Notes
I went out with the leaders and was sitting in 3rd or 4th position through the first ten miles. I hit the half marathon in 1:22:04. Stayed in second place until mile 17. Third place until mile 21. Walked miles 22-24. Finished in 17th. Lots to learn. For the next couple days, I wanted nothing more than to run another marathon. However, I am ready to start running on a team again.
The journey to the marathon was a tough one, both physically and mentally, and there were times when I was ready to quit running altogether. Ever since the transfer, I hadn't been particularly motivated to run. Running the marathon gave me a joy in running that I haven't felt in a long time and I am grateful for that. Now I am prepared to put all of my energy into cross country and track. My goals for the future include tapping into my leg speed and focusing on overcoming the many mental barriers I have put up for myself. The marathon gave me confidence and I am happy about that.
I had a lot of time to think during the run and many things passed through my mind. I don't exactly remember all of them but I remember that for the last two miles, all I could think was "Don't be a bitch."
Post marathon:
Immediately afterwards, my feet and quads were in the most pain. However, after a short cold water bath and a day of walking around in birkenstocks, the pain in my feet went away. The soreness in my quads remained for the next two days. By Wednesday, the soreness was gone. Thursday through Saturday consisted of preventing myself from running. Sunday is the last day of rest. I will resume running on Monday, the 2nd of June.