NYC Marathon Completed!
Time: 4:14:55
I ran the NYC Marathon on November 7, 2010 in 4:14:55, which is a 9:44 pace. It was my first marathon! Next time….I WILL break 4 hours!
The first half was way too fast! I sped through Brooklyn…and said to myself the entire time “SLOW DOWN”, but I couldn’t! The crowds were incredible. They were loud, supportive, fun, and the day was beautiful. It was like a nice jog in the park. Rookie mistake! Boy did I pay for it. At about mile 14 my knee (hip to knee on left side) was killing me. I was in so much pain the entire second half my pace dropped to 10 then 11 minute miles from my 8:45 opening 10.
My husband and mother were at mile 18 and then they were there again at mile 23. Coming up to 23 I was telling myself “As soon as I see them I’m going to walk. The pain is too intense.” But, lucky for me my husband jumped in with me and ran until mile 25. I swear he saved me from walking and kept me at a reasonable time! He said my mother made him. Good thing she did! He ran on my left side and when he tried to switch sides I said “No, come back!” His presence on the side that was hurting was comforting. It physically and emotionally carried me through. The weird part was my body still had energy at the end, my knee did not. It was a sign that had I not gone out too fast and hurt my knee…I would have been able to do better. I would have been able to actually pick up the pace a little at the end. Unfortunately the last mile I wasn’t able to speed up at all.
Was it worth it? Hell yes! I’m already wondering “What’s next?” My knee is still bad, but I’m hoping with a little ultrasound and therapy I will be back in the saddle soon and training for marathon #2. Sao Paulo anyone?
I’m crazy. Most runners are. It is so addicting!
