Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Chevron Houston Marathon 2010

When I started my journey I began with training for the Chevron Houston Half Marathon 2008, it would be my first race in a very long time. I join Woodlands Fit in July of 2007 because I was a couch potato, out of shape, a smoker, no hobbies (other than drinking beer), married but alone on weekends because my husband had a life. I remember the first Saturday morning run, when I could not finish a mile without walking and being in pain. After meeting great coaches and friends that summer I accomplished 13.1 in January 2007. After my the first half marathon there was a little bit of harassment about when would I double that, of coarse my answer was NEVER. But I was hooked . Without boring you through two years of racing I will say, NEVER say NEVER.

Sunday I ran my 5th marathon, I won't say it was my favorite marathon I have run but it rates high with Sunmart. I meet up with my Kathleen to drive down to Houston at 5:15 we were parked and in the GRB by about 6am. Got our stuff together, used the bathroom, checked our drop bags, visited with teammates, then headed to the start line. I was in the slower wave (2) and it started at 7:10. Kathleen and I ran together until about mile six where we got separated, it was very crowded until we got to the turn around for the half marathon. At mile 7ish I saw some of my teammates that came out to support us. At this point I put on my pace band that I had picked up from the expo. I did not want anyone to know exactly what my expectations were for the race in case I did not accomplish it. I saw a few co-works out on the coarse ( mile 19 i think) that came out to support after completing the half marathon. Ron ran with me for a bit and gave me some encouragement. At this point some of the pain was setting in and I was tired. For about the 17 miles I was on pace for a 4:30 finish I was able to walk very minimally, but after mile 20 I found my self needing to walk about every 1/2 mile. So my pace started to fall. At mile 24 I saw coach Kim who ran by me and told me I could do this- I started to tear up and said ok. At mile 25 fighting back tears I can see a man running by me on the sidewalk I look over and it is my husband. I smile and he tells me how strong I look and to keep running. I run towards the finish but I hurt to much to sprint so I ran as hard as I could, I crossed the finish in 4:37:58. Knocked 31:18 off my previous PR. What a day. I picked the 4:30 pace band because I know if I could come close to this it would be a dream come true. I did it.

I am recovering well, I had a great post massage on Monday, each day my quads are getting loser. I have an easy swim scheduled for tonight. First run will be Saturday.

I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family that support me in my efforts. Thank you.

Hope to see you on the roads soon!

6 comments:

Richard said...

I saw you blow by me as I stood near mile 24, you were definitely looking good and determined to finish.

Adrienne Langelier, MA said...

Great report, Misty! You've come a long way girl!! Congrats and you should be proud.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

CONGRATS!! Amazing job on your 5th marathon!

Diana said...

Wow, 5 marathons since getting off the couch back in 2007! Congrats on everything. Nice report.
Enjoy the rest and that first post-race run!

TX Runner Mom said...

Great job Misty! I aspire to run a 4:30 or close too it...if I ever run the full again. :-) Congrats on the awesome PR!

Christina said...

Congratulations for dropping off so much time. I started tearing up when you noticed your husband running over on the sidewalk. What an awesome way for him to support you. Great job!

My next race is the IMS Arizona Marathon on Valentines Day. I'm getting terribly nervous about it and still have over 2 weeks to go.