It is a beautiful race course. And on this day, the skies were filled with heavy dark clouds that somehow made the canyon even more spectacular. We did get poured on, several times, during the race. Especially during mile 10-14, where the rain came down in sheets with some hail sprinkled in. I never did dry out from then on. It was a little chilly. But what it did to my hair...
That's not the wind blowing my hair. That was it's post-pony tail position. Getting a brush through that was not easy.
So another marathon in the books. I finished in 4:27. Still love TOU, even though I was not even close to my goal. But people are right. My body is tired. I need some good recovery time. 14 mary's in 16 months has taken its toll it would appear. I think I need some time to heal up all my little injuries. And some time to rebuild some base mileage with speed. I'm not giving up. Boston isn't going anywhere. And you know there's already a plan for next year. :)
And...my dad even came to my race!! He hasn't been to one of races for a few years. Love that he was able to come. And yeah, how did I not get any of that 6'5" height. Dang. I could have used some longer legs... ;)
Thanks you for all the comments, thoughts and emails once again. It's so nice to have such amazing support! And congrats to Erin for rocking another PR and Cari for running her first marathon! So proud of you girls!!!
So what's next? I've got a few things in mind, but for this month...
It's all about potty-training Spiderman. They should give medals and tech shirts for that.
Your positivity is awesome. :D
ReplyDeleteAnd don't worry... my hair does the exact same thing when exposed to humidity. It gets pretty scary at times. lol
i'm so sorry that your race didn't go as planned! but you were able to deal with the emotions early on and still have a fun race. that's what is important. can't wait to hear about your plan for next year :)
ReplyDeleteI love that your dad came.
ReplyDeleteI love that you ran in shorts.
I love that you enjoyed it.
I love the hair.
I love your plan for next year.
And
I love that dang spiderman of yours.
Sorry it wasn't what you hoped for, but way to keep positive! Your hair is hilarious!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the potty training. So glad I'm all done with that...
I'm thinking a super cute Martha halloween party is in the works along with some birthday partying!! Much love to one of my favorite people ever!
ReplyDeleteMy hair did that when I ran the Tybee Island race in the rain, except I wore pigtails & looked like Princess Leah. :) Good luck on potty training - hopefully it is a 5k kinda effort & not a marathon. Sorry about not getting a BQ for 2012 - you are still amazing.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very respectable finish! Glad you had fun but I know how disappointment feels and it's not easy. But if you already have next years plan then you obviously didn't miss a beat, great perseverance!
ReplyDeletePotty training Spiderman! GOOD LUCK!!! That definitely deserves a medal!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you were able to enjoy the race, and listen to your body and not push and hurt yourself.
You have accomplished SO MUCH and I have no doubt that you are going to come back faster and stronger than ever and will get to Boston and so much more. I am sorry I missed you at the finish line!!
Hugs!
My two cents. You may have overdone it on the marathons - technically speaking. It's hard to have two goals (bunches of marathons and Boston) because they don't really go hand in hand.
ReplyDeleteMy history shows when I am not injured I am good for about five solid months of races , typically with the last marathon being my best/fastest. Of course, we are all different. If I was to go over that, I don't think my body would like me much.
14 marathons in 16 months (including your streak of 12 straight) is a darn good accomplishment and you will always have that. Time to focus on Boston. I would recommend choosing three races with about four weeks in between each, the first being your warm up (just to remind your body that you can still do a marathon). Your second race is your big qualifier and your third is your fallback in case conditions do not warrant you going all out. Combine that strategy with a good solid training plan and I have no doubt the Boston blues will be washed away!
Congratulations on a great sixteen months. Take some time to recharge and then it's on to Boston for you!
Bummer that it wasn't what you were looking for, but you should be very proud of your race..Hold your head high!! :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so incredible. And I mean it!
ReplyDeleteIf I was out for a Boston time and felt pushed even 2 miles into the marathon, I'd probably keep pushing. Maybe after so many races you've learned a whole new appreciation for "enjoying a race."
After reading all of your 12 in 12 posts I definitely want to give that a try some day. I have to do my first marathon first though; just under a month 'till that.
Keep up the good work and I'm sure you'll be in Boston in no time!
Look what you HAVE done in the past 16 months--holy cow that's amazing. When you're ready, rest up, space those marathons out, and the BQ will be there waiting for you.
ReplyDeleteI respect your recognition of your body's limits & what it is trying to tell you. I respect that you are LISTENING to it!!! :) :) Ur truly an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you do it. You are amazing, with or without Boston on the agenda. Congrats on such a HUGE accomplishment! You're my hero. Truly.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the potty training. It's a wonderful stage of life when some of your most pressing worries are the bladder and bowels of a toddler.
ReplyDeleteI totally missed the fact that you did TOU. And I agree with M.Zip - I would kill to have a year & a half like you've had. I know the conditions at TOU weren't ideal - but great job!
ReplyDeletevery impressive year of running, dawn! i hope to just finish ONE marathon someday without hurting myself!
ReplyDeleteI JUST LOVE YOU!!!!! :) :)
ReplyDeleteSo proud of you!
You are totally amazing! Your r fast! I run with the slow and old. This way we can all have conversations about why did we get rid of our trash sacks at mile 6 when its still hailing and raining? Nice meeting you at TOU (or the gas station) I told my friends that I meet my HERO! they where jealous,your new morning bathroom friend.
ReplyDeleteYour positivity is inspiring. You are amazing :)
ReplyDeleteDawn, you are nothing but a freaking ROCK star!! I know you are disappointed - one cannot help but be when we don't meet our expectations - but holy cow girl, you have accomplished more than anyone could ever hope to accomplish. I have to agree with Jamoosh on this one, it is very tough to put your body through the stress of what you have done and come out feeling fresh and full of energy. So now you rest and recover and get stronger...cuz, as you say, Boston is not going away and it is waiting for you - it IS!!!! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
you have such a positive outlook, I love it. You've had an amazing year, I think you deserve a bit of a rest : ) Congrats on everything!!!
ReplyDeleteEven though it didn't go as planned and you got rained and hailed on, I'm so impressed that you were able to enjoy the race. How cool that your dad was able to be there for you. And you are so right about a potty training medal. That is one THE hardest parts about parenting. That and teenagers. They should give medals for surviving that stage as well!
ReplyDeleteDawn - So fun to see you at Top of Utah. You looked great when I saw you coming out of the canyon. I'm glad you enjoyed the race even though it wasn't the time you hoped for. You'll get to Boston! I know it.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, have you heard of the book "Run Less. Run Faster."? They have a whole section on BQing including detailed training info. It's really interesting and I know I'll follow it when I give Boston a try. I have it if you want to borrow it. Let me know.