Post-marathon Glow ... and I don't mean the sunburn!

Over 24 hours ago I completed my very first marathon. I am amazed by the idea that I have done so.
I awoke Sunday morning at 4:17 AM after dreaming that I had overslept and missed my opportunity to start the race. The dream was so vivid that I did not go back to sleep (I was planning to get up at 5 AM). Instead I got up and started stretching. Then I made my usual oatmeal - and because it was race morning I also had an English muffin with peanut butter. Routine is important!
I already knew what I was going to wear, and my waterbelt bottles and race snacks/carbs had been refrigerated overnight in anticipation of the forecasted mid 80s temperature.
Walking buddy Jen arrived promptly at 5:45 and within minutes of her arrival David had us loaded and we were off to Bennington for our anticipated 7 AM Race start.
Following a planned pit-stop in Arlington, we arrived at the Bennington Arts Center at 6:40 AM. Plenty of time to pin on our bibs - make one more pit-stop and have a Starting Line photo taken. Lynn made sure we had an actual Official Start, complete with timing mat.
My mental approach - just another long training session on the course - with an additional 6.2 miles!
Easy enough starting out. Sunny skies. A breeze. Very little traffic. Well, it was only just after 7 AM.
As walkers with an early start time Jen and I knew the first water stations would not be set up. We were well-prepared for that. The course mileage markers were not set out either; but the spray-painted green arrows along the pavement indicated it was indeed Race Day and we were already familiar with the course!
passed the Bennington Monument, went under the RT 279 overpass and went through the small covered bridge. We passed the Bennington Train Station and made our way up Grandview. We headed for RT 67. This was not a section with shade and at about mile 7 Patty called from the upcoming water stop (mile 7.5). I reported we were close.
As we came into view, Jen and I could hear the cheering from our school's volunteer students, teachers and parents! The girls had completed their 5K race on Saturday at the Girls on the Run event. It was fantastic to be wrapped up in their enthusiasm!
Onward!
A brief pit-stop at Paulin's (because a gas station bathroom is a welcome opportunity versus portajohn) and we were ready for the first side road - and the hills of Shaftsbury!
Yes, it was time to face the "butt-shaping" hills, but we had walked them before. In fact I believe I tackled them at least 4 times in training! One thing I knew about this stretch, it would have some shade! An important piece of knowledge on this given Sunday.
At the water stop at 9.2 miles we had the opportunity to refill our drink bottles with the first of our "stashed" preferred flavors (pre-planned with training group friends who were volunteering!!). This also turned out to be our first opportunity to get ice. In fact we got our ice in baggies which turned out to be invaluable! Some salty pretzels didn't hurt either.
I put ice-cubes on my head under my hat. Very cooling! Also ice in the bra. And then the baggie draped on my neck. Jen had no hat, but all the rest was repeated.
I drank my Gatorade regularly along the road and drank water at the water stops. I encouraged Jen to do the same. We ate our energy chews regularly. I ate carbs as well, something Jen found difficult to do (she had never eaten much in training ... ).
We were passed by the lead runner somewhere just before mile 11 (he started at 9 AM) and he passed us before 10 AM. NOTE - He had been on course for just under an hour! WOW!
We encountered sporadic runners for the next 45 minutes. The first 15 or so runners were all men. Then the first woman came through.
We applauded them and they in turn gave us positive shout outs! We felt complimented.
Somewhere on the hills of Shaftsbury we passed 13.1 miles, Half Marathon distance. A little after 3 hours - not bad for warm weather and necessary time to get ice at the water stops!
Onward!
Down Maple Hill and onto Old Depot Rd. Not much shade in our future! But another drink "stash" at 15.7 miles (something like that) helped fuel our spirits as well as our bodies. New ice for the baggies and under my hat. And a chocolate chip cookie. Thanks Sarah C. !
Up RT 7A to Warm Brook Rd and on the way to E. Arlington. Again with very little shade.
The course was dotted with spectators - cheering and some offering misting from hoses and hand-spray bottles. Others offering wet paper towels for our faces. Some homeowners left buckets of water out for "dipping bandanas". I loved seeing the community's support!
Plenty of women from the training group were out on course volunteering - at water stops and as course marshals. Some, like Patty, moved along the course to document Jen's and my journey. Thanks to Cindy too for capturing us digitally in E. Arlington.
Once through the middle of Arlington, and past the Mile 20 sign, it was all new "ground-breaking mileage"- having never walked further than 20 miles at a time during training.
That moment was not lost on Jen or myself. It was exciting to think that with each step we were walking further than ever before!
