Rock, AR: Little Rock Marathon

Posted on March 4, 2013 | 9 Comments

Little Rock, Arkansas is not a town I would have thought to visit if not for the 50 States Marathon Club. However, this past Friday I found myself waiting for a flight at O’Hare, headed to the state I would complete my 15th marathon in. And I have to say - if you want to cross Arkansas off your list, the Little Rock Marathon is the way to do it!

Due to delays and multiple gate changes, a bunch of us started chatting. Turns out, a majority of the plane was booked with runners headed to the event. I met two guys also trying to run all 50. For both, Arkansas would be their 10th state, getting them into the club. I also spoke with a very nice couple from Canada who chose Little Rock due to the huge medal.

And my God, is it a huge medal! But more on that, later.

Finally arriving, I met up with Nicole M. and we headed over to the expo. Leading up to marathon weekend, the organization was exceptional – but seeing it in person really showed off the magnitude of what this race is made of! The theme was “Lucky.” Backdrops, country music, and an impressive decor tied it all together. We picked up our packets and headed back for dinner and a drink before bed, but not before running into Dave Mari in the hotel lobby!

expo

The day before the marathon is traditionally the day we go exploring. Playing the role of senior citizen, we purchased an all day pass for the trolley tour around Little Rock. For a whopping two dollars, we could ride all day, learning about various historical sites. After snapping a few photos, we walked over to the capital building and checked out the inside before heading back. Dinner near our hotel and an early bedtime, we were all set for our 4:30 a.m. wake-up call.

Trolley

cap

I can’t say enough nice things about this marathon – catering to us back of the pack runners, the early start was two hours before the normal start. This meant more time on the course without the crowd and ensured an exciting finish line experience. Part of being a back of the pack runner means accepting that sometimes the food and the fun are all packed up by the time you come strolling in. And that’s ok. But it was awesome knowing there was no chance of that happening at this race! And knowing we had eight hours to finish took away a lot of nerves.

Starting at about 27 degrees, we took off into the dark, soon catching a sunrise over the first bridge. Up and around the town of North Little Rock, we headed back into Little Rock all before the main crowd was fully lined up. The course itself is scenic in a few parts and also winds through some run down parts – but this event was more of an experience vs. a scenic destination. We trekked up a lot of hills, stopped for (seriously delicious) pizza around mile 17 at the Mich Ultra tent, and shuffled on.

Sunrise

Somewhere around mile 21 or 22 we stopped on the course at a spectator’s home-made beverage station. This was no ordinary beverage station. This one just so happened to be serving mimosas. We figured “Hell, why not? Cheers!” A mile later, and we arrived at a similar set-up. Only this time we were presented with cold beer. Again, “Why not?!”

Cheers

wall

Clearly we were not concerned with our time at this point, and just wanted to have fun! We walked on, did a quick jog into the finish, and listened to the band for a few minutes before our quick walk back to the hotel with our INSANELY HUGE RACE MEDALS!

finishers

Showered, changed, and excited about another finish, we headed to the post race party not knowing what to expect.

You guys. The Little Rock Marathon Post Race Party is the coolest marathon post party I have ever been too.

Tons of food. An open bar. A dessert station. A photobooth, a DJ, and a live band! An epic party that fit into the theme of the race, it’s easy to see why this party sells out! We put our coats down and went to grab food. When we came back, sitting across from us was the Canadian couple I met in O’Hare! I also managed to run into another one of my O’Hare friends, saw Dave M. again, and even ran into Boonsom “Lipstick Lady” Hartman! A fellow 50-stater, I’ve seen her on course at other runs after reading an article about her. With all of the food, drinks, music, and friendly faces we had an amazing time.

Huge Medal

PostParty

Stopping at a bar on the way back for an appetizer and a beer, we spotted a good looking guy sitting alone. We decided to buy him a beer from across the bar and, like a gentleman, he came over to say thanks. He ended up sitting and chatting with us all evening. Turns out we bought a beer for Robert James Reese - executive producer for Runner’s World Online! He finished 19th with a time of 2:52 – a PR for him! For a guy who runs sub 3 hour marathons, he was seriously humble about his time, super down to earth, and very supportive of us back of the pack runners.

