London (OH) Marathon Recap

A bucket list item has always been to win a smaller marathon. Winning shorter races are always run, but there is something about the marathon that is just special. Still on cloud 9 after the race and going to do my best to recap.

A week ago the weather was going to be 80s and the start was going to most likely move up to 6AM to beat the heat. Fast forward to Thursday, it was looking like the temps would be in the 50s - 60s, humidity, some precip…I arrived out to Ohio on Thursday and it was still nice. Friday it was getting cooler, but still humid and raining a bit. I went to run the turnaround part of the course to see what type of path I would be working with. It was definitely flat and straight! Reviewed the course and now I would be ready to go.

Saturday morning I got up at 520, knowing I wanted to leave by 550 to make the 30 minute trek to London. (I was staying in Grove City). I like to push limits and sleep as long as I can. Normal breakfast before a marathon routine - oatmeal, banana, cliff bar, part of a bagel and PB… I was ready. When I arrived around 620, I realized the wind was whipping. We were starting in an open field area and I stepped out of the car and thought oh boy. Temps were hovering 44, some slight precip, and wind going every which way. I only had a small zip sweatshirt and had to take my shoes off to put my leggings on that were meant for after the race. At 630 I texted Eric (already on his way back to the house) it was cold and windy. Enough dwelling on the conditions I told myself after that first few minutes. Better than hot and humid and lets get ready to go.

I shuffled around for 5 min or so, hydrated up, took my salt pills and I was ready. My plan was to go out 725-730 for the first 5k. Let the body get warm. The first mile was a tad downhill and I was a bit quick at 716. Since majority of people were running the half, definitely a faster group to start. I settled in after mile 1 and knocked out a 723, 721, 721 to bring me through 4. It felt effortless and easy. After 2 miles we were onto the bike path. 22 of 26 miles on that thing. Straight as an arrow!

There were some runners around me, but I was focused on staying at a comfortable pace and just zoning out. I was able to provide 4 bottles that I would be handed. I went extra and used good2grow bottles with some cute characters that I could spot easily and would also make me smile. After the first table, I decided to hold it and sip as needed. I think that was a smart move and I continued to do that with each of my bottles.

From the 5k to first 13 miles, I was to be around 720 down to 710. I needed to stay controlled, I didn’t want to blow my race early. Mile 5 cruising at 713, Mile 6 714 and we were in business. At 6.5 the half marathoners turned around…. so by mile 4.5ish, I was starting to see the lead men. I had no idea which women were running the marathon. At the start no one lined up around me was. As I neared 6.5, I saw everyone making the turn to go back. One women ahead of me kept going straight, I thought oh good, at least people to run with. We both had head phones in, but acknowledged each other and encouraged. Mile 7 706, ok dont get too excited, we have a ways to go….

Miles 8, 9, 10, 713, 706, 709. A little quick on some, but I was feeling good. At some around 7ish I had pulled away and was all by my lonesome. I train alone and like doing long runs alone, so I just got lost in my thoughts and music.

Mile 11 708 and Mile 12 710. At this time I was getting excited to see who was turning around. I didn’t know if I was the first woman, I had a hunch though. A few guys passed me going the opposite direction and soon enough I was at mile 13 708 and I realized it was just me.

I turned around to head back. I really told myself DO NOT GET OVERLY excited. Half the race is left. Eric was supposed to meet me at 13, but for some reason, it didn’t quite go where it was on the the map and I didn’t see him. Others were with him and also were confused, but somehow he figured out cross streets to see me other times in the back half which was a huge motivation boost.

Nothing exciting really for 14, 15, 16, 17 - I just kept trucking along, still feeling really strong. Its really crazy to think about how much solitude I had during the marathon. Still averaging just under 710 for that grouping.

18, 19, 20, still feeling good 701, 709, 708. At this point I was looking forward to getting off the bike path. I knew that would be at 24, so I just kept telling myself get to 24… then its easy. After 20 I wanted to go faster each mile. 20 clicked in at 708 and by 21 I was feeling a little fatigued, 721. Still cruising. I just focused on each mile that I was in at the time. Here comes the feeling of tiredness and pain that nothing else can mimic besides the marathon.

22 is when I fell off a bit - 736, last time I would see Eric and the water crew. I still was looking strong in the videos and felt strong, but not as good as earlier. 23 was 744 and the legs were burning. I just kept telling myself anyone can run a 5k. just a 5k left.

Looking back I was extremely pleased with my race up to here. I knew I would hit a wall at some point, I just didn’t have enough long runs in my system. It was going to be a matter of when and how how I handled it. 24 and 25 801 and 804. Woof. I was really hoping no one was gaining on me. I refused to turn around to look, so I just kept shuffling. 26 I just wanted to be done. 828 and I was cold, the wind was pushing me around… but then the light at the end of the tunnel! The finish in the distance. I felt like I was moving so slowly… it seemed like eternity, but I saw them pulling out the tape and there is no better feeling.

Coming in at just over 313, I was a little slower than my goal of 310. I had that until mile 22. But what can you do, a marathon is 26.2 miles and thats all that matters. I am proud of myself for pushing through and doing the dang thing. Big shoutout to Coach Dave who is so encouraging and believes in my and knows we can go big places. I was using this marathon to know the distance again, feel that pain at the end so when I go for goal races at the end of the year I am ready. Mission accomplished and then some!