The stretch along 7A in Arlington - northward towards Dunham Rd. - was sunny and the most-traffic filled. We were somewhat confined to the roadside by orange cones for our safety. It was really the only part of the course that Jen and I could not walk 2-abreast. We gave way for some runners to pass and looked forward to our next side road- Dunham.
And there was Patty (and Bryne) with a cooler of ice! And smiles! Ah- Mile 21!
Thank you, thank you. We crossed the railroad tracks.
A little ways up the road we could hear a train. Ah ha! We had made it through the train-crossing without an interruption. Woo hoo!
A mile later I took Jen's picture by the Mile 22 sign. All smiles!
Before we knew it we were at the Mile 22 + water stop. Our last refilling station for our "stash". And hooray more ICE!
I think Dunham Road was the most challenging stretch for footing. The road had recently received new stone and it stood out. Jen and I could feel each and every stone underfoot. Ouch. At least there was periodic shade.
We knew there was one short hill coming up before the final stretch - Sunderland Rd/River Rd. Upon approaching the foot of said hill I noted a voice calling out our names - Patty!
I don't know if you know what it means to have someone speaking directly to you on course. But for me it was jump-starting. I felt drawn to her voice and took Jen along with me on the wave of energy that came along with hearing our names. "Let's knock this hill down!" I believe is what I said to Jen as we pumped our way up the short, but "aggressive" hill. A quick kiss to my friend Patty and on we went.
Now this part of the course was new territory for Jen. I had practiced this section alone during a couple of training sessions, so I knew the road. Yeah, I knew it alright - mostly unshaded.
Just some 3+ miles to go.
Somewhere around mile 23.5 Jen got quiet (we really had been quite chatty most of the walk). She seemed to be struggling and she said she didn't feel well. I encouraged her to continue to drink and eat as regularly as possible now. Only some 45 minutes or less to go. I had to find a way to keep her spirit up, as well as her body.
It was time for mind over matter. Our legs felt good. We still had a bit of ice. Sure our feet were hot and yes, I knew I had blisters coming on, but then the tents of the finish area came into view. I pointed them out to Jen, "You see those Jen? Those are the tent tops at the finish!" She took in the information. We rededicated our mental energies. She drank from her bottle and had an energy block. Ditto for me.
Onward.
A few sporadic runners came along in those last two miles. I hate to say it, but it did us good to note that they were not having an easy time of it either. NOTE: Those runners we were seeing at this point were closing in on a 4 and a 1/2 hour finish time. Pretty darn good in the heated conditions!
We approached the horse barn and oval that is the turn around point in the annual Komen VT Race for the Cure 5K. I knew there was only 1.55 miles to go.
Onward. One step at a time.
The sign for Mile 25! Jen, Jen- we are so close! A little more than a mile to go.
More drink. Another energy chew.
I know this section of River Road like the back of my hand. Jen asked me how our time was. I said it was just fine. This race was about finishing. Not about time (okay, sure I had a goal in mind, but the heat had taken that goal and pushed it aside).
Onward.
And suddenly there it was the Mile 26 sign! Volunteers with pom-poms were in sight. Only .2 of a mile to go! Smiling faces of friends and family came into view as we turned onto the grounds of Hildene Meadows. My daughter Sarah, with her camera. Patty. Others ladies from the training group. The timing clock. I added 2 hours and kept walking towards the clock and the Finish.
In view, husband David at the far side of the finish line!
"Jen, take my hand. Smile Jen. We're here!"
Under the banner. Touch the finish timing pad. 6:36:24 It's done!
"Jen, we did it!"
In a blur we were given wonderfully wet race tee-shirts to drape around our necks, along with ceramic finishers' medals.
Jen went to her sister and daughter.
I went to my David.
I didn't think it would happen, but the tears came. Tears that came with the knowledge of achievement and amazement. Tears of love for the man who has supported me through all the training and shared me, so many afternoons after school and weekend after weekend, with the women of the training group - shared me with the road.
Thank you David for all that love and support!
Jen and I had spoken briefly on the road about whether crying at the end of the race was "allowed". I had said of course, never thinking that I would be the first of the two of us to do so.
We separated from our family members and found one another for our own hug. We shared the moment - taking in the wonder of the marathon accomplishment.
And then there was my Sarah. Another hug. More tears.
Next it was Patty. Another hug and more tears.
My dear friend Claire too.
They were all here to share the moment. 
This moment was about so much more than a medal!

