| Author |
Topic: I Am Now a Marathoner!!! |
Solarrunner
Cool Runner |
 posted May-22-2007 11:04 PM
  
I guess it's time to do my duty as a Boomer and write up my race report. I am thrilled to say that I am no longer a marathon virgin!! I managed to finish the Capital City Marathon in good order. I was too nervous about the whole thing to meet my fellow boomers for dinner the night before. Sorry about that - I just needed to be with my family. Anyway, the morning started out cool. Our thermometer said 48 degrees. Drove down to Olympia with DH, DS1 and DS2. Stayed warm in the vehicle until it was time to meet my running partner at the gazebo. Talked with the other running club members who had come to cheer us on. We finished our last-minute adjustments (and got reprimanded for trying to put on our iPods), took a few pictures, then headed to the starting line. I wore a black singlet with my long-sleeved Seattle (Half) Marathon tech tee over that, with black shorts, and pink FUG. I wore a hat and gloves too. At mile 4 they had a clothing drop so I ditched the hat and gloves. At mile 6 (or so) I gave the long-sleeve shirt to one of the running club members who was monitoring the race by bike. About two miles later a wind kicked up and I got cold and kept looking for the guy with my shirt. I was cold for the next 10 miles as he never did ride back. My hands did get cold enough at one point that it was impossible to open my Lotta Latte PowerBar gel pack. I ended up opening it with my teeth. I had picked PowerBar over Gu because I felt the packages were easier to open. I smiled when it easily ripped with my teeth. At mile 16 (?) a homeowner had wonderful, large, powerful speakers playing Rocky. What a nice boost that was. Would have loved to hear his music over other parts of the course. At mile 18 (?) a nice woman was offering cups of beer and pretzels. My partner and I partook of the beer. That was nice too! My running partner was an experienced marathoner and he was my insurance that I wouldn't go out too fast. The plan was that I would go on at a faster pace if I felt good after 10 or 13 miles. We ended up running the whole thing together even though I felt better than him for the last 8 and really could have run off then but I just couldn't leave him. DS2 joined us for the last six miles - that was his Mother's Day gift to me (we were celebrating a week late). He ran up to the last few hundred yards and then veered off the course to let me have my moment. The running club was there with bells to cheer me in and DH and DS were taking pictures and cheering. Big rush of adrenalin!! Raised my arms for the finish. What a great feeling!! I came in at 4:41:59. Not bad for a first marathon on a tough course. It was great!! I took an ice bath when I got home and DH and the DS's made me my traditional "Mother's Day breakfast in bed". What a wonderful Mother's Day celebration!! Oh, and my running partner earned Maniac status with that race!!
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timlooney
Cool Runner |
posted May-22-2007 11:10 PM
Wow! Nice job. It sounds like you had a great mother's day!!
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Econo
Cool Runner |
posted May-22-2007 11:10 PM
Yay, solarmarathoner! Marvelous debut, wow!!! Beer en route -- you know how to partay!
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cajohnson5
Cool Runner |
posted May-22-2007 11:29 PM
Very nicely done, Solarrunner. Sounds like you have a great family, and a good support system in place. Recover well, and keep posting. Have been enjoying your posts. cj
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srlopez
Cool Runner |
posted May-22-2007 11:39 PM
So you actually saw the clothing drop? For two years, I've seen it mentioned on the course map... but I've never actually noticed it on the course  Congratulations on your first marathon. It *is* a hard course, and you did very well! (but PowerGel sucks. HA)
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divechief
Cool Runner |
posted May-22-2007 11:43 PM
Congrats on a greta job. enjoy your recovery. But beer during the race? I've never been brave enough. (then again, they say don't try anything in the race that you haven't trained with, maybe I can fill one of my fuel belt bottles with..................
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Solarrunner
Cool Runner |
posted May-22-2007 11:51 PM
Yeah, I had to convince my running partner that the beer would be OK. It was actually quite good and felt good for the next mile or so (or maybe it was just the thought of it). Anyway, I'd highly recommend it!!Cat.
