I fully intended to get this post up yesterday, but unfortunately the internet that was set up at our new house ins’t working.
At least, it’s not working for me.
This is going to be a difficult post to write…
So here goes.
I woke up at 4:oo AM on Saturday morning.
The race was slated to start at 7:30 am, but because we were 45 minutes away at Hilton Head Island and were planning to ride the free shuttle from the Savannah mall (which might as well be on the other side of the world), we decided that earlier was better.
Let’s look at the bright side: 4 am is a whole hour later than the time I woke up for the Disney Marathon.
My ensemble for the race…
Black Nike running capris, long sleeved blue New Balance Tech shirt, white sports bra, my new Nike hat, my Garmin, my Go-Belt, and Aasics that I’ve been breaking in for the past three weeks.
I had originally packed a short sleeved tech tee but am so happy that I decided to throw in this long sleeved shirt on my way out the door. The predicted low on Saturday got lower after we left for the race.
My breakfast was an almond butter and blackberry jelly sandwich.
I used to do banana and peanut butter before every race and long run, but I think my first marathon made me completely sick of banana and peanut butter sandwiches. I still eat it occasionally, but it’s more difficult to eat this early in the morning after a carb loading meal the night before.
Brad, Brittney, and I got on the road to head to the Savannah Mall around 4:50 am.
There were lines to get on the school buses shuttling us to the race, but they moved very quickly.
We probably only waited in line for 10 minutes at most.
We were lucky. I learned via Twitter that some buses got lost and some didn’t even show up!
I was in good spirits at this point.
The excitement right before a race is contagious and I always catch the fever.
We arrived to the race around 6:30 and after a quick stop by the port-o-potties, I found a hotel right outside my corral on Bay St. and we went in to join the crowd waiting for race to start.
It wasn’t freezing outside, but it was pretty chilly…probably in the high 40′s.
We ran into Allison and chatted a bit before parting ways.
Social media pretty much consumed all of our time before the marathon as Brittney and I chatted with other half and full marathoners and checked on everyone’s status.
It was so nice to get so many “Good lucks!” via Twitter and I’m really appreciative to everyone who sent me well wishes.
Around 7: 15 am I found my corral and got in line.
Brad and Britt stuck close by to keep my company.
We passed the time while Brad took some umpteen photos of m.
Proof…
Finally, the marathon started and my corral took off.
Meanwhile, Brad and Brittney found Allison again and cheered her on when she took off.
Brad and Brittney wasted time between mile 0 and mile 8 by grabbing breakfast.
I actually received a photo of this via text, while I was running.
I secretly think Brad wants his own blog.
They caught up with me again around mile 8, although I didn’t see the text from Brad telling me they were going to be on my left.
I was still in good spirits at this point. I felt good and I was happy to be back in the historic part of Savannah. Mile 0-8 were threw some less than spectacular areas including an industrial area.
I still felt great when the marathoners split off from the half marathoners during mile 11. But somewhere along the way it started to go downhill.
Around mile 16 I started to really be in pain. My left foot had hurt for about a quarter of a mile during mile 7 but that had gone away. This pain was in my legs and it was the result of extreme fatigue.
My legs hurt soooo bad. It definitely was getting to me both physically and mentally after mile 20. I received some wonderful encouragement from my family, Brad, and Brittney, but I honestly doubted myself.
Obviously it is painful to run a marathon for most people. It was painful the first (and only) time I ran one. But this pain was so much more extreme and I just felt so mentally done. On top of that, I had some trouble breathing. This has happened once before to me. Last June, I had a horrible run where I had dizzy spells and had moments where I was gasping for breath. Although the dizziness was not there this time, the gasping for breath was.
I grew up with asthma and am not treated for it now. However, this did not feel like the asthma issues I experienced as a child. I can’t really explain it, but it just wasn’t the same.
Most of the Savannah Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon was flat, but there were a few steady inclines. It actually felt good to run these so even though I was having trouble maintaining a jog in the last six miles, I really picked up the pace on the hills.
Despite feeling really defeated, I got my second wind during the last two miles of the race and was able to push a little harder. I kept telling myself that the only way to stop the pain was to finish the race, and the quicker I could do that, the better.
I saw a friend who had already finished the marathon as I came into mile 26 and he told me that Brad was on the left.
Somehow, Brad missed me, but Brittney snagged this photo as I turned around to wave at them.
Finally, I finished.
My time was 4:38:28.
I know I should be happy about that. It’s 13 minutes faster than my Disney World Marathon time. But my feelings are somewhat bittersweet.
I did not have a good experience this time around. I felt better about my first experience even though I was recovering from a sinus infection and experiencing stomach pains during the race. That’s how bad those last ten miles were.
I pretty much lost it once I saw Brad.
I don’t think he knew what to do with me as I sobbed. I’m still not completely sure why that was my reaction to the end of the race.