Thank you to everyone who inspired me to register for a marathon - who inspired me to train.  Mandy - I know it was you that said, "Never say never Linda!"
Thank you to everyone who said, "Yes you can." or "You can do it.".
Thank you to Lynn, simply a fantastic trainer and cheerleader, who believes in all of us every day, and helps us realize our goals.
Thank you to all the women of the training group - you never made me feel any less of an athlete being a walker attempting a marathon.

Thank you to my sister Janet who championed me from afar. By phone and by text. During training sessions (especially those 20-mile ones that I did alone) and then yesterday on race day saying, "Cow bell! Cow bell! I am cheering you on!"

Thanks to my daughter Kate who took my calls during long training sessions and just let me talk for a while even if she was not really awake at 10 AM!I loved hearing your voice while on course!!

Thank you to all who have listened to me -  whether in person, here or on Facebook - go on and on about walking and miles, and well, you know!

AND thank you to Jen - for signing up for a marathon because one day last Fall I said to you, "How would you like to walk a marathon with me?" I don't know that you really knew what you were in for, especially since your previous longest race distance had been a 10K, but you were amazing! You let me push you, mentally, up those hills and along those stretches. But just remember you did it yourself in the end. Physically and mentally!

And Jen, remember our little  talk we had today on May 21, 2012. ; )

Sunday, May 20th, 2012 is a day I am going to remember for a long, long time - for many reasons. The medal is hanging up with the others and the bib is doing the same.

Wow - I completed a marathon!

Just home from Brattleboro. What a glorious day for a race, whether runner or walker, for anyone of any age! The Mettawee girls did great. Many had family members or family friends there - some participating alongside.
Yes I did walk! I had a wonderful time mentoring two 6th graders along the way, in addition to cheering on hundreds of girls as they made their way along the 3.1 course.
Sunny, a breeze - no humidity! Plenty of water available. Smiles galore! I get caught up in the moment every year.
I know not all will read this, but thank you to all the well-wishers who crossed my path today. I am very excited about the Marathon tomorrow.
When stopping for the best macaroni and cheese anywhere at the Vermont Country Store we met a couple from Seattle who will be taking part in the Shires!

Shortly I will be headed to Bennington to go pick up my bib number, and Jen's. Then off to Pasta dinner with trainer Lynn and ladies from the Marathon group.
And for the record, I have had 50+ ounces of water so far.
Stay tuned after the weekend for "How Did It Go?" reflection.

In a word Sunday's Shires Marathon is going to be about hydration. Why? Because of, in a word, HEAT! Yes, one year later after pouring rain and cool temps, the 2nd Shires Marathon is expecting to be held under sunny skies and in temperatures in the mid-80s. I am hoping for low humidity and a breeze!
"There's no inappropriate weather, only inappropriate clothing." So says Trainer Lynn on many occasions. Just tonight she reminded us of the variety of weather we have trained in over these past several months. In fact, earlier this winter I walked regularly in the cold. Cold enough that I had frosted eyelashes. But you know what? You can always put on more layers. There are only so many layers one can take off (especially on public roadways!) I have my shorts and tank top picked out. I have my suntan lotion picked out! Raybans and Half-Maniac hat: check, check!
Additionally, I have some friends volunteering at water stops along the course so they are pitching in and stashing my particular flavor of Gatorade ( as well as my walking buddy Jen's Propel Zero) at three different water stops. I will also be bringing along extra snacks (salty). Trainer Lynn has sent out an advisory e-mail on how to handle racing in the heat and how to use the day before to prepare the body. That's where the hydration comes in. She is recommending drinking at least 64 oz. of water tomorrow. Doing the math I suppose that 8 oz. an hour for 8 hours is not so bad ... doable during the course of an16-18 hours day. Hydration. Sure is a good thing that there are porta-potties on course every 4-5 miles. at least that is what I have been told.
So tonight Friday night I am relaxing. I know I have prepared as best I can for 26.2 miles of walking. I have walked all parts of the course at least once, in sections. I will have very good company out on the road. I will have support along the way. And at the finish. But that is on Sunday!
Tomorrow I will cheer on the girls of Mettawee (where I teach) who are part of GOTR/GOT. These girls have trained for a 5K. For some, their first-ever. Tomorrow it is all about them!! And yes, they each get a medal!