We left Little Rock the next morning with the hugest medal I have ever seen, new connections, great memories, and another state crossed off the list!

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Race Recap: Marathon #14, Grand Rapids, MI: Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon

Posted on October 28, 2012 | 4 Comments

The reason behind the fantastic company I kept for state #14 traces all the way back to state #7, the Salt Lake City Marathon.

My friend Jeff and I were taking on the beautiful mountain course (read: I was wheezing and hobbling through high elevation, while super fit SLC people breezed past me, trying their hardest not to rudely stare and gawk) and later caught up with Elizabeth. You all may know her as @fiftyforbilly on twitter, which is how I first “electronically” met her.

We all finished the SLC Marathon, slung our race medals around our necks, and headed out that night to a local duelling piano bar to hang out and celebrate.

Me, Jeff, and Elizabeth post SLC Marathon

Since then, Elizabeth and I kept in touch and took a look at our list of states yet to complete. We realized we still each had to do Michigan and a great race we heard about, the Grand Rapids Marathon, was coming up in October of 2012.

Why not do it together?

So we signed up, made travel arrangements, and arrived in Grand Rapids, MI on Friday. We immediately decided to show up for the early start, as we were not as prepared as we each would have liked. We figured we’d relax, check out Grand Rapids over the next day and a half, and put one foot in front of the other on Sunday morning…

…into Sunday afternoon…

…but hopefully not into Sunday night.

We started out the trip just walking around the cute downtown areas, heading to a bar that had about a zillion beers on tap, and finishing off the evening with a cocktail at a 27th floor sky bar overlooking the city.

Saturday we made plans to walk around, hang out at the expo, and relax before our early start time the next morning.

Couldn’t resist buying this!

Please note the random hand holding a pickle jar, on the right.

Early to bed and early to rise. Sunday morning found us lined up an hour before the official gun went off, joining many other runners and walkers taking advantage of the early start.

The first few miles were in the dark, and we were gifted with witnessing the sun come up and the fog slowly lifting. We kept things easy, walking when we had to, chatting some, and running single file when the lead packs eventually caught up to us.

The course and the weather were ideal. It’s a fast, scenic, fall marathon that is great for those running their first marathon all the way up to those trying to qualify for Boston. The volunteers are great, the water stations are plenty, and the participants are friendly.

But it wasn’t easy. There were some painful parts. And I’m pretty sure I got super crabby about running shuffling at mile 21. Right about then I wanted pizza. And a coke. And french fries. And a sign that said “FINISH” to be in front of my face along with my damn medal.

But we speed walked / jogged through it, ran through that finish sign, got our medals, and got a hand shake from the race director at the end.

With Don Kern, the race director.

Finishers!

And then promptly showered and went out for nachos and beers.

Priorities, you guys.

State #14 is done!

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“18 miles is your halfway point.” …Wait, what?

Posted on June 7, 2012 | 11 Comments

26.2 miles. A distance that requires just as much mental strength as it does physical strength.

Everyone has mantras, music, mental tricks, and signs, that help get them through a marathon. Maybe you have certain “power songs” cued on your iPod. Perhaps you’re a runner who dedicates each mile to a different person in your life. Or, if you’re like me plodding along in the back of the pack doing anything not to cry at mile marker 23 knowing all your friends are done and drinking beer at the finish line already, you’re trying anything you can think of to put one foot in front of the other.

Next weekend I’ll be reaching for motivation again. And there’s one mental trick of mine, picked up at the start of marathon #2, that I’ll be carrying with me.

At 5:30 a.m. at the Las Vegas Marathon in December of 2006, I found myself huddled around a woman holding a stick with some balloons and a cardboard sign. Our pacer. And a few moments before the fireworks and Blue Man Group performance started, she decided to give us a piece of wisdom during the run.