I had already decided that I was most likely not going to do the Key City Marathon next May, but had made that decision based on the fact that I think training was getting to me. This race confirmed that marathons just aren’t for me.
I think I got emotional because not wanting to do the 12+ weeks of training was my decision. But not feeling capable of running another marathon — I feel like my body made this decision for me. And that sucks.
Never before has my brain and my body felt so disconnected as it did during this race. It was so incredibly frustrating. After 10 miles of feeling this way, I just let all of my frustrations out. I let it out with tears of frustration and disappointment.
But I’ll suck it up; just like I did for these photos.
I’ve always believed that you don’t have to run a marathon to be a runner. Not it’s time for me to believe that for myself.
Congratulations to all of you who ran the Savannah Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and Half Marathon! It’s been really awesome to read all of the awesome recaps. I’m sorry that my recap is less-than-inspiring and possibly even a bit of a disappointment.
If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a few posts to check out:
Keia’s Post Race Sentiments
Michelle’s Marathon Recap
Megan’s Marathon Recap
Tina’s Half Marathon
Julie’s Half Marathon
I have a feeling that Allison’s marathon recap will be pretty awesome too, so keep a look out for it!
There. That should convey that this race wasn’t horrible for everyone.
And after having several days to look back at it, it wasn’t entirely horrible for me either. I have trouble grasping that I can’t do everything well, so maybe this is good for me. In fact, I know that it’s good for me. Character development and all that…
I would by lying if I said that I’m still not a bit disappointed, but life is full of ups and downs. Realizing that it might not be good for me to keep torturing myself over 26.2 miles is better than injuring myself or feeling like I’ve wasted precious time putting my heart and soul into something that isn’t going to give me any satisfaction.
Even still, I don’t want to say that I’ll never ever run a marathon again.
This might not be goodbye to marathons for forever, but it’s goodbye for now.
You’re still my hero girl! I think you’re hard on yourself, and I was more than impressed with your finish time, your ability to stick with it when it got tough, and your physically ability, period. I think that’s the interesting thing about marathons, is that it’s about way more than being a runner, it’s a total mind/body thing. I know for me testing myself this way once might have been enough (maybe not), so I don’t know that I feel a repeated need to keep doing it. I wanted to see if I was capable once, and I was. You’ve done it twice, so you’ve proven that you had the ability. Maybe just do distances that are fun for you from now on if marathons make you miserable!
Thank you so much Brittney — for this and for being such a comfort when I fell a part at the finish line. You’re a true friend and I’m really thankful that you were there with me.
Kelly…I’m sitting here thinking of all the many wonderful things you can and do accomplish very well, most of which I didn’t even know about until after working two doors down from you for two years!
Thinking of the many, many things you do wonderfully, even if running a marathon is not on that list, you are still a big winner! Please believe from someone who had to learn about accepting limitations at about age 4, it’s not the things you can’t do or choose not to do that determine who you are. Your regular readers will gain inspiration from you if, over time, you can defeat that desire to do absolutely everything at top level.
And besides, this whole post is worthwhile for the first photo of Rascal sleeping on Brad’s shoulder. Best smile I’ve had in a month.
Dave, you are such a kind soul. Thank you so much for your encouragement. It really means a lot to me.
I have totally been there. I ran my third marathon this Fall and it was awful. I felt that my body failed me. It’s hard to finish a race and feel like that.
What has helped me get over it is when people ask me how it went, I generally focus on the positive. I am trying to re-frame how I remember and that helps.
And yes, you can definitely be a runner without running a marathon!
Hang in there and take care of yourself through the recovery.
Thanks Kimberly. That is definitely something I need to work on — focusing on the positive. I’m sorry your third time didn’t go well. Thank you for your kind words.
Running and training for a marathon just takes so much out of you, mentally and physically. I have such conflicted feelings about running another one and I think I want to do another one only because I’m not able to right now. I see people busting out these huge PRs and I think, “I want to do that too!” But then I realize it’s not a wise decision. And trust me, I know ALL about my body making decisions for me. It’s not cool.
I think it’s perfectly fine to be a runner who doesn’t absolutely adore marathons. And I also think you did a great job in Savannah
I get race envy too which is partially why I have signed up for a marathon three times. It’s hard for me to always be happy with where I am and not compare myself to others but it’s definitely something I need to learn. I hope you figure out how to both go after what you want but be happy where you’re at and I hope the same for myself too.
I’m sorry you weren’t happier with the race itself, but I’m glad you can admit that you ran it in a pretty awesome time. Of course, I couldn’t run one at all, so there’s always that perspective too.
On a side note, cheers to looking pretty before a race even at 4:00 a.m.!
Aw, you’re so sweet, Tiff. Thank you.
