Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Cleveland report in pictures (and more words)

First, thank you for all your kind and supportive comments on my last post!  It has helped me so much over the past few days.  I'm feeling a lot better today, only pain remaining is in my left hip, quads, and shins.  With the gorgeous weather and my week off from work I am itching to be outside so I hope to be able to get an easy run tomorrow.  

In my rush to post my race report I realized that in the last post I 1) misspelled/used incorrect grammar 2) did not give a complete story of my race day experience.  

Race day brought some cooler temperatures to the Cleveland area. Morning temps were in the mid to upper 40's.  The day topped out around mid 50's  What I consider ideal racing temps!

I'm all sorts of squinty goodness here.  I must have been REALLY excited.  Actually I was just nervous/anxious/unsure and I feel like a dork when taking a picture by myself!

Only my hubbie was at the start and I lost him as soon as I lined up next to the 4:15 pace group. It was a little chaotic since there were no barricades between the racers and the spectators. Where I lined up I found myself surrounded my the red bibs that were half marathoners.  I found a couple people wearing Chicago race gear and tried to soak in the cool morning while listening to pieces of conversations happening around me.  

Shot of my view before the start.  

Yes, I have some strange looking form here just before mile 13.  Jacob took the picture just as I finished high fiveing my friend Rachel (jumping in the background). I love this picture though because of the people cheering - it's my 2nd family  My bestie and her parents and sister.  My sister is there but hidden.  They made signs (I've never had anyone make a sign for me!) that said Run Booger Run and something else I couldn't read because I zoned out and saw it too late.

Apparently I decided to dress in the ROY section of ROYGBIV. Red/White shoes, orange shirt, yellow headband.  I wanted others to see me coming!

This is around mile 23.  I was HURTING and had just resumed my running.  Around 21 I had texted my hubbie saying I wasn't doing well.  Hubbie, Sister, and BIL surprised me at 23!  My sister handed me the oranges I forgot to take at the halfway point.   I was so out of it I couldn't get them out of the bag.  She took them back to help a sister out :) I am extremely grateful I had support and someone to run with me.  Loo told me funny stories and talked while I grunted in response or said nothing at all.  Plus she was able to get me back on pace.  And is the only girl I know that could get picked up at mile 25.75 of a marathon. (The skinny long legs and boobs I was not blessed with help) Thanks Loo - You're the best!!!

The rest of the race I zoned out.  My SSIL and SS jumped in around 24 or just after.  Since they had run the 10K they knew what the race of the course held for me so they helped by telling what was ahead or how much longer I had on a specific streets.  It helped a lot to just have others around me I knew even if I didn't talk to them.  

I finished in a sprint mostly to get away from creepy guy, took a bunch of food and tried to find the family.  Once I found my sisters we took a picture together at the CNN tent then I was on a (slow) mission to find the beer tent :)

Enjoying my free post race beer by Lake Erie.  I was laughing because only in Ohio would they have miller lite in a can for your post race enjoyment.  Love it!  All my family found me at this point and we sat around laughing and telling stories.  
The "swag"  Really the shirt doesn't look as obnoxious in the picture as it does in reality.  No worries, I will still be wearing it on my runs.  I don't have a problem with obnoxious colors.  

I didn't take a lot of pictures and not really sure why.  Normally I am crazy picture taker.  My SSIL (step sister in law) has a lot more, like ones that include my actual family, and I hope to have copies by the end of the week. 

Maggie felt left out of all the race hoopla so I let her "borrow" my medal.  Actually as soon as I took the picture she decided it would be more fun to try to eat it.  

A few thoughts post race...
  • Always put chapstick in your pocket.  My lips are nice and wind/sun burned.  The one piece of skin I forgot to cover race day and am regretting I did every few seconds.  
  • Good beer, excellent margaritas, and supportive family and friends (and RBFs!) who make you laugh/are there for you with a kind word will cure any heartache and make you remember what is important.
  • I enjoyed getting others excited by running this race - maybe not in that they will go for a run but that they support the community.  My SB (step brother) wasn't looking forward to the race and didn't see the point or fun in watching runners.  Afterwards at lunch he said he couldn't believe how much fun and motivating it was watching family and strangers.  He had stories of people running Sunday and was asking tons of questions.  I loved every second of telling stories and sharing my experiences! 
  • Wright socks were not my friends this race.  I have 2 of the largest blisters on the outside of each big toe.  I have had bad blisters during training but nothing like this after a race where it wasn't wet and with socks that promise no blisters...  onwards to find my perfect sock.
  • I need to expand my horizons when it comes to fuel during the race.  I am not handling the GU this year and this marathon reinforced that issue.  Recommend your race fuel - how are the shot blocks?  flavors?  I saw something about GU gushers - anyone tried?  I can't chew luna moons or sport beans, takes too much effort/jaw hurts.  
  • Thinking about new race training plan.  Any suggestions?  Anyone want to help me?  I am open to anything but I have a unique travel schedule that changes weekly.  

