Marathon: Quick Overview & Results; 1 of 2

On Saturday, October 17, 2009 I began my 1st marathon. Just over 4 hours later, I completed it.

With the constant support of my family and friends, I completed the most exciting, lengthy, yet rewarding race I have ever run. I cannot thank each of you enough for your support as I trained and competed in this race.

My "bib" number is 986. I was SO excited when I saw my name printed on the green bib! Of all the races I have run, I have never had my NAME printed on my race number. I was SO excited. While Chris did not understand my enthusiasm, I assured him that when I was delirious after about 20 miles, having my name on my bib would be a good thing : )

My "unofficial" results, according to the KC Marathon website is:
Time: 4:09:58
Overall Place: 670 (out of 1557 total participants who completed the marathon)
Mile Pace: 9:33

I am pretty darn proud of myself! I had a few goals for this race, including:
1. To FINISH (hopefully run the entire race) ----COMPLETED
2. Goal Time: 9 minute mile pace--making entire race about 4 hours--Nearly Did It! (missed it in the last few miles! drat!)

Post Race Thoughts:

I don't know my exact train of thought when the race was over, but it went something like this:

I COMPLETED A MARATHON! (sigh of relief!)
Hey-I beat the 4 hour 10 minute mark!
Woah! That WAS a long race.
Maybe marathoners ARE crazy. Nah! I'm done!
Glad it's over.
Although---I feel remarkably good. Maybe I should do a bit of a cool down?
Water?
T-shirts?
Medal?
Cool.
Where do I go?
Where are the balloons and my family? (Chris was holding a handful of helium balloons throughout the race so that I could easily spot where my supporters were!!)
Oh-hey-There's Alyssa and Whitney
Hmm...my legs are kind of sore--I need to stretch.
AH-FOOD!

: - D

It was not long after that I saw Chris, my parents, his parents, and a few of our friends. I am sure glad that Whitney and Alyssa (friends of mine from high school) found me because after the race, while I was feeling remarkably good, I had no idea where I should go to reunite with my fam/friends. It was not long before we found them all. I was greeted with smiles, hugs and many congratulations. Thank you again!!!

After I warmed up and chatted with family for a bit, we departed for the "Bonar Suites." (This is the name I like to call my sister's inlaws' house. Her inlaws' names are Bobby Ann (Erik's Mom) and Vern (Erik's Dad)) Vern has already gone down to Arizona, where he and Bobby Ann "winter" because it's too darn cold here ! Must be nice to chase that sunshine and warm weather when the snow and cold begin here in the midwest. Bobby Ann was still in town during my marathon and she was more than hospitable to house Chris and I during our stay in the KC area.

We headed back to the Bonar Suites so that I could clean up and take a much needed nap. While I rested, Chris and his parents as well as my parents visited and relaxed. When I awoke, I was HUNGRY! I downed some pasta to hold me over until the bbq with our friends.

Around 4 pm we met with a number of friends. Both of our parents FINALLY got to meet some of our KC friends as well as some of our college friends they have not seen in a long time. We had one of the best times we have had in a long time. I hobbled over to greet our friends as they pulled up--but it was SO wonderful to see them all! Our friend, Nick, ran the 1/2 marathon that day as well, so we talked about the race and when we each hit "the wall." We also got to visit with Tricia and her husband Clayton, two of my dear friends from college. We chatted with some family/friends of mine (the Ponnuru's) from Wichita--who now live/work in the KC area. They even brought their two beautiful daughters, who were SO adorable! We were also excited to have our dear friend, Cheri, come to the bbq. She is so much fun to fly with and we miss her dearly!

Despite my slow-moving self and the aches and pains, the day could not have been more perfect. I think Chris and I both said it was one of the most fun days we have had in a long time. The support was overwhealmingly wonderful, not to mention the quality time we got to spend with our friends and family. At the end of the day, I was sad it was all over. I didn't know how such a wonderful day could end so quickly.

And the answer to the question I keep getting:
Would I ever do another marathon?

On October 17th, I said I was unsure.
Today: I can undoubtably say: not anytime soon--but maybe one day again.

After putting in over 4 months of training, it was well worth the training--but very time consuming. For now, I will stick with the shorter runs (that is 1/2 marathons or less!) I will remain optimistic that when I do another marathon, I will have gaines valuable knowledge about training/support--both of which are immensely important to a race like this.

So--Mr. Larson...I don't know if I will be shooting for Boston...but the next marathon I run will be one big party!

Until then,
~Robin the runner