“Listen, I want you to remember one thing and one thing only. 18 miles is your half way point.”

…wait, what? I don’t want to sound like a know-it-all, but 26.2 divided by 2 is not-

“Look. This is a mental battle as much as it is a physical one. You have to get it in your head that mile marker 18 is your half way point. If you think you’re halfway there at 13.1, you’re in for a tough journey ahead. Miles 18-26 are going to feel as mentally hard as miles 1-18. When we get to the 13.1 mark, everyone is going to be cheering we are half way there. Ignore them. Mile marker 18 is your mental halfway point.”

Knowing what was ahead, I decided to listen to her. 13.1 miles in, while everyone around me was cheering, I ignored the “Halfway There!” sign. 18 miles in I finally allowed myself to breathe a sign of relief. I was mentally halfway there.

A mile later I hit the wall. It was awful. My iPod died. It was windy. I felt broken. But I was prepared to stick it out through this entire “second half.” Prepared for it to mentally take as long as the “first half.” And it worked. I sucked it up, and I finished.

And every marathon since then, right before we start, I tell myself 18 miles is my halfway point.  And every time I get 18 miles in, I finally allow myself to breathe a sigh of relief.

And start my second half.

Des Moines, IA

Cincinnati, OH

Seattle, WA

Disney World

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Top Five Friday: My Top 5 Thoughts at Mile Marker 23

Posted on May 18, 2012 | 11 Comments

Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN is fast approaching and I’m totally pumped. I’ll catch up with friends, visit a beautiful city, and (if all goes well) cross another state off my list. Super awesome, right? Except for one awful part of the weekend I cannot avoid.

Mile Marker 23.

I hate Mile Marker 23. It’s all I can do to put one foot in front of the other until I see a “Mile 24″ sign and normal happy thoughts come flooding back once again. But until then? During that awful mile? I grit my teeth and internalize.

Mile Marker 23 at the Flying Pig Marathon

5. Please please please don’t poop my pants.

Or, like the guy says in the video posted below, “don’t pants my poop.” I have a feeling runners are reading this, nodding in understanding. Non-runners are all like “eeewwwww.”

4. Start moving and STOP CRYING!

Once during a marathon, I sobbed like a baby. Sometimes I just sniffle. But I’m usually wiping moisture off my face at this point and it’s not ’cause something is in my eye.

3. Where is everyone?

Remember, I’m slow. My goal is just to finish and I’m 100% ok with walking through the tough parts. Which usually leaves me running solo, a little bit lonely, and praying I haven’t missed a turn.

2. I will never complain about wearing high heels again.

Feet. Pavement. Connecting. Repetitively. For hours. Nothing else can make my feet hurt this bad. It’s a pain I have forgotten, until Mile Marker 23 brings it back.

1. At this point, there is no such thing as “Only three more miles!”

I love spectators and volunteers. Their support is second to none.

But during this one mile, I disagree with everything they have to say. Because when I’m trying not to poop myself, stop the tears, stay on course, and get through the pain, there is no such thing as “only” three more miles.

But don’t tell them I said that.

Because when I finally a sign that says Mile 24…it really is “only” two more miles.

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The most scenic marathon I’ve completed to date.

Posted on April 29, 2012 | 5 Comments

A little over a year ago, my friend Jeff and I were mapping out our 50 states quest. I wanted to mark another state off the list by heading to a cool city. He wanted to travel and complete a marathon somewhere scenic. And so, in April 2011, we found ourselves on a plane headed towards Salt Lake City, UT.

We got what we came for. The city is full of amazing and historical architecture, all while being surrounded by snow-capped mountains. For this flat-land Midwesterner it was breathtaking.

After grabbing our packets at the expo, we spent most of the day before the race walking around town. We visited Temple Square, the capital, and several other buildings, going on free tours. Everything was gorgeous. I couldn’t stop taking pictures.