I have been anxiously awaiting your recap all week! Yours might be the most inspiring one yet, so don’t so be as hard on yourself. Honestly, it is difficult for me to read amazing race recaps when I feel similar to your experience from my first marathon as well. I honestly can relate to the many emotions and frustrations you experienced. I don’t want to say misery loves company, but it’s excellent to know that you don’t have to be a marathoner to be a runner, and there others who agree. But you also don’t have to run a marathon a year or even several marathons to be a marathoner! You are and despite how you feel, you still rocked it! Because anyone who can run 26.2 miles is basically rocking it!
Tanya, thank you so much for that. Thus truly made me feel better about everything. You are wise beyond you years.
I’m sorry you didn’t have a great experience but you still ran a freakin’ marathon and PR’d at that! I ran one marathon in 2007 and pretty much decided that was it for me.
If you ever want to run another half marathon together, I’m game though!
Yes! I would love to do another half marathon with you. Name the race!
I think it is fantastic that you are being honest with yourself and all your readers! I read once that less than 1% of the population runs a marathon. That is you! Be proud. I think doing it twice is one year is amazing!
Thanks so much Christine. That really helps me put it in perspective. I guess I compare myself (maybe too much) to the company I keep and it’s hard not to think that I should have awesome marathon experiences like them. Thanks again for your kind words.
I’m so sorry this happened, Kelly! I felt the same way during and after my last mararhon.
I don’t know, I kind of want to try another before I throw in the towel. Maybe third time will be a charm for both of us?
Congrats on a great race though! Running 26.2 miles and setting a new PR is amazing!
Thanks Jen! I’ll cheer you on the third time but if my third time comes, it will be far into the future.
Great, honest post, Kelly. I have an incredibly tough time with the mental part of endurance races. In fact, it almost always shows up during races and hardly ever in training for me. Our bodies do what they do, but the important thing is that you worked through it and still found the willingness to push yourself. That’s some serious character. You still ran an amazing race and,if you learned and important lesson about yourself along the way, that’s a bonus in my eyes. Congratulations!
Thanks so much Keia! That is strange isn’t it– when the challenge shows up during the race but not during the training. I hope you had a good marathon experience and I’m so sad I didn’t have the energy to join you on Saturday night.
You did great and I’m proud of you. Also, how did you look do good after the race and at 4:00 in the morning? Lucky me I guess.
. I wish I could run a marathon, but I have somewhat decided my body won’t let me. You should be so grateful that yours allowed you too, even though it said ‘don’t do this to me again anytime soon!’ So proud, and congrats on your PR!!
Also, thanks to everyone for encouraging Kelly. It means a lot to both of us.
You’re my best friend. I love you, babe.
Kelly–You are an encouragement to me. I will pray for you. You have accomplished something few, very few people ever have….twice. Don’t discount that. Hugs and love-e
Thanks Elizabeth. That means a lot to me.
First off, I think you & I got dressed in the same closet the day of our marathons, I practically wore the same outfit for mine, ha! I had an emotional breakdown somewhere around mile 17 for the same reasons you’re describing — I don’t think my body can take another marathon. It was one of the most painful times I’ve experienced thus far & after I finished I lost it. Like a baby. I’m right there with you girl. I don’t think you have to be a marathoner to be a runner and that’s okay. I want to get back to the place where I really enjoy to run, for fun, not worried about pace, PRs or anything of the sort.
Carolina, you are my twin! I can’t believe we had the exact same experience and outfit. But I wish your experience had been better.
Congrats Kelly! I think you did awesome!
Thanks Laurie!
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Congrats on finishing!
I’m sorry to hear that it wasn’t your best race and I love how honest you are about the whole experience. I think your recap IS inspiring. You told your body who’s boss, even though you didn’t want to. That takes a lot of strength – and not just physical. I love the idea and the challenge of a marathon – but man, a half marathon is SO MUCH EASIER.
Sorry we didn’t get to meet up – but no doubt there will be other opportunities!
PS – You and Brad are adorable. I know that I’ve claimed that Allison and Ryan are the cutest people I’ve ever met – but you guys might be some serious competition!
Aw, thanks Michelle! I really appreciate the encouraging words.
And you just think Brad and I are adorable because you haven’t seen us when we’re both being stubborn.
Allison and Ryan are pretty cute!
Hope we get to meet soon!
Hi Kelly! You did awesome despite not feeling well. I was in Savannah too and was trying to meet up with you and Meghann but our schedules just didn’t work. Give your body some love and good healing time and be so proud of your 26.2 mile accomplishment. It’s a really big deal! Much love, Gina
Oh boo. I’m sad that we didn’t meet. Thanks so much for the encouragement and let me know if you ever find yourself in Charlotte.
You should be proud of yourself Kelly! I’m sure running a marathon is never ‘easy’ (I wouldn’t know from personal experience but the only 1/2 marathon I’ve run totally kicked my butt) but you felt like hell and still pushed on through. If that’s not inspiring I don’t know what is!
Thanks Kristi! You’re such a sweet person. Thanks for your kind words.
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