It's Been One Week

It was at this time, one week ago, that I had crossed one finish line completing 26.2 miles, equaling a marathon. I'd only had one glitch occur, & that had been with accessing my Friday night housing. I did myself proud & kept prudent during that time period by looking for each item in the car that I knew I needed to take inside with me. By that time, I was getting inside, though, in all technicality, I had lost roughly one hour of sleep.

There wasn't any time to consider that an hour of sleep had potentially been lost. I showered quickly & set myself up for my [very] early Saturday morning. The biggest perk was that, even though last Saturday's marathon start time was set for 7 a.m., it was set for 7 a.m. This meant that, despite the likelihood that I'd be crossing the finish line pretty far into the day, it would be a little bit earlier with the start time being a little bit earlier.

And, all being said I was able to get to that start line just as I was supposed to. I wore comfortable running attire &, as the temperature was to soar as well as the humidity level, I took off the long-sleeve t-shirt I wore overtop my layered tank tops while standing at the start line, just minutes before the starting gun went off. I tied it around my waist; all was good. Also, I had my Camelbak strapped in place; all was definitely good.

Journey (this song) pumped through the speakers at the start line, both before & after the National Anthem. I also heard this song from the Eurythmics early on, around Mile 6. Because there was a spot where the marathon course crossed over three times, a DJ was there encouraging us individually. At my first passing through the DJ played this song (ironically?) & because I get a thrill out of high-fiving (well, anybody) along a running course, I gladly ran up to the DJ & slapped a strong high-five before continuing on. The DJ commented, "Well, she's pumped." The final time I passed by the DJ this song played. Incidentally, I was able to make a mental note of it because I wasn't as familiar with it, yet the song's title is the bit I heard as I passed by. I danced my way passed the DJ's area - to which the DJ responded, "I needed a dance partner."

The biggest detriment to this marathon was unforeseen gravel as our terrain for Miles 18 through 23. This was added to our constantly dehydrated bodies due to the exhaustive weather conditions. (To which I constantly said, "Mind over matter; mind over matter." And remained super chirper.) Finding solid traction was defeating; knowing that the end was near was rewarding.

A volunteer on a bicycle kindly conversed with me for miles 23 through 26 (then wished me well & said, "Nice chatting with you" while pedaling opposite the direction of the finish time mat). Even though my finish time not only wasn't a PR, it also was a few minutes over the hour (although it was quite a bit under the marathon's cap finish time, which was very good 😂). My time would've been even a few more minutes longer since I noticed my mileage time both before & after the volunteer came up alongside me.

After getting my customary "finisher's photo" on my smartphone, eating a couple of bratwurst, & grabbing one for the road, I began my on-road-adventure across the state's line to gear up for Sunday.

Woot! Woot!

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