The next morning we were off to the race. I had signed up for the early start, worried about finishing within the 6 hour time limit. I took off with a small group prior to the sun coming up. But that was just fine with me. Because as the sun was rising right around mile five, I got to see this:


I ran the rest of the race with my head turned sideways, taking in the mountains surrounding us. I didn’t even care that I ended the race in a limp (I had recently suffered a high ankle sprain).

It was all just so pretty.

Later that night, we showered and went out to a dueling piano bar with Elizabeth and her mom to enjoy some well-deserved drinks.

We had taken a 26.2 mile tour through a city I would have otherwise only flirted with visiting, if not for the 50 States Marathon Club. We witnessed architecture and scenery of a place far away from home. And we made a new friend who I’m running the Grand Rapids Marathon with this October.

This is why I stick to my goal.

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And then there was the time I ended up in the medical tent at the end of the marathon…

Posted on April 7, 2012 | 4 Comments

Disney World is the happiest place on earth.

Even from a medical tent.

I should back up. But first, I want to clarify I was just fine and it wasn’t anything more complicated than some asthma issues, being sick, and dehydration. And if you ever feel “off” during a running event, there’s no shame to ending up in a med tent. Better safe than sorry.

After all, you don’t want to Mickey Mouse around with your health.

January 2008. I headed down to Florida with Nicole M., a good friend of mine from the first day of high school. She was an amazing cheerleader for my first marathon, ran four full marathons with me, attempted the 2007 Chicago marathon with me, and ran the 1/2 in Indianapolis…just to join me later in the course for a few miles as I tackled the full.

But holy cow, did we have fun in Florida.

Budget conscious, we chose the Pop Century Disney Resort and were welcomed with same hospitality you’d expect from anywhere in Disney World. The plan was to arrive in Florida, head to the expo, and have a full day and a half to visit the parks. Then run a marathon, go out to celebrate, and one more full day of parks before flying home.

The transportation in Disney is wonderful. We felt taken care of the entire trip, from being carted over to Disney’s Wide World of Sports for the expo, to all the parks. Pre-marathon we had a blast visiting Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios as grown-ups, only slightly envious of the children who were taking their picture with the characters. Little did we know, we would get our chance soon enough.

Bedtime was 6:00 p.m. the day before marathon morning so we could be awake for our early wake-up call. We were aiming for the 3:00 a.m. shuttle bus to ensure we were at the park by the required 4:00 a.m. time.

The race kicked off at 6:00 a.m., already hot and muggy. The day before I was already feeling a little sick. However, I knew I had seven hours to finish. I figured if I had to walk it out to get it done, I would be ok with that. Quickly after the gun went off, I waved Nicole M. on ahead of me.

The marathon itself is like a Disney World playground for adults. You run through all the parks, and Disney characters are hanging out along the entire course. Most of us were running with cameras and waited in line to take our pictures with the characters. We even got to run through the princess castle. It was like the adults finally got a chance to be the kids at Disney World.

And it was awesome. 

 

Mile 15 I wasn’t feeling so hot and made the decision to walk the rest of the marathon. Mile 18 I wanted to cry. Mile 20 I realized I was going to be cutting it really close. Mile 24 I stopped at an aid station to get ice. The medic questioned the lack of color in my face and wondered out loud if I was ok to finish. I quickly scooted off. I was, after all, cutting into what precious time I had left.

And there was no way I was stopping with two frigging miles to go.

Two point two miles later, with two and a half minutes left in a seven hour time limit, after shuffling on, just waiting for it to end already, I crossed the finish line of the Disney World Marathon.

And walked myself right into the medical tent where I promptly burst into tears.

It took several sports drinks until color returned to my face, but we managed to get my asthma under control, my temperature down, and my melodrama in check. Nicole M. managed to find me, collect my medal for me, and snap a picture so we could always remember this amazing moment together.

After napping and taking advantage of room service, we managed to head out for bit. The next day we tackled the entire Magic Kingdom park, complete with fireworks. It was a blast.

And just like that, state #5 was checked off my list.

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“When Pigs Fly.”

