Today was such a spectacular day for me. I was able to fulfill my dream of completing a marathon with my best friend. And this morning, I didn't know if I would even be physically able to finish to race, because for the last three weeks I've been unable to run because I threw out my lower back.
The last time I was a "runner" was when I lived in Minneapolis and completed the Twin Cities Marathon in October 2002. Then I moved to Austin and had a tough time keeping up the running. Being social, I tried a variety of running groups in Austin, but due to my work travel, was never able to make it work. Then I discovered "Tough Cookies", a woman's running group in Austin. They welcomed me despite my schedule, consistently challenged me to push myself (when I showed up) and introduced me to some of the most fabulous women in Austin. I have a solid group of running buddies I love and coaches that continue to encourage me. So with that, I took the plunge and signed up for the Austin Distance Challenge.
The Austin Distance Challenge consisted of six races
- IBM Uptown Classic - 10K
- Run For The Water - 10 miler
- Decker Challenge - Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- RunTex 20-miler
- 3M Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- Austin Marathon (26.2 miles)
Ever since I moved to Austin I wanted to finish the Distance Challenge. But was never able to get started. With a position change at my job, that finally cut 90% of my travel last October, I was finally able to commit. And I needed the goal, because any of you that know me, knows I'm not a morning person. Getting up at 6am for long runs on Saturday morning was tough. But running with the cookies, made it fun, and I looked forward to it, and had some of the best runs of my life. My favorite was an 18-mile long run in Austin, where Nada and I did a bonus run to the top of the Mount Bonnell stairs. It felt amazing to be running and having that much fun.
At Christmas, I was home with my family and friends in Minnesota. Sally told me she was going to fly to visit me in February, and not only that, but she signed up for the Marathon. That meant we were going to do this race together!!!
Sally, who was the most amazing support person to me when I completed my marathon in 2002. She was on her bike, meeting me at different miles along the course. Calling my parents with updates so they could see me. And encouraging me every step of the way. Originally when I was running, she thought I was nuts to run a marathon, but when I was done, she thought "If Deanna can do it, I can do it.", and since then she has run 10 marathons.
Since I moved after my first marathon, we never got to run a race together. When I found out she was running, and I was her inspiration, I was bummed I couldn't run with her. But this year we were finally going to get the chance. Then I hurt my back.
Three weeks ago, I got up from my desk, and my back went out, and the pain was intense. Somehow I threw it out. I wasn't sure what it was, but I had to work hard to get it fixed. Doctors, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, Massages, support from my running coaches and running buddies, LOTS of Epsom salt soaks, and LOTS of Advil and I was able to get up for race day. But I had no idea if I would go 2 miles or 26.2.
We started the race and I felt oddly good. I was afraid to say anything because I had no idea how long it would last. Since I've already rambled, I will just say I finished. I finished stronger than I could have hoped for. I was tired, the GIGANTIC hills (why would someone put a mountain in front of a finish line) at the end had to be power-walked, but otherwise, it was good. Sally and I finished within steps of each other in 5 hours and 44 minutes. I had targeted 5 hours and 30-35 minutes, but I'm elated to have finished when I did. And even more elated to have finished with my best friend, and my fellow Tough Cookies. We completed the Austin Distance Challenge!!!!
Hours after the race, I'm doing well. A bit stiff and one small blister on a toe, but that's it. Thanks to my friends who cheered me in the race: Our Tough Cookie team members, my fantastic Tough Cookie Coaches, Lisa E, Dane, Jodi & Mateo (for their fantastic sign on my garage when I got home), and everyone who cheered me on in e-mail and on Facebook. I felt so supported. And I got so amazing lucky that my body allowed me to finish this race. I really still can't believe I finished. I'll be wearing my medal with pride!
I'll put together a picture album, because there are lots of great shots at this race.
Congratulations! I'm so glad you were able to finish the race & meet your goals! You rock!
Posted by: Merry | Sunday, February 15, 2009 at 23:03