Hitting the wall, from a kid's point of view...

I have the most wonderful friend who I can count on. She is so kind and always willing to take both my girls when I ask her too. So when I asked her to take my girls while I was in Cincinnati for the marathon, she of course was happy to help me out. They had a great time and of course played till they were worn out. They also attended a Derby party, where the kids all picked the horse of choice and also hit a pinata shaped as a horse. So cute. Anywho.... When we picked up the girls, and as we were driving home, Greg and I were chatting about my race and I said something about HITTING THE WALL..... well my hilarious little 4 year old asked....

"Mom, you hit the wall? Is that why you have a bruise on your elbow?" lol ~

I didn't even have a bruise. She just assumed I had really run into a brick wall. Kids say the funniest things. I did how ever feel as though I had truly run into a brick wall..... all week. This was my 12th marathon and also the hardest recovery. I have been so sick, and my legs have been toast. More then usual. UGH.... No wonder I didn't BQ.... something is up with my body right now. I have qualified before (twice) and I know I will again... hopefully sooner then later.

On a happy note... we are running in a 5K tomorrow morning. It is going to be my 9 year old's first, and my husbands. I will post all about it on Monday. We just need to figure out what we are going to do with the 4 year old while we are running... maybe my trusty friend can come watch her for me... ha ha

Flying Pig race report.

This wont be a long post. Short and simple.
It rained and it poured and there was even thunder and lightning at the start. We were soaked before the race even started. I started with the 3:40 pace group. Lost them at 6, when we started with the hills. From 6-8 it is almost constant hills. At about mile 8 the hilliest part of the course was over. But there were still more little hills to come. I caught up to the 3:40 group at mile 12. Stayed with them till 16.5ish... and by mile 17 I was having a hard time keeping up. I knew I had to slow my pace. I was so mad. I was fighting with anger, and doubts and frustration. By mile 18.5 I told myself it was OK to not BQ. Once I agreed with myself... I was fine. I settled into a new pace, and felt happy. I did slow down a touch more as the miles went on. My left hip was killing me, I couldn't stop and walk through the water stations anymore because it was to hard to get running again. At mile 24 the 3:50 pace group passed me and I thought I could keep up with them... nope. So I slowed back down to my 9:30 pace and just finished.

3:51:06... avg of an 8:50 pace... not my best, but not my worst.

I am a little bummed I didn't BQ, but considering I had been sick all week, the hilly course, and the rain and really my lack or training... I am happy with my time and I am even happier that I am able to run. I am so lucky and blessed to be a runner and to love it. I am amazed each time I cross the finish line that I am able to push myself for 26.2 miles. (garmin said 26.5)

So whats next you ask? Marathon #13 will be in Utah with 2 of my sisters. Frances, my twin, will be doing her first full. We are running the Deseret news marathon on July 24Th in Salt Lake City. I am so excited about this one. No pressure at all. Just 3 sisters running together and crossing the finish line together... no matter what. I will have to wait to BQ in Sept or Oct, and I will find a much flatter/faster course. Greg was standing above me on an over pass thingy, and so the pictures are from a distance. Here are a couple. He took them with the super fast shutter speed option... so I have about 30 shots of me running. It's fun to scroll through them fast on the camera and watch myself run.

Crossing the Finish SwineWalking back to the hotel, I made him take one of me with my medal.