        The build up to the Shires Marathon race day continues. Only 3 days left for preparation. As walkers, we have secured an official 7 AM start time. Jen and I have also worked out being able to leave our own flavor of energy drinks with volunteers at a couple of waterstops. The temperature is expected to climb into the high 70s/low 80s. It'll be a warm finish.
        The tapering continues. I got in two very nice 3.1 mile walks this week so far. Staying loose is key. I just might get another session in on Friday. And there is the potential for one more on Saturday during the Girls on the Run 5K (see a prior blog post on that subject).
        And now I must back up! Last weekend I went to New Hampshire to help with set up and such for the first-ever Komen New Hampshire Race for the Cure  5K. The weather was amazing. The turnout over 1100 registrants. And the fund-raising impressive - over $217,000 (without the silent auction and raffle proceeds added in). All of the NH committee members and volunteers were top-notch!
        In fact all was going so smoothly that I had the opportunity to go out and actually be part of the race. There was a combined runner/walker start. Which is not as intimidating as is might sound. The runners were encouraged to be further up in the start area. Then fast walkers. And then the balance of the walkers. Now I had not really thought about this. The race started and I simply started walking my pace. Sure I was being passed by runners who somehow lined up behind me. But I soon could tell that there were only runners and run-walkers ahead of me. Except for one walking couple! Somewhere around mile 2.25 - 2.5 I noticed a woman and man, with consecutive bib numbers, walking at a pretty good clip. Ah, time for my Sea Biscuit mode. I decided I would catch up to them. I decided I needed to pass them. It was at this point in the race that there was an overlap of participants - some completing a section of the course for the first time and others completing it for a second time before going into the home stretch. The couple and myself were completing the section for the second time and we had to navigate the walker crowd coming through for the first time.
         I lost sight of the couple and decided to use the sidewalk to skirt the large crowd of walkers (who really should have stayed to the left allowing the second-time through folks to have the right side and the straight away). Suddenly
I could see the Race Clock at the finish. 39 minutes and counting. I was determined to beat 40 minutes. My foot hit the timing pad at 39:56. I milled about the post-finish area with a bottle of water in hand. I spotted the couple also post-finish. I went over and thanked them for pacing me. The wife smiled and acknowledged that I had "scooted" them by navigating the crowd a bit better than they had.
          When the overall results came out runners and walkers were in one list. I found my name and time. When the top-ten walker list came out later I was not on it. How had this happened? Well, it turned out that I was listed as a runner in the database given to the timing company. A quick e-mail to the timing company pointing out my timed walker status and, ta da, I became the first timed woman walker. No medal for the 5K. No announced name at an award ceremony (I was still thought of as a runner at that point). But for what may be the only time my name appears atop a Top-Ten finish list. That is good enough for me.
          Sunday's race will not be about a medal. It will not be about my name being announced. It will be about finishing a marathon! It will be about seeing it through.
         Bring on the sunshine, clouds, warm temps - whatever. I'm ready!

Wednesday ...  "Hump Day" ...  Mid-week: In short, it was a good day! It was the day after the 6th grade play at the elementary school where I work and the students did an amazing job presenting Treasure Island. I oversaw all the hectic activity of backstage during the 1 and 1/4 hour show, plus costuming before hand and post-show. There are 23 students. Enough said! Classroom teachers, Music and Art teachers, volunteer Parent(s) and 3 paraeducators pulled together to see the students through the "Let's put on a show" process. Okay, so we didn't have to put the show on in a barn a la Garland & Rooney. Mettawee has a very nice multi-purpose room with a stage and sound-system (soon to be upgraded). But it is amazing to see what is accomplished in a 6-week period (tryouts to presentation!) The rest of the good day was made possible through a 4.5 mile walk after school (and after the May PTO meeting). It felt great to get out on the road after motioning, seconding, voting and such! I didn't really have a plan - other than pushing myself to change my clothes and put on my sneakers. I had not gone for a solo outing in a while (well, no short ones). I glimpsed my friend Patty in the parking lot, checking her technological watch, prior to heading off for her run. I came out to the same parking lot and headed in the opposite direction figuring we'd meet up eventually, and I would turn around at whatever point I met up with her. Well, guess what? After approximately 1.5 miles I realized she was not on the same loop as I was. I knew this because we had not passed one another and mathematically we should have met up by that point (you know those word problems - Train A left the station at such and such a time, traveling at a rate of blah. Train B left from the opposite station at such and such a time, traveling at a different rate.When will the trains pass one another???) Anyhow, I was feeling good. The walk was pleasant and not much traffic, so I just kept walking. At the end of the side road I made the decision to complete the loop by walking along the State highway. I simply wasn't in the mood for turning around and going back the way I had come. As I neared the school parking lot I glanced at my watch, ta da, just over an hour. Nice. 4 miles I figured, maybe a tad more. Well, on the way home I spotted Patty's car at our friend Lisa's (she's the music teacher) and I stopped by. I needed to ask Patty what the exact distance was of the loop I had just completed. 4.5 miles she said. Well, now that hour+ was looking very good indeed.
There are no medals for training walks. But there is great satisfaction in knowing that a training session has gone well and a good session like today's makes the reality of the upcoming race day a little less scary.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! Sitting outside at a favorite sandwich spot in Manchester Center ... and just having the chance to "chill" at a table and well, write. 

