Attitudes from friends and family, and events leading up to this marathon were mixed and unexpected. The Ropers were never too inquisitive about everything, other than a few comments and questions about who will come down to watch, where they'll stay, and will we be ready to run in time? Being so close, the Ropers were always in the loop on how our training progressed and when we missed runs (which there were quite a few) and what injuries we were dealing with. The Webbs never really had any input on the subject until we got down to AZ. Surprisingly, most all their comments were pretty negative: "you're stupid" "you're crazy" "gotta be pretty dumb to run a marathon;" all the comments that most everyone THINKS when one thinks of running a marathon, but nothing that should be SAID to the already nervous and anxious runners preparing for their first marathon. But, despite what anyone else thought or said, the day arrived.
Our start time was 7:40 am; according to race packet info we were to show up at least an hour before our start. Needless to say, due to the anxiety of our first marathon and having driven down from Utah (a good nine hour drive) just a few days before, and having such an early morning race, Millie and I went to bed the night before with a little help from Ambien! Getting up and getting there was easier than expected. The morning started out crisp (a cool 45 degrees or so, practically balmy compared to Utah temps this time of year). Tevia and my parents dropped us off at our corrals (starting areas) and went down a ways to watch us begin the race. Millie's family was planning on meeting us around mile five or six, then eleven, seventeen, twenty and the finish line. My family opted to hang out at home all day, watching our progress on the computer then meeting up at the finish line. Millie's family drove up to the five mile point just as I was passing by and Rhonda jumped out of the car trying to snap a picture as I rounded the corner. Millie was a little behind me and stopped to remove and hand off her jacket to them. Mile eleven; Millie's fam was eagerly waiting my arrival. I was still feeling pretty energetic, but it was good to see them in the crowds and boosted my excitement to keep going. At Mile sixteen or seventeen they were a little late again and arrived just as I was passing by. So they took a trip around the block and honked as they passed coming the opposite direction. After waiting for Millie to pass the seventeen mile mark the Ropers headed to the finish line. For me, mile 20 came pretty fast; much faster than I had anticipated, and I was quite surprised at myself that I hadn't once stopped to rest or even slowed my pace to walk; but by this time my legs started to feel tight and I thought, "I'm making good time, my only goal was to FINISH the race (no time limit set for myself) and I don't want any injuries now, so I should take a moment to stretch a bit before the second half of the race." (anyone who has run a marathon would probably agree that it IS equally divisible into two equal halves, the first 20 and the last 6.2) As I tried to slow to a stop I almost fell on my face, my leg muscles must have become so programmed to the rhythm and motion of running that when I tried to stop them, they just kept moving! So, I thought, "well, if they want to keep moving, I might as well let them." So I did. However, about a mile down the road I decided to give it another try and stretch out a bit, muscles that move involuntarily can't be a good thing. After a quick stretch I started off again... trying to get going again after stopping in the middle of a marathon is NOT an easy task, but I went on and was able to keep close to my same pace (about 8:30 min mile) until the end of the race.
I crossed the finish line in 3hr 52min without a single family member to witness it; oh well, I was just happy to have finished! The Ropers got held up in traffic and were trying to find a place to park and the Webbs/Walls ended up leaving late from Glendale thinking I wouldn't finish so quickly. However, they all arrived shortly after and it was good to see them all there while we waited for Millie. Millie finish about an hour later with a finish time of 5hr 5min. I'm glad everyone was able to be there for Millie as she finished, I think she looks SO cute in the pictures of her around the finish line!
It really was a great marathon! We look forward to running it again next January (Jan 17th, 2009) and we hope to see you all there; and not just as a spectator, but IN the race! Many of the Ropers are already gearing up for the event. After completing it myself, there's no doubt in my mind that everyone in our families and circle of friends could complete the marathon with us next year... it just might take some longer than others to finish, but WELL worth the experience!
Millie and I will also try to get into run the Disneyland half marathon this fall. We'll keep you posted on how that comes along!
11 comments:
By the way, my finishing time was 5:03, not 5:05! That's ok though! I am still yet to post about my marathon experience! It was soooo much fun!
Yay Millie and Jacob! You two are amazing. We are so proud of you guys. It was very good to see you guys and get to hang out for a bit. Ellery is such a pretty little girl. And Millie I am so glad I got to talk with you a bit. You are a doll. :) SO glad to see everyone. Glad you guys had an enjoyable time running the marathon. :)
Great job guys. We only missed Jacob by about 5 minutes - and not due to leaving late, but the lack of parking close to the event. Next time we'll know better where to park. It was a fun day and I even ran into one of my hometeaching families who I didn't even know were running the marathon. About next year - if they have a Rock and Roll basketball tournament - I'm in.
Wow, sounds like the Webb family was a very disappointing aspect to your whole marathon experience. :) I hold firm to my convictions of not being interested in running 26 or even 13 miles, but I will try that much harder to make it to the finish line to see you cross it,instead of watching you online so you won't have such a sad end of the race next time.
I am very proud of you both and amazed at your perseverance and dedication to accomplish such a goal. And we loved having you guys here.
For the record:
It's not so much that the Webbs were some terrible disappointment that ruined race day, I just feel little to no consideration was taken into account with the fact that probably 90% of one's ability to complete a marathon is mental.
Although I was fully confident in my own ability to finish, Millie was struggling with it; negative thoughts and words were the last things she needed to be hearing just days and hours before the race.
I know most of the things were said in jest, but they still have a negative effect on a first time marathon runner, and I had hoped to have more positive comments from family. That's all.
For the record:
I honestly don't recall ever saying "you're stupid". If I did, I am truly sorry.
I am also sorry that I didn't realize that Millie was nervous to that extent on race day. I should have been more aware, and yes, any of the not so supportive things I said was not to make her feel worse, but rather I said them because I know I would never have what it takes or the desire to do it myself.
No hard feelings???
None whatsoever. :)
I hold no hard feelings! :) I don't think you guys were being extra negative or anything. It was mostly me thinking negatively and not being sure if I was ready. I was trying outwardly to be positive, but in the inside (and to Jacob) I wasn't. Next time I'll know better and be more confident! It really was a great race!
sigh......hmmmm and *sniff*
Sorry Millie if I said anything negative to mess up your running game. I was really trying to be supportive. It is kinda hard to be involved when we live so far away but I'm really glad your family could be there all the way. Oh could you do me a favor? Give Ellery a squeeze and kiss for me? It was such a joy spending time with all of you (even the poop incident)Thanks! Luv Mom W
i felt nothing but admiration and amazement at the determination and perseverance that you two showed. in fact i don't remember hearing any negative comments about the venture at all. (one of the fringe benefits of too much time behind a power saw?)It truly was inspiring and i'm glad we were able to be there and share this experience with you. Congrats...
WAHOOOOOOOO!! Wow, what a rush it must have been to do that. I also am amazed and in awe of the diligence and determination it takes to run an whole marathon. I balk and cringe at the thought of running that much:-) Maybe someday I might be encouraged to run a half marathon, but 26 miles seems hopelessly daunting. At any rate, I am super excited for y'all and your successful run. I hope you were channeling the historic aspect of the marathon, connecting with the poor Greek guy that ran that distance twice over to get important information from one guy to the next. Fortunately for you, you didn't drop dead at the end from exhaustion. I am glad. It would be crap to loose ya:-) Anyhow, keep on keeping on! You are fantastic!
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