No, it's not a marathon post, but a short post about the marathon yesterday.
I had three goals, two of which I met: I finished, and I finished with a better time than my first marathon (New York) nine years ago. My third goal was to come in under 5 hours. My official time is 5:12:40. I'm cool with that, and now I have a plan for the next one (!). I know I need a) people along the course cheering me on either because they know me or I've put my name on my shirt so they can say "Go Claudia!" and b) someone to run either the entire thing with me or the last five miles. It was a hard slog from mile 21 or so to mile 25. Quite honestly, I didn't anticipate the profound feeling of being alone during that time despite the other runners and spectators. I thought I could do it alone. Thankfully a woman running by me during that last mile invited me to run with her, which made all the difference - thanks, unknown woman!
One more day in the bay area and then I head back home.
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Amazing! Good job. I'm thankful on your behalf to the unknown woman and I sympathize for the loneliness of the long distance runner. I would be happy to run the last 5 miles of any race you're doing if that's legal.
ReplyDeleteFor now, rest up!