Fitness Friday || Memories of a Marathon [Quitting Was Never An Option]

 

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Click How to Participate for the details.

It's still hard to believe it's over. The race has been run. The memories are forever.

Chicago was beautiful. We arrived early enough Saturday morning to take a walk through a park and along Michigan Avenue.

Packet pick up and have the DTAG scanned to activate. I remember feeling butterflies in my stomach at this point.

Ready for tomorrow. Set my goal at 4:30 and signed up to join the Nike Pace Team.

Words that inspire!

At the expo there were 3 large walls listing the names of every runner. Found mine right...there!

Actually running the race. A beautiful morning and it only took about 15 minutes to get across the start line. I found my pace group and stuck close to Marie. She was running her 112th marathon so I figured she must know what she is doing. I was right! She was fun, encouraging and at about mile 15-16 she said to me, "You've got this Jill!" At that point I was 2 minutes ahead of my goal time and feeling stronger than ever. It was the best and easiest 15 miles I have ever run. 

Then, the split second decision of one runner changed that for me when he decided to stop right in front of me. As he stopped and I tried to prevent myself from falling over him I landed on my right food and immediately felt a stabbing pain in my right calf. I thought maybe it just tightened up or minor cramping so I ran past two emergency aid stations. By the third one I could barely run on it. So I stopped just to have it wrapped and to get Tylenol. The EMT tried to convince me to quit the race. All I could think about was if he would hurry I can try to make up the time. He kept asking "are you sure?" No I wasn't sure I would be ok but I was sure quitting was not an option. So, I just ran. One step became one mile. One mile finally became the finish. I didn't meet my goal. I couldn't return to my miles 1-15 pace. Still, quitting was not an option. 

(Proofs from Marathonfoto. I will be ordering a few of these)

I cried twice somewhere between mile 17 and the finish. Not because of the pain. The first time was when it occurred to me [for a split second] that I might not be able to finish. The second time was when I finished.

Since then I've gone over the whole race in my head a million times. I'm planning a do-over in 2012. I've been frustrated and angry off an on since that day. Cried 2 more times. And finally with all sincerity can say, "look what I accomplished! I ran 26.2 miles!"

This was the day I decided to stop beating myself up and taking away the glory that is finishing. Christie O

Now that my biggest goal for 2011 has been accomplished I'm thinking even more about 2012. Thinking about do I really want to run an ultra, trying a different marathon training program, possibly running the Colorado Ragnar Relay, and yes, even a few non-running/fitness goals too. 

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That brings me to a new giveaway generously sponsored by The Run Home! To get you thinking about looking back at 2011 and looking forward to 2012.

The Run Home is your home for unique, handcrafted running inspired and inspirational and motivational jewelry and ornaments! We love to make items that we love, related to everything we love! We strive to make beautiful, affordable jewelry to celebrate life!

 I love this necklace. Love the words, dream and believe. A little reminder on those less than great days. Seeing the 2012 reminds me of the promise of a new year and the endless possibilities. Debbie's shop is a great place to start your Christmas wishlist!

                                                               How to Enter

Mandatory Entries

1. You must be a follower or my blog.
2. Leave a comment and tell me what goals you have accomplised in 2011 and/or what goals you have in mind for 2012.
3. Visit The Run Home and leave a comment on a favorite charm or necklace.

Extra Entries

1. Leave a new comment on a non-giveaway [Fitness, Health and Happiness] post.
2. Tweet about the giveaway.
3. Post about the giveaway on your blog. 
4. Post about the giveaway on Facebook.

Leave a comment for each entry and include an email address. Giveaway ends 12:00 p.m. EST October 29, 2011.  If winning entrant doesn’t acknowledge their win within 48 hours, another winner will be selected. Open to US residents only. 

Disclosure: For the purpose of this giveaway, The Run Home generously donated the necklace free of charge. No monetary compensation was received. All thoughts and opinions of this product are my own and not influenced in any way by the company or products I received.

Now the link up!

 

Comments

[LISA]

Congrats on sticking it out- that in itself us a huge accomplishment! For sure CO relay....but I'm biased

[LISA]

Congrats on sticking it out- that in itself us a huge accomplishment! For sure CO relay....but I'm biased

[Kyria]

That's awesome that you finished! I am sorry that you were injured. That really is a bummer.

I am a follower -- of course!

[Kyria]

A goal that I accomplished in 2011 was that I got off the couch, got back into eating healthy and running and lost weight and am now stronger than ever. And I signed up for my first marathon!

[Kyria]

I like the Live, Laugh, Run charm!

[Tina]

What a great recount of the race... You constantly inspire me and this race was no different! Love the necklace... dang looks like I need more running jewelry! Running that marathon was one of my huge goals of 2011, now lets see what 2012 brings?

[Jennifer]

Congrats!! You did awesome!! :) LOVE that necklace!
A goal that I accomplished in 2011 was to run long most Sundays and I did! Still looking for a half marathon to run...
For 2012...definitely a half and continue my journey to being more healthy!

[[email protected]]

Congrats on your race. Those split second moments can be so frustrating - I'm so glad you've been able to be proud of your race. You did run 26.2 miles - that's so fantastic!!! Congrats again.

A goal for me for 2011 was to do a half-marathon. I haven't quite thought about 2012 - but now I'll get cracking on that.

[[email protected]]

I'm a follower of your blog - I love that necklace, it's beautiful! Awesome giveaway.

[[email protected]]

I like the heart with the 13.1 charm. So pretty!

[[email protected]]

I put a link to your giveaway on my blog.

[Courtney]

awesome pics!! you did great!!

I am a follower and my goals for 2011 are pretty much wrapping up tomorrow with my half marathon. I think next year my goals will be do maybe do a marathon and look more into trails.

[Sandy Cooper]

Love your pictures--what an accomplishment. Just found your blog and linked up. I see from your banner that you like P90X. Me too. :)

Blessings,
Sandy

[Vicki]

Congrats!! I'd love to be able to run a race like that!

[Kerry]

I'm a follower of your blog (entry 1). I'm so sorry to hear about the silly billy (as my 3 year old would say) in front of you that caused your injury. What an accomplishment to power through that and finish your race. You're an inspiration.

[Kerry]

As far as goals I've accomplished for 2011. I ran my first 5K, four months after giving birth of my 4th child. And I am signed up and training for my first half marathon in December of this year. Goals for 2012 .. well I want to get a few more half marathons under my belt. More race experience before I look to do a full marathon.

[Kerry]

I would LOVE the Dream Believe Run 13.1, this would commemorate my journey this first year of running.

[April]

You did it and no one can take that away from you. I can imagine your frustration and disappointment but you didn't give up. That's awesome!!

april@Party of Five

[[email protected]]

I follow your blog :)

[Kristin Delgado]

sorry, that's me above- somehow I wasn't signed in right!