Twin Cities Marathon

 Can’t believe it’s over! The taper leading up to the race flew by, and all of the sudden it was Saturday night and I was laying out my running outfit. I think I did the taper well, staying off my feet as much as possible, eating well, hydrating, and getting to bed early. On Saturday night I made marathon bolognese and I woke up Sunday morning at 4:50a ready to go. I drank water, had coffee had a piece of toast and then brought a Liquid IV and a bagel with me to the start. 

I drove to the buses in St. Paul and hopped right on, getting to the start at 6:30… a little early, but it gave me time to think over my game plan, drink my liquids and use the bathroom. I went 4 times before the race! But didn’t feel any urge to go during the race, so this was perfect. I got to see Racheal before we found our spots in corral 1 and it made the start more exciting to be with a friend. 

I positioned myself in between the 3 hr and the 3:10 pacer and willed myself to believe I wouldn’t be seeing that 3:10 pacer again. Then off we went! I loved hearing the pounding of tennis shoes on the pavement. The weather was cool and people were strong. I didn’t want to go out too fast, but the adrenaline is just hard to reel in! I made it to the 5k in 21:22, a few seconds ahead of my goal. I felt good! I heard the cathedral bells, passed the iconic spoon and cherry sculpture and found a pack to tuck myself into. My mind game was strong too. “I can do this” “I feel amazing”. I continued at this pace through the half (1:31:21). Feeling strong, noticing the colors, the people, the strong runners, the fun signs, the inspiring wheelchair marathoners… I was enjoying the speed and kept telling myself I could hold on to this pace. I took gu’s at miles, 5,10,15 and sipped a little water at each station.

and then…..I don’t know what happened! Ha! I felt hot, my turnover slowed and even though my mental game was still strong- praying for my people, reciting my mantras, pretending my feet were springs, pumping my arms, smiling big smiles…. I just couldn’t get my pace down. When I saw my sister and Mike and the kids I got a little spring in my step- it faded but also told me I still had it. Then the 3:10 pacer came speeding by and I was determined to stick with him. I did, for a quarter mile or so and then lost him…then I saw another old friend and I kicked it up again, she sparked some confidence in me and I went for it. I saw my sister 2 more times and was extremely emotional. I can’t put a finger on what I was feeling, but I think it was deep gratitude in the midst of intense pain. I was in that dark place where my physical and mental capacities were at their limits and seeing people show up who love me even if I am far off my goal time meant everything to me. 

The finish is magical at TCM. A big American flag signals you’re entering the shoot and then the downhill to the capital cannot be beat. I ran that downhill at a 6:50 pace (where was that speed at mile 23??). I clocked a personal best for the TCM, coming in at 3:11:34 one minute and some change off my last PR here. 

I saw Laura and her sis at the finish and then my cheer squad and my body was happy. I’m happy. I’m happy I still put myself in the position to do hard, vulnerable things, I’m happy that when things get hard I fight through it and can come out on top. I’m  proud that even though my legs are getting older, the mental toughness I’ve gained has given me a new tool as I run. I somehow ended up 2nd in my age group, 36 out of 2,796 females, and 344 out of 6,495 overall runners. 

I came home to a basket of goodies from my friends and a sign on the front door — having people in your life is amazing. And then showered quick and ended the day watching Sten sing and play guitar at Belle Vinez outside on the patio. I don’t think I could have asked for a better celebration! 

I’ll never forget marathon #9! xo. edc.