Let’s Run A Marathon!
Up at 5AM and what a treat!
During marathon training, I had to travel over an hour, so I typically would wake up at 330 a.m. to arrive at the path by 5 a.m.
My wave was the back of the pack: M, and I was scheduled to start at 8:30 AM.
I slept well.
I had run a 5K shake out the previous day and it helped me get all my nervous energy out. I was feeling READY!
I got dressed, checked my bag 15 times and called my brother Paul to pick me up.
He arrived and we were off, headed to Grant Park.
Grant Park is 12 minutes away from my mom’s house. The expressway is a straight shot Downtown.
I was very surprised how quickly we got there.
The Meet Up
He dropped me off at the Hilton. Oh boy was this a nice change.
I was able to use a regular bathroom and stay warm until I needed to drop my bag off at bag check.
My buddy texted me that the Black Runner Connect group were in position and ready for our group picture at 7am.
But by the time I arrived; 7:05, they were done.
I was right on time for our Black Girls Run ATL picture tho. These were the ladies I spent 18+ weeks running with.
The ladies shared that I should take an Imodium pill to stop the potential marathon poop fest, and I was hesitant at first , but I went ahead and took it. (I am glad I did. I did not have to worry about loose bowels during the race).
Off To The Corrals
It was time to head to the starting line. I had my buddy Daris with me and we walked through tons of people all lining up for their starting lines.
There were 3 waves:
Red (the fast folk) 7:30 a.m.
Blue (the kinda fast folk) 8 a.m.
Orange (back of the pack) 8:35 a.m.
In each wave there were different groups. A-N
I was in M.
We went through security first. They checked out bags and patted up down.
We dropped off our clear bags at our designated back check.
We hugged one another and she went to her start line, and I left for mine.
There were so many people, I felt like I was a cow being herded. The race had over 40 thousand people running that day.
Tall fences surrounded us on every side. People had started taking off their jackets and sweat shirts and hung them on the fence. I had a really cute ATL grey sleeveless hoodie that I hung up. Looking back, I probably should have brought an old raggedy sweat shirt to leave.
As the waves took off, we moved closer and closer.
Finally, we were at the start line.
The Start Line
At the start line, there was electric energy in the air. The music was blasting, there was a huge jumbo-tron screen with all kinds of runners who were further up in the corral.
By this time, all different colored sweat shirts, sweat pants, jackets, blankets littered the fence.
I was smiling from ear to ear.
I asked some random guy to take a video of me. He agreed.
This moment in the marathon was like bliss. Everyone was happy and excited. All was well in the world.
GO GO GO!
A little past 8:45 a.m. our wave was finally off and running.
I knew I was not going to sprint out.
I knew I needed to keep my pace steady. Just like I had done in training.
But…
Everybody were passing me.
Oh my goodness, it was the strangest feeling ever!
I felt as if I would be the last person to cross the finish line and this was just at the start of the race.
I kept telling myself, “Ignore it! You need to conserve your energy and just run easy.”
Running Easy
Every mile, I ran easy.
Through Lincoln Park…easy.
Along Lake Shore Drive…easy.
Wrigleyville…easy
GreekTown…easy (Lively crowd here)
Chinatown…easy
Bronzeville…easy
If I had any energy left, I would push it at the end.
I wasn’t trying to do anything fast or fancy, I just wanted to experience my first marathon.
My family positioned themselves at mile 8 (brother), mile 13 (BFF and God daughter), mile 22 (my hubby and kids), mile 24 (hubby and kids).
My sisters were some where around mile 14 but I had my headphones in and missed them. (They should have told me where they would be standing)
At mile 8, I did not see my brother. I looked all over, but did not see him.
I got the chance to run with and hug my Bestie.
By the time I saw my hubby and kids, I was really tired.
In fact, I pulled out my phone and called my husband at mile 21 because I didn’t want to miss them.
This was the shining moment of my entire race.
I hugged and kissed them. They were holding signs as I approached.
Jordan yelled…Keep going Mom! Don’t Stop!
I really needed that.
Finished
I started the race with long sleeves and mittens, but ended wearing a tank-top.
My toes were blistered.
My thighs were chaffed.
My ribs were sore.
My feet were tired.
I felt as if I was running through mud but the moment I saw mile 25 marker, I found some energy in my tank.
The time was a little after 3pm, and after 6 plus hours of running, I was done!
No a boo-hoo crying like I thought I would.
I sobbed along the way at different points along the race.
The tears fell because I thought of my beloved dad.
It was pride. I cried because I was so proud of myself.
I was just so excited to be done.
The volunteers greeted me with fruit, the iconic metallic blanket and my medal!
Stumbling to get my bag and like a baby doe, I collapsed on the grass.
I called my hubby and told him I was coming but needed to get myself together.
My legs were a wreck! I mean WEAK AF!!!!!
I could barely stand up to leave.
A couple hours later, I experienced what I believe was a sudden drop in my blood pressure. I started to feel nausea and dizzy. As we waited for an Uber, I was blacking out. I kept saying, “Guys I don’t feel good. I don’t feel good. I’m gonna pass out.”
I hurried and ate my banana that had and drank the melted water in my ice bag.
Thankfully, I did not loose consciousness.
Reflection From Oct. 9th
What a historical day in my life! 🥹
My first marathon.
Physically, the most challenging task I’ve taken on in my life but also the most exhilarating.
I probably did a few things wrong as a new runner, but I got a bunch more right. I admit- these shorts were new 🫣 and my thighs were rubbing together like two pieces of fat back meat.
But, I trained for this.
I prayed through this.
I smiled through this.
I laughed through this.
Present EVERY mile of this race.
Sure I wish I had run a faster race, but being able to hug my family who came out to support me was most important!
Being able to take on that last baby hill at mile 26 with a semi-sprint was INCREDIBLE! (I swear I thought I was going fast) 🏃🏽♀️💨
In time, this newbie runner will learn all the tricks of the trade;
how to avoid thunder thigh chafe,
leaving the vest filled with enough water to quench the thirst of an elephant,
how to run more efficiently,
and how to run a sub 5 marathon.
But for now, I am grateful.
My joy was my super strength.
My gratitude was my secret weapon.
I will run another marathon…but today I just want to share this joy I have 😊🙏🏽🙌🏽