Posted on March 27, 2012 | 5 Comments

Once upon a time in 2008, I was emailing and chatting with Marlena, a good friend from Mizzou. We were talking about running, marathons, and the joy of traveling. We eventually segued into chatting about the next race I was signed up for: the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, OH.

In the midst of our conversation, I was surprised and delighted when Marlena offered to come cheer me on. She had lived 20 minutes south of Cincinnati one summer after college and was excited for a reason to visit the city again, see what this “marathon” stuff was all about, and catch up. We hadn’t seen each other in 6 years and the girl offered to drive states away, from Missouri, to be my cheerleader.

Now that’s a good friend.

Obviously I took her up on it. We started coordinating hotel stays, arrival times, and the like. Her boyfriend (now husband) was joining us and we were going to make a whole fun weekend out of it. And then the coolest thing ever happened. Despite the fact the longest distance she had ever run was one mile, I asked Marlena if she would want to run the half marathon.

And she said yes.

All of a sudden the upcoming weekend took on a whole new epic level of awesome. I sent Marlena a training schedule and all the resources I could think of. Having never run any kind of distance race before, she easily could have been freaked out. She could have easily decided it was a goal better to put off for the future. And honestly, she could have said “yeah right, I’ll do a half marathon when pigs fly,” still arrived as a spectator, and I would have been equally as thrilled to see her. But instead, she put one foot in front of the other…and just went for it.

I was seriously impressed.

For the next few months we emailed each other back and forth about our training and what we were going to do when we arrived. And on a beautiful weekend in May, each starting from two different states, we found ourselves en route to Cincinnati, OH.

We made our way to the expo and then focused on sight-seeing in Cincinnati. Her now-husband Andy researched the area for things to do and led us to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. As a kid, I was often bored in museums and information centers, but as an adult I wandered through with Andy and Marlena, fascinated. We spent almost all day there, finished up with dinner at a local bar (I will forever think of that weekend when I hear the song “Shambala”) and then headed back to the hotel for bed.

We were up on marathon morning early enough to head over to the race and take a few pictures before the gun went off. A slightly late start due to a fire that caused a course re-route, and off we went.

The plan was to run together up until her turn-a-round point at 8 or so miles in. And we stuck to it. Joining a pace team of incredibly awesome people got us through the legendary hill, and then it was time to say goodbye. I remember telling Marlena it was literally all downhill to the end and to “put the wheels on.”

And my God, did she ever.

It had taken Marlena three hours to complete her 10 mile training run. Because of this, she told Andy to start waiting for her at the finish line around 3 hours and 15 minutes after gun time. You know, just in case she was early.

Marlena finished her first ever half marathon in 2 hours and 40 minutes.

It left her with enough time to get her medal, circle back around, and tap Andy hello on the shoulder. They both hung out, waited for my eventual arrival, and then the three of us collapsed on a grassy spot near the river.

We went out later that night to celebrate over dinner and drinks, wearing our medals and marveling over an amazing weekend.

And to anyone who says they’ll run a half or full marathon when pigs fly…I sincerely hope you do.

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The Last Minute Marathon

Posted on March 20, 2012 | 12 Comments

Recently, I started a project in my home office which involves pictures from marathons in various states. Included in my wall of memories is a shot from the infamous 2007 Chicago Marathon.

I snapped the photo while walking up Jackson, 16 miles in. It’s about 90 degrees outside, the fire hydrants are opened up, and everyone is slowly being guided back to the finish line in a state of disbelief.

On that long, hot walk it seemed everyone was discussing one thing in common: we had all devoted time, money, emotion and energy into something that had unexpectedly stopped short. Because that year, just a few short hours after the gun went off, the Chicago Marathon was cancelled.

I spent the next few days reading about it online. I was mesmerized by the different ways the tale was told over and over again. Scouring the web revealed something else interesting: select marathons around the country were reporting discounts into their races, for those who had tried to run the 2007 Chicago Marathon.

Des Moines, IA was one of them.