13 comments:

X-Country2 said...

Glad you're feeling better. Great pics, and despite your unhappy state, you really look lovely. :o)

RE: fuel- I use triberry Hammer Gels since I think Gu is disgusting. I also use cranberry Shot Bloks, but they aren't super quick to get down. (Yum though!)They require quite a bit of chewing, which is fine for my relaxed long runs, but they might be a bit slow if you're seriously counting seconds in a BQ pursuit or something.

Marlene said...

Love part II of the report + pictures! You're looking strong & happy!

kilax said...

I love the pics! Especially the one with Maggie. Ha ha. I love cats :)

I think that is great that your SB was excited by the race and realized how cool it can be! So many people think marathoners are crazy. Well, they may be crazy, but crazy fun!

Bill Carter said...

Hi Jamie

Congratulations! After every marathon I have ever done, I always think to myself (or yell out loud) "My God that was just the hardest thing ever!". And they really are. The difference between doing a half marathon and biting off the whole enchilada is light years. Yes, it really is that much harder. But you did it and I think that was a very good time. That suportive husband of yours is a keeper.

Best of luck and enjoy your recovery.

MCM Mama said...

Great pics!

I can't help you much with fueling though, I love Gu. It's the only thing that works for me. Shot bloks send me directly to the bathroom, so if you have a sensitive stomach, try them near home the first time. I like sharkies, but they are a bit difficult to get down.

Glad you had such awesome family support!

kristen said...

Great pics and so cool to hear how much fun your family had. Isn't family the best!

I use hammer gel, but I can only take half at a time about every half hour. The whole packet makes me sick. maybe you should try cutting the amount and time betweeen taking them. You know like an IV with a steady drip of GU.

The Laminator said...

Wow, part 2 was every part as exciting as part 1. Loving your recap and the pictures.

I'm glad you're feeling better. I've found It takes a few days for everything to soak in.

I'm thinking you must have inspired a lot of family and friends to pick up running. That is what is the most awesome part of it all.

Congrats Jamie! Another triumph! Let it all digest a bit because you think about your plans for another one. You deserve to feel happy and satisfied for a little while before you think about trianing again.

Love hearing your story. Much congrats again for a job very well done!

audgepodge said...

Love these pics! You had such a great smile when you were surrounded by your friends :) I didn't even get to experience the free beer (the 'rents were tired... haha). And I love the pic with the kitty.

carpeviam said...

I love all the retroness of it all! And, Kitty looks so happy and proud. Almost as if Kitty ran it!

runner26 said...

Great race, Jamie! Congrats on the finish! Hope your recovery is going well!

Chris said...

Congratulations! Always an accomplishment when you push through those tough moments and just get it done.

I have a hard time with fuel too. I'm experimenting with Shot Bloks and Gu Chomps. So far so good, other than I need more water to get them out of my teeth. I like bananas from about mile 15 forward, and even a little chunk of power bar, especially if it's gotten all hot and soft in my pocket - goes down easier and is more sustaining.

My name's Chris and it's nice to meet you!

RunToTheFinish said...

so sorry I'm just getting caught up on blogs! way to go on another finish!!

I can't use GU either it makes me very sick, but I have found Hammer Gel is ok and Clif shot blocks work very well for me

Marcy said...

CONGRATS CHICA!!! You did awesome!! Lovin the pics. I like the shirt. I guess I like obnoxious colors too?! LOL

I usually do Carboom gels. They taste OK (except for banana peach) and they've got electrolytes in them and low sugar (which is usually a big deal for me since I can't stomach shot bloks or anything with a good amount of sugar in it)