As soon as I ran across the finish line, I came to a dead stop. Not because I wanted to, but because there was no place to go. It was complete gridlock. We slowly moved forward and got our space blankets, some water, and our medals. Then it was time for the picture in front of Iwo Jima. That was pretty cool, but after that, I (and some others) got directed the wrong way and ended up downhill from where the food was. I was in a bit of a time crunch as Beer Geek needed to leave town, plus I really wasn’t up for walking back up the hill, so I just headed to meet my family, knowing I had a Cliff bar in my dry clothes bag. Beer Geek met me on the way, as I was picking up my USAA finisher’s coin.
We found the boys, my mom, and Shoo’s Godparents. and took a quick family picture that we will likely use on our Christmas card.
Then Beer Geek headed out of town for the next few days and the rest of us checked out the festival before heading home. I bought myself a “finisher” hat to wear when running and then we decided to head out. The metro was insane, so we decided to walk up to the next stop. It was still insane, so we stopped at a coffee shop for a potty stop and a latte for me (the kids had eaten my cliff bar, so I had only had the gu’s, powerade, and a granola bar since breakfast). We then walked the rest of the way home. (It’s three miles from Iwo Jima to my house). Yes, folks, I did indeed run 26.48 miles (according to Garmin) and then walk 3 miles. I’m crazy that way.
Have you noticed I’m smiling in all the pictures? I felt AMAZING, considering I’d run a marathon! And if you know my real name, check out my finishers page on the Marine Corps Marathon webpage. Tons more pictures there – not all with smiles LOL. If you don’t know my name, email me and I may or may not tell you who I am ;o)
I was pretty much useless the rest of the day. Thank goodness my mom was here to make sure the boys actually got fed. I woke up Monday and was only moderately sore, but by the end of the day I had to pretty much crawl up the stairs. And in a house with two sets of stairs and no bathroom on the main level, that was pretty much hell.
At this point, though, I can walk. Up stairs. Without hanging on to the rail. Woohoo! My only real problem at this point is a popped blister on the bottom of one toe that is making walking difficult. Oh, and Viper, I celebrated with a 2002 Alaskan Smoked Porter that we’d been saving. Yummy!
So, what’s next? Maybe another marathon.. Wait, did I say that out loud? Actually, for now, a second marathon is a decision to be made at a much later date. I want to be a much stronger runner before I try (IF I try) again. I also want the kids to be older. Training was really hard on our family life this time around.
I’ve been scoping out some races for the near future. I’ll be running a 5K on Thanksgiving, which is not a distance I like and is unfortunately the easiest length to find. I’m also thinking about doing the Jingle Bell 10K in D.C. in December and the Suntrust Half Marathon in March (how cool is it that I’ve qualified for the half and the whole marathon with my 10k, my 10 miler, my half marathon AND my marathon times?!?) I’d really like to pull off a sub-2 hour half. ( I also considered the Zooma half again, but there’s an awesome beer event in DC the night before and that so takes precedence.) I’d also like to try some trail racing in the spring.
So, my marathon may be over, but I’ll still be running and I’ll still be right here jabbering about it. Thanks for joining me on the ride so far and stay tuned for more adventures.
3 miles is pretty far to walk right after a marathon, but the walking probably helped you recover. The worst thing a runner can do after a marathon is sit down for a long period of time — everything cramps up.And I can just imagine how busy the Metro was afterward. It was hectic before and after the Army Ten Miler and MCM is nearly twice as big!
You *freaking* rock! Nice job!
Loved your report – it is almost identical to the experience I had… great time, etc. until Hains Point then nausea hell until Mile 19 then hamstring cramps that hobbled me to a walk/jog for 7.2 miles. I also made the decision to have fun the last 5K since I knew I wouldn't make the time I hoped for. Didn't matter, still crossed the finish line and got my medal. I too missed the food tent. They used to push you right through it so that is one of the things I'm going to recommend they put back to the "old" way. Walked about a mile back to my hotel in Rosslyn, did the ice bath & ibuprofen and I was in great shape. Spent Monday enjoying your fair city, Tuesday flying home and today I feel great. You did a wonderful job and actually "stole" my time from me LOL! I also was saying 'I never have to run again' afterward but by yesterday as we were leaving I looked at DH and said, "I just know I have that 4:55 marathon in me!" He replied, "Here we go again…"Congrats on your great finish and never forget:We are The Few, The Proud, The Marineathoners!
Congratulations! I just read your report and am awed…not only did you run a marathon, but you traveled about 30 miles on foot in one day? Incredible! Hope the recovery is continuing to go well.
OMG 3 miles is a long way to walk! I hustled my butt got my metal, and some water/snacks, prayed that Mr McG parked close and prayed that my legs wouldn’t lock HAHAHOhhh you know you’ll do another one 😉
Nice job on the Alaskan Smoked Porter. I’ve never had the discipline to age a beer more than a week. Ha! I hope it hit the spot. Congrats again on the race.
Your race report was awesome!!!! I felt like I was there. Congratulations! You rocked that thing!I loved your pictures. You look soooooo happy in every one of them. 26.48 miles and you make it look good.I agree with Jess that the 3 miles home probably helped the recovery.
Holy cow, I can’t believe you (a) walked home and (b) the kids ate your Clif bar. LMAO at that. You are so awesome! I’ll go check out the pics now.
The picture of you holding your little one had me thinking—she’s sooo tired, I bet standing and holding him was tough. Then you walked THREE MILES HOME!!! You rock, sister!!All that Powerade didn’t have any adverse effects, um, afterwards? (It does to me.)