It was during my second marathon in my second state when I decided I wanted to run all 50. By October, 2007 I had only completed three. Which meant Iowa could be #4. Did I dare? The race was in two weeks…I was trained…it was only a little over 5 hours driving…

Before I knew it, I was emailing my friend Patrick who lived in the area, asking for suggestions on hotels, and if he knew anything about the marathon itself. And emailing my friend Nicolette to see if I was crazy. And…

Oh my God! I was registering.

Friday before the race I worked a 16 hour day between my full-time job and my part-time job. I dragged myself home after a closing waitressing shift, slept, and woke up early Saturday morning to pack and hit the road.

Five driving hours later and I was in Des Moines, IA.

Patrick insisted I stay at his house and was the perfect Des Moines ambassador. We took his motorcycle out to the marathon expo for my packet, drove around town to snap a few pictures, and had dinner at his family’s local Italian restaurant. After eating, we headed back so I could prepare everything for the next morning.

He crashed on the couch and let me have his bed. All too soon, it was 5:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. Originally, I was going to drive myself to the race. Since he was woken up anyways, he offered.

I was dropped off by the start. I was nervous. Why the hell was I in Des Moines, IA?! I had 20 minutes to freak out, and then get my shit together. The gun went off.

I remember unique residential areas. I remember thinking the hills were not gently rolling, as described on the website. I remember Patrick coming out to cheer around mile 16 or so. I remember texting Nicole M. at Mile 18. And I remember Patrick meeting me up around mile 24 or 25 to run the last little bit with me. I remember him letting me finish solo and then taking me to a local bar to celebrate with a beer. Or three.

I showered. Changed. Napped. And hit the road.

And on Monday, when a co-worker asked the mundane question: “so, what did you do over the weekend?” I had and answer I hadn’t yet processed:

“I drove to Des Moines, IA and ran a marathon.”

To date, it’s still the coolest risk I ever took. And I’ve got the pictures on my wall to prove it.

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Procrastination & Lack of Motivation & Fear, Oh My!

Posted on March 11, 2012 | 5 Comments

Oh! Hey there Procrastination, have you met Lack of Motivation? You two should totally get to know each other better. I have a feeling you would compliment each other quite well. Oh, and while you’re at it, you may as well bring Fear into your circle. As a team, you certainly can do a lot of damage.

These are the three feelings that band together and make getting out my door to run on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon near impossible. If I let one consume me, it leads to the other two. It’s excuse after excuse in my house. It always seems to start with

Procrastination.

Really, I do not need to do every single load of laundry before I go out running. It does not all need to be folded, sorted, and put away so I can head out the door. I also do not need to clean and vacuum before lacing up, either. But I do. And the longer I procrastinate, the further my motivation slips until I have a complete

Lack of Motivation.

You’d think I could hold on to the excited-about-running feelings from day-to-day. But somehow, on the day of my long run, all of that has been deflated. I just don’t care. Marathon training? Meh. Why am I doing this, again? This, in turn, breeds feelings of

Fear.

I just healed from my ankle injury. What if I re-injure it? What if my permanent runner’s knee acts up? What if my I.T. band hurts worse than normal? What if I get 2.5 miles out, and instead of turning around, I collapse and cannot make it back? What then?

So, what pushed me out the door today?

Support.

Twitter, Facebook, texts. Thank you to everyone who I connected with about running today, because that is truly what got me out the door. But as I set out to do a five-mile run, I realized you all can’t be there every single time I don’t want to go for a run. I have to figure out how to get out the door on my own. And while I was running, even though it hurt from time to time, I found at least one thing. Later, I would have complete

Lack of Guilt.

I knew if I had not gone running today I would have spent my evening feeling guilty. Instead, I can relax and enjoy my night. It may not be much. And it may not be the sole factor that gets me out for each and every long run.

But it’s a start.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who has gone through this during training. Have you? And how do you get over it? I would love to hear how you get through the same feelings of procrastination, lack of motivation, and fear.

 

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About that time I (sort of) came in last at a marathon.

Posted on March 7, 2012 | 24 Comments

Recently, I was speaking with a friend about running events. She has never before entered to run a marathon, half-marathon, 10k, or 5k before and was flirting with the idea. But she had one nagging concern on her mind.

