1 and done

I have learned, at this point in my life, to never say never. However, it is HIGHLY unlikely that I will repeat the City of Oaks Marathon. 1 week ago, I tackled it for my second completed marathon. I finished triumphant, injury-free (not counting blisters), in just under 4 1/2 hours. But, my god, the hills!! They were relentless, numerous, and long - at least one was over a mile of continuous incline!

After dominating the first half with a 9:30/mile pace, I must admit that I walked a good chunk of the last 9 miles - saving whatever running I had left in me for downhills and anytime I thought my spectators might pop up. Yes, my less than victorious moments of near tears and hill-cursing were successfully hidden from my wonderful hubby and friends, who with their hats and signs to distract and amuse me every few miles, made it hard not to dig deep and smile.

In the past, I have underrated the value of having familiar faces on the sidelines. Though I am always thankful for my husbands' support, I have never really had anyone else cheer me on, much less make signs, gather props and get up at 4 in the morning to travel 2 1/2 hours and dodge traffic just to help me finish a race. It definitely made a difference, and I have already signed up to run the half of the marathon they are doing this coming spring so that I can try to reciprocate.

My post-marathon plans are a bit different this time. If I learned anything from my first, it was to not take such a long hiatus afterward. So, I am already signed up for a few races in the coming months - mainly shorter ones leading up to the afore mentioned half-marathon in April. And, after taking 5 days off from running to recover, I got in a short run around the neighborhood today. It felt good. My calves were still a bit tight, but my blisters are healed, and my easy run turned out to be a 29:01 5k. Given that when I first started running two years ago, I was turning in 3 miles in just under 35 minutes, I have come a pretty long way.

And, I have already put my name in the hat for NYC again next year. City of Oaks had been my local plan B marathon this time around, so I will hope against hopes that my name gets drawn for 2012 .....and keep my eyes peeled for a flatter back-up race.