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mariposai
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 12:49 AM
Great to hear that your victory lap went by so well, dear Solarrunner. What a way to run and what a time for a marathon debut. You must have an angel as a running partners. Thanks for the great fashion report. Where are the pictures? I hope you also find out like I did after my first marathon that marathon running has amazing rewords in all aspects of your life, such a going beyond one's self-imposed limitations for example. Take time to enjoy your victory. So when is your next one? ------------------
Most people run a race to see who is fastest. I run a race to see who has the most guts."
- Steve Prefontainee
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evanflein
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 01:33 AM
Greta job Solarrunner!! Way to go, sounds like you had a blast on your first marathon. That's the best way to finish that first one... the beer was a nice touch. Hope it was a good one!------------------
evanflein
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superburtm
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 03:34 AM
congrats! Good time for a first!
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tselbs
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 05:42 AM
Congratulations on your first marathon, Solar. It's nice that you had such good support from family and friends. Keep up the good work.TomS ------------------
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bigapplepie
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 06:07 AM
Congratulations Solar!
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hermosaboy
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 06:59 AM
AWESOME!
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hally
Moderator of Boomers and Beyond |
posted May-23-2007 08:22 AM
Sounds like you had a fabulous first marathon! Almost makes me want to try one  Barb
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rochrunner
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 08:43 AM
Great job, Solar. That first marathon is always the one that sticks in your mind the most. And I'm glad that your family was so supportive and gave you such a nice Mom's day celebration.------------------
- Runnin' in Rochester Rochrunner
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SueT48
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 09:07 AM
Way to go, Solar!! Great first marathon - you'll never forget it. Enjoy the glow, but start thinking about the next one........------------------
Sue
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Spareribs
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 09:15 AM
Congrats on your first and running it well. Sounds like you did everything right.I ran my fastest ever marathon taking beer in the final miles, but I agree with dive that one should experiment with that first before trying it in a race. Great report. Spareribs
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Tetsujin30
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 09:18 AM
I might have joined you if the beer lady hadn't been on the other side of the street, . . . and standing room only. However, I think she needs to talk to soucilina about a possible different outfit. I'm like Robert and soley because of the clothing drop started out in long sleeves but it was singlet time by mile two and I never found the drop-off. Fortunately, the black longie was virtually invisible around the black singlet. Except for you being so fast, hope to see you soon.
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hollys4874
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 09:24 AM
Solarrunner – Congratulations on running your first marathon! Well done! Sounds like you and your running partner were able to help each other through tough spots - great teamwork. I think where they really should have beer is at mile #22 (BIG cups)…
------------------
Holly
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ksrunr
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 10:04 AM
Indeed you are a marathoner! Congrats.ksrunr
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Ileneforward
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 11:05 AM
Congratulations, marathoner! You ran extremely well, and you say you could have picked it up even more so you will have many faster times soon for sure. It was so nice of you to stay with your newly maniaced partner.
I can see your smile from here it is so bright. Great job!
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huskydon
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 11:32 AM
Congratulations......... marathoner! You did exceedingly well and most importantly, you had your family and friends there for support! We are all very happy for you. Rest up, and continue to savor the awesome accomplishment! Huskydon
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Fortunate One
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 12:19 PM
WTG, marathoner. The first one is a learning experience, and you now know that you can tolerate beer on the course! Next time, you might hold onto those gloves, as body temperature can do odd things during a race. Congratulations on a fine debut.------------------
Fortunate--a volleyballer with a running problem
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Dove61
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 12:22 PM
Hey Marathoner,
Nice job on one of the tougher courses around!It was nice meeting you out on the run, even though we didn't formally introduce ourselves. You look like a strong runner and hopefully we can meet up again soon. Rest up now and enjoy the post-marathon glow. -Dove ------------------
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TammyM
Cool Runner |
posted May-23-2007 12:24 PM
Congratulations!!! You did very very well!! 
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