She was worried about coming in last.

If we’re being honest here, I have to admit it’s a thought which has crossed my mind more than once. As a slow runner I will always be a back-of-the-pack finisher, no matter how big the race. The days prior to those less populated running events, I used to find myself fretting over coming in last, as well as getting lost on the course, quite often.

Until I actually did come in last at a marathon.

Sunday, November 1st, 2009. I woke up in Raleigh, NC at a friend’s house, an hour before the alarm. It was marathon morning, in the 40s, downpouring, and thundering hard enough to rattle the mirror in their guest room. My friend Stephanie was running the race with me, and we both wondered if it would be cancelled, due to lightning. She half joked if I wanted to stay in and watch movies all day instead of run a marathon, she’d be game. I half considered her offer. But I couldn’t afford to come back to NC anytime soon, so off we went.

When we arrived at the start, the lightning had stopped, but the downpour did not. Neither did the 25 – 30 mph winds. And the temperature? It managed to climb to a high of 52 degrees. Coupled with the rain and wind, this wasn’t exactly the elements I had in mind when I planned my visit.

The next few hours were a cold and painful blur. The entire course was either up or down a hill. My skin, everywhere, was chaffed from soaked clothing. Despite an overcast sky, I kept my sunglasses on to keep the rain from blowing in to my eyes. Glancing occasionally at my Garmin confirmed I was on pace, barely, to finish within the allotted six hours. I was going to be ok.

Until I met up with an evil cop, at a mile-marker sign reading “19.”

I was stopped. The officer informed me they were shutting things down. I was not making the cutoff. I was not going to finish. I argued with her, but it got me nowhere. Nineteen miles in and I was a mere minute late. But I refused to stop running, determined to finish the damn thing, even if it didn’t count towards my 50 states goal. Huddling in the rain, at the top of a hill next to a farm, 19 miles in to the most awful marathon experience ever, I was given a sheet of paper with typed directions back to the finish.

As the rain crumpled it in to an illegible mess, I started crying.

But what happened next changed it all around.

No, I did not suddenly have the energy to start sprinting. Yes, I did have a pity party for myself, tears included, for about 10 minutes. Yes I did take out my cell phone and leave a message for my friend’s husband, to let him know where I was. And yes I tried to decipher directions and study street signs as I trudged on.

But suddenly, the once evil cop started driving alongside me. I was confused, pouting, and still upset with her. But then another cop car was following behind me. As they started guiding me through the rest of the course, turn by turn, intersection by intersection, I realized they weren’t just getting me through the first major traffic stop we came across.

They were letting me finish. 

Despite the rain, the wind, the chaffed skin, the hills, and the cold, it was the most epic hour and a half I’ve ever experienced during a marathon. I knocked off the crying and felt an amazing runner’s high. They were shutting down the course as we went, and cop cars once stationed around the route joined us on our journey back. At mile 23, we also picked up the course ambulance. Every time we turned a corner and met up with another aid station, the amazing volunteers cheered us on. I felt as though we were in a parade.

I plodded on. The rain stopped. Stephanie and her husband found me within the last mile. They were besides themselves when they saw the police cars trailing. She ran with me for a bit and then let me run solo for my finish, as the evil-turned-inspirational cop stationed herself a few hundred yards back and turned on her sirens for me, while I crossed the finish line.

Caught on film was the worst marathon photograph I have ever taken. But I finished. It counted. Marathon #9, state #9.

Officially, for a few moments anyways, I was finisher #614 out of 614. But the race director was kind enough to left 5 people after me finish. Their times are now also recorded on the website.

So to my friend, or anyone else with a fear of finishing last, let go of that worry! Sign up for that race! And who cares if you come in last? I’ve been there. It was awesome. But one major piece of advice:

Remember to fake a smile when you cross the damn finish line.

Entrance to the expo

Stephanie finishing in windy conditions

City of Oaks Marathon Finishers

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