Zoomy's 1st "I like to set the bar really low" Marathon Report (Read 1628 times)

Woohoo! #1 is done. Sorry that things went ape banana wacky shit. The first one is always ALWAYS hard to gauge. Some stuff gets easier over time... and some things remain Heavy Mystery. Looking back, it is *possible* that your legs would have felt better by drinking more of the Endurance and/or taking electrolyte capsules... but really? You made the reasoned, reasonable call not to monkey with things on race day. Had you done it differently, you might not have had the issues you had. And you might have had some uglier ones. It will always be your first AND it sounds to me like you have some good memories and had some fun in there somewhere. You did a very hard thing. Be proud of that. Now that you've had a couple days to reflect, how do you feel?

Yep. And I did start taking in the Gatorade Endurance during those last ugly miles (and thinking, damn, this stuff tastes pretty good...yep, I'm officially insane)...by about mile 25 the cramps were subsiding a bit and I had 0 GI issues from it, so next time I know that stuff is worth using. Plus I now know where to buy it for next year's training--a little running store 20 minutes from me carries it--who knew?! But, yeah...I would have been in a bad way if I'd tried that stuff from the start of the race (having never before used it) and ended up puking. I HATE puking. I think maybe cramping is better than being nauseous while running, unless it's the end of the race when queasiness is to be expected. 2 days post-race...I am sore and still really tired (still not sleeping well, since every time I move in my sleep the owie muscles wake me up), but contemplating a little recovery jog tomorrow and starting to look forward to playing with some trail running in the next few months. I really have no regrets. Sure, the cramps thing sucked at the end, but I think I was better off than those who hit the wall at the same spot. I still felt strong and I felt angry (and really kinda bored--I missed having other runners to talk to. It was kinda spooky how quiet those last miles were). Anger is good. Hitting the wall would have meant not giving a rat's ass and I never felt that way. Anger made me want to fix what was wrong for next time and I was really pleased that everything else was good. I mean, who finishes a marathon with no blisters or chafing. I have no visible war wounds and my feet are still "pretty."

You know, I'll bet bacon would sit well with me, too. I may seriously think about having some bacon in a baggie next time!

I hope bacon works out better for you than it did for this guy: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,433863,00.html

Well done, Zoomy. When's the next?

Either Milwaukee or GR next Oct.--depending upon which weekend would have hubby in town. Though rvelich is trying to talk me into Columbus. If a bunch of RAers wanted to do that one I would be totally game, too. I'm really diggin' this destination race thing, especially when it means meeting peeps.

Either Milwaukee or GR next Oct.--depending upon which weekend would have hubby in town. Though rvelich is trying to talk me into Columbus. If a bunch of RAers wanted to do that one I would be totally game, too. I'm really diggin' this destination race thing, especially when it means meeting peeps.

Oh Columbis is TEMPTING!

Though rvelich is trying to talk me into Columbus. If a bunch of RAers wanted to do that one I would be totally game, too. I'm really diggin' this destination race thing, especially when it means meeting peeps.

Oh Columbis is TEMPTING!

Rvelich is wise. Columbus is a good race. I can guarantee you a cheering section of at least 1.

You did awesome hon, look at those obstacles you had to endure! Great job!

Yep. And I did start taking in the Gatorade Endurance during those last ugly miles (and thinking, damn, this stuff tastes pretty good...yep, I'm officially insane)...by about mile 25 the cramps were subsiding a bit and I had 0 GI issues from it, so next time I know that stuff is worth using. Plus I now know where to buy it for next year's training--a little running store 20 minutes from me carries it--who knew?! But, yeah...I would have been in a bad way if I'd tried that stuff from the start of the race (having never before used it) and ended up puking. I HATE puking. I think maybe cramping is better than being nauseous while running, unless it's the end of the race when queasiness is to be expected.

So I am guessing you would recommend using it in chicago this weekend then and not just drinking water? I normally can handle anything when running food and drink wise. I sometimes get heartburn from gatorade if its mixed to strong, but not that bad compared to cramps. Great report and serious props!!