Twin Cities Marathon: Race Report

I feel like I've said so much about it already, that this is going to be rather anti-climactic, but here it is, in all it's glory...

Friday FINALLY got here, and I was packed up and ready to go. As soon as I got the kids off to school, I headed towards Minnesota. I know I've said it before, but there is something about crossing that state line that always makes me smile. Minnesota makes me HAPPY. I miss it.

On the way, I was talking with my Mom and realized that the Expo was on the way to her apartment, so I stopped and picked up my bib just to get that out of the way. I shopped a little bit, and drooled a little bit, but the budget was not allowing for much buying, so I didn't stay long. Which ended up being a good thing, as it took me over an hour to get to the restaurant where I was meeting my parents for dinner - I HATE being stuck in traffic. So annoying.

An early dinner, a walk by the lake near my Mom's place, and I was hashed. I was falling asleep on the couch and my Mom sent me to bed. I think I slept for 10 hours straight - I really needed it. (Julia has been sick, so I've been listening to coughing all night for about a week now.)

The next day was kind of a blur. Shopping, lunch with my parents' friends, and back to the expo to meet Carly! We chatted for a while and I met her friend Kelli (they both grew up in my hometown and ran high school track with my sister - small world!) and I left them on their mission to find just the right race shirt. I did a little more shopping at the expo, and bought a new SPI wrist band with a pocket, since I hate belts of any kind SO much. Then back home to chill.

I went to bed early, but didn't really sleep well. Not too surprising. My stomach had been talking to me for since arriving in MN...it doesn't really travel well. I was still hopeful that I could work it out in the morning and have a good race.

But, as you know, that wasn't how that played out at all.

SO. Race morning! It didn't start until 8am, so I got up early, but not obscenely so. My Dad dropped me at the metrodome for the start, where we could wait inside and use real bathrooms. It was CRAZY inside, but really nice to be out of the morning chill. As cool as it was at the start, I was a little nervous about how warm it would end up.

With just 20 minutes to go, I headed outside to sunscreen up (I ended up sharing with a couple people) and check my stuff. I found my corral and waited. I'd been texting with Sara, but it wasn't until just before go time that I realized we were in different corrals (which is why I was unable to find her). It was crowded and exciting!

that's the metrodome on the right...

For as many runners (there were 8500+ finishers) it was REALLY well organized from start to finish. I crossed the start just 11 minutes after the gun went off, and was on my way.

The first mile, the thing I remember most was that my skirt was giving me fits. It kept falling down! I have worn this skirt on a gajillion long runs and never had this issue. I know my weight is down a little, but I didn't think it was enough to make a difference. But it was disconcerting to be messing with it for the entire first mile.

Luckily, that was short lived, and I was able to just settle into a pace that felt comfortable. My goal was to stick to as close to 11 minute miles as I could, for as long as I could. I felt AMAZING. It was gorgeous out, the energy of the race was so high, and the spectators! They rocked!

I had my walkman around my neck, but I never even put it in until mile 7. And then I took it off again, since I couldn't hear it anyway. There were very few quiet spots on this course - people lined the ENTIRE thing, whole families and neighborhoods cheering. It was outstanding!

The course starts in Minneapolis, weaves around several lakes and through gorgeous neighborhoods, runs all along the Mississippi river and into St. Paul, and then down Summit Avenue which is lined with incredible historic mansions, and ends smack in front of the State Capital building. It is BY FAR the most beautiful course I've ever run. There were no crappy industrial areas or boring spots to get through. From start to finish, it was gorgeous.

The first miles ticked off easily. I felt great. My splits were right on point. (garmin stats here.) I was chatting with other runners. I was smiling at everyone. It was perfect. Spectators, as I said, were outstanding. But the best part was seeing the same families and signs over and over again throughout the race. To the point of me actually saying to them, "Hey! I saw you just a little while ago!" It was a great race for seeing your loved ones on the course many times. Some of them I saw as many as 5 or 6 SEPARATE times. (And they didn't even belong to me! They really know how to work it!)

Even the hills! (And there ARE some hills on this course.) I ran steadily up them. I was only walking the water stops. The plan was running beautifully.

And then? Mile 12 happened. And my stomach made itself known. I had been running for a couple miles with Jess, a first time marathoner, but I sent her on her way to wait in line at the damn port-a-potty. I spent 5 or 6 minutes there, and when I finally got a turn, some RUDE guy outside was screaming like a 2 year old for us to HURRY UP IN THERE!! Really?! You think I LIKE wasting precious minutes in the damn toilet? I got the hell out, and he RAN ME OVER on the way in. He kicked my ankle out and I nearly fell. Nice. I was pissed.

And just like that, it all fell apart. I couldn't settle back into a pace. My mental game was struggling. I was upset and nearly in tears. I couldn't find a rhythm. I texted my husband that I was struggling.
He was so encouraging.

But I never got it back. I tried, and for several miles it was back and forth...I'd think I had it, and then it was gone again. Just past mile 17, I ran into my aunt and uncle on the course! That was a really nice boost right then, and I thought I could get it back. I had already been passed by the 5 hour pace group, but I wasn't so far off yet.

And then? Damn stomach again.

It was then that I realized I was hot, and a PR was out of my cards for the day. I was in it to enjoy it. I walked when I wanted to. I talked to everyone. I really had an amazing time soaking in the course, and I am glad I didn't try to kill myself when it was no longer necessary. For a while, I felt like I'd given up on myself, but after a few days to process it all, I realize I simply adjusted my goals with what the day had brought me.

And I KNOW I did the right thing.

At mile 19, I saw my parents. My Mom had been worried, since I was so far off of my projected time, but I just shrugged. I was fine. It just wasn't my day.

coming up to the Franklin St. bridge at mile 19

getting some love from my Mom

After that, I just kept with "constant forward motion." I was hot (I realize that some people thought this was a PERFECT running day, but I like it much colder. I suppose if I could run MUCH faster, it wouldn't be such an issue...) but I was having fun. I smiled. I chatted. I high-fived. I ran some. I walked some. And before long, the finish was in sight.

This is THE BEST FINISH LINE EVER. It's on a nice downhill, the Capital in full view, and they announce your name as you cross (which I loved - it was the first time I'd ever experienced that). My family back home got to hear the announcer say my name and watch me cross live. That was also pretty cool.

looking AWAY from the finish up the hill - first we ran under the flag...

Finishing this one felt great! The finishers area was really well organized, and after getting my medal, shirt (you have to FINISH to get the shirt) and picking up my stuff, I met my family again.

I am a giant dork :)

The rest of the day was spent ice-bathing and showering, and then chilling. After a bit, Carly made it back from urgent care, and I headed to her place to hang out and rehash the day and trade Duluth stories. It was the perfect end to a great day.

With so many superlatives used to describe everything about this race, there's no way I can say I had anything other than a fabulous time. Sub-5 hours is still waiting for me, and I'll still chase it, but that doesn't diminish my accomplishment in any way. I reminded myself often that day - I am BLESSED to GET to do this. I am LUCKY. I trained with wonderful people. I GOT TO RUN.

Now on to what's next....