Yesterday, I shared about the first 20 miles of my first marathon. If you missed that post, you should definitely check it out here. We left off with me just reaching mile 20 and feeling pretty wiped out but still moving. I actually got kind of motivated because I realized that if I just kept running I could get in under five hours. Or so I thought. Around mile 21 or so, my running buddy from DC caught up to me and I was SO happy to see her. We ran together for about a mile or so and then I had to let her go. I knew I had to walk and wanted her to finish strong. As she ran past me, I just felt SO DONE. Oh, and by the way, the 5 hour pacer passed me shortly after this as well. By the time I got to mile 22, I was walking almost as much as I was jogging and tweeted what I thought might be my last tweet ever because I was sure I was dying. I was SO grateful to all my sweet runner friends who quickly chimed in with support.
Speaking of support…I encountered an angel on that race course last Saturday. Right when I was struggling the most, a very kind man came up behind me and commented on my tutu. We started chatting and when he heard it was my first marathon, he told everyone around us that it was my first and proceeded to cheer loudly. He pumped me up and encouraged me and was absolutely amazing. I was able to deduce that he was a training team’s coach and he did an awesome job of staying with his athletes over the race. I wasn’t on his team but at least 5 different times between miles 20-26.2, he coached me too. It was such a blessing and I wish I had been coherent enough to remember his name so I could try and track him down to thank him. I saw him right after I crossed the finish and nearly burst into tears (ahem, yes again) when I hugged him. People are amazing.
Back to the race. I slowly took it mile by mile. I made it to 23. Then 24. Then finally, I made it to mile 25. At this point, I knew I would finish. I guess I knew all along, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t contemplate calling a cab at mile 22. For real. I just kept telling myself to make it to the downhill. See, the Richmond marathon ends on a long downhill slope. I knew if I could just make it to the downhill, I’d be there. Every single fiber in my body was screaming at me – I have seriously never felt pain like this. I totally underestimated what those last 6.2 miles would do to me!
But…I made it. And now – I’m a marathoner! The best feeling ever was crossing that finish line. Of course, I cried (yes, again).
I don’t think I will ever tire of discussing the Richmond Marathon 2013. Ever. I also may not be able to ever walk down steps again. Ever. 🙂
Y’all…in short, the race was amazing. It hurt, I gave it everything I had and I’m pretty dang sure I’m gonna do it again next year. Loved every painful minute of it!
If you’ve not run a marathon, have I convinced you yet?? If you have, what is your favorite course and why?
Congrats again! Go get those legs massaged and stretch stretch stretch!
Thanks Jessica 🙂
Woohoo! I loved every word of both parts of your recap. Congrats for sticking it out and finishing — and still being able to smile! 😉
Coco recently posted…My Birthday Triathlon
I was soooo happy to finish — thanks so much for reading and all your support!
I would have cried too! Get some much needed rest – you earned it!! Congrats again!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Fun stuff going on
Thanks Michelle — I was a crying mess but loved this race!
I just teared up! I am so proud of you – and YES never tire of talking about Richmond Marathon 2013… you EARNED it.
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…13 in 2013: Mission Complete
Thanks SO much — you rock! I think I’ve told my “marathon story” 20 times and I get more excited each time!
Many many congrats on finishing your first marathon! And kudos to you for pushing through the pain, even when you wanted to stop!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Walt Disney World Half Marathon Training Log – Week 11
Thank you so much Kathryn! Can’t wait for you to run Disney!!
So proud of you for persevering!! Way to go!
Rose @ RoseRunsOn recently posted…Bull City Race Fest Recap
Thanks Rose — it was tough, but I’m so proud of myself 🙂
Court, you are a ROCK STAR!! I am so proud of you for finishing that beast. I got emotional reading your recaps, but you are so inspiring to me. 🙂 When I run my first half next year I’m going to keep in the back of my mind “WWCDD” (What Would C-Dre Do?) The answer- keep going! I love and miss you, and can’t wait to see you at ol’ Agnes in April!
You are going to KILL your first half, I have no doubt!! 🙂
You made me cry at work. You are INCREDIBLE and I love you. YOU MADE IT!!! (not that I ever had any doubt!)
Congrats again!!! I am so very proud of you!!
Betsy recently posted…365/318: 30 Days of Thanks Day 15
Huge congrats on your first marathon! I remember walking to work after mine and laughing at my “old man shuffle” down the street. Treat yourself to a massage or two, superstar – you deserve it!
Krista recently posted…Today – I Ran My Heart Out
Thank you so much for reading 🙂 I feel SOOOO much better now than I did, say the day after 🙂
Great job, Court!!! I have to admit I got a little choked up reading your post. That gentleman was definitely your marathon angel and even though you didn’t meet your goal, I give you a huge amount of credit for setting a goal to run a marathon in the first place. That absolutely takes guts!
Sooo are you getting ready for the next one?!
I actually am — thinking of doing Shamrock Marathon in VA Beach in the spring 🙂
Huge congratulations on your finish! You are awesome!!!!
Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted…Visit The Georgia Aquarium
Thank you Kristy! It feels good to say I’m a marathoner!
Oh girl, parts 1 and 2 of your recap describe my first marathon (MCM 2008) SO perfectly! I did so well until around mile 14, encountered several of my own “angels” along the course, thought I would surely DIE between miles 22-24, and still have almost no memory of crossing the finish (that infamous climb in the last .2 miles? no memory!). And the emotional aspect? Less on my marathon, but my first race ever, a half, oh yeah, I was a cry baby. BIG time! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the race though! Congrats to you! Such a wonderful accomplishment!
Elizabeth recently posted…Time for Instructor Confessions!
Thanks Elizabeth — it’s funny how many people have had similar race experiences. I always like to know I’m not alone. I was seriously questioning my life decisions at mile 22 🙂
Great job!! That sounds exactly like my first marathon experience…the pain, the crying etc. It is totally normal and you rocked it! Sounds like you’ll be doing this again soon 😉
Danielle @ Trails & Cocktails recently posted…Stone Mill 50 Miler Race Report
Your posts turned me into a teary mess, I cried tears of joy for you reading. Congratulations … you my dear are a MARATHONER!
Anita recently posted…That Voice
Congrats Courtney! I love the random people you will meet along the way that will encourage you. Those are some of my favorite moments during a race. I’m glad you found your angel towards the end!
I love that that man coached and encouraged you! It is just the best when you really need a little help and someone is there for you! It made me smile just to read about it!
Michelle recently posted…Giving Thanks {Ladies Only Blog Share}
It was the most amazing thing! SO helpful right when I needed it 🙂
Congratulations 1000x over. You ARE a marathoner. Great job out there. God bless the angels we find on the course, right?
Clarinda @ Enjoying the Course recently posted…Happy Hug-a-Runner Day!