It's been an interesting week. 

After the long training session last Sunday I did not get back out on the road until Thursday! And boy, did my legs feel it on Thursday! The 3-day layoff was due in part to crazy schedules and some poor weather. Now I realize that sounds like I am making excuses, but I like to think with all the training miles I have invested that when scheduling doesn't work, and weather doesn't work, it really doesn't work. My brain was still in training though- worrying about the 3-day layoff. Thank goodness Thursday rolled around with walking weather and my friend Joanne available! We put in 4 miles (actually 4.4 hee hee) and then Saturday it was 10 miles for Jen and myself as part of our Marathon training. Joanne came along "for the fun of it" (10 miles, just for fun). Actually, Joanne is keeping up with her miles because she is doing the Crowley Half Marathon with me in Rutland on Sunday, June 10. The 10 miles went smoothly enough, but it was a session where I did not feel like I had much "left in the tank". So it was a good thing I did not have to do any more miles. Instead Joanne and I grabbed a quick iced-coffee and headed up to the Lioness 5K course to cheer on our pal Patty and others, including two 6th grade students and our school librarian, Kelly! Nice job by everyone.

And now back to today- Sunday. Joanne and I went out for a "casual" 3 and were rewarded by seeing 5 goslings up by the pond on our route. Adorable. We think they were getting a lesson in finding insects. 

There are actually many animals on our route on any given day. Dairy Cows. Calves. Pig and piglets. Llamas. Goats. Horses. Chickens. And even Guinea Hens. And then there are all the neighborhood dogs and cats. And of course songbirds and squirrels galore.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday. 

This is a quiet one. 

Next week I will have the happy opportunity to share Mother's Day with not only my husband and at-home daughter, but with my daughter in NYC, as we journey in for a day-long visit and brunch.

Two weeks from today I will have taken part in a marathon. Have I mentioned lately that I get a medal for doing that?!

I am happy to report that my third training session of 20 miles went smoothly. No major wardrobe issues. A couple of minor blisters to show for my effort. And well, yes, some sore muscles. But they are rebounding! Time? 5 hours and 2 minutes (with one "rest" stop and some clothing removal).
The best news for this week, I begin "tapering" my miles leading up to Race day (May 20). Yep, only 10-13 mile distance walk expected this weekend. My choice! Jen and I are opting for 10 miles on Saturday - with Joanne coming along (only 10 because I will do another 3-4 on Sunday, probably with Joanne).
The weekdays are to be filled with 3s, 4s and maybe a 6 mile stint here and there. The weekend of Mother's Day is supposed to be a 6-mile weekend. I'll need to fit that walk in before the weekend itself as I will be heading to Portsmouth, NH to assist with putting on the first-ever Komen New Hampshire Race for the Cure 5K. I am thrilled for the Granite State! Depending on how Race morning pick up etc. goes I may even get to walk the event. This fund-raising race series means a lot to me. NOTE: This summer Vermont will host its 20th anniversary race! Race day is Saturday, July 28th along River Road, finishing at Hildene Meadows, in Manchester, Vermont.
Meanwhile I am trying to organize a small group of women to go to the Wineglass Marathon in Corning, NY at the end of September. In doing so I was referring to the website and discovered a link to Finisher's Certificates from last October's race. I downloaded mine and printed it out. The certificate lists my time, place amongst my age group and overall finish. Nice! This was a nice surprise 6 months later! See? There is more to a race than a medal! Particularly at the Wineglass event. Shirt, wineglass, wine and a glass medal. And now a printable Finisher's Certificate! I like!