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I don't know but I've been told: Austin Fit
makes Marathon Gold. We will run in parching heat; we will
run in snow and sleet. Off the couch we are today; we will
make our bodies pay. Fast are we and fleet of foot; we will
make you turn and look. We are runners with Austin Fit; Saturday
mornings we feel like schick.
Sunday was long. I cannot imagine every wanting to think
about doing another marathon. By race day, I had no jitters
left; I had spent the entire week in a worried frenzy. Finally,
the race started. I began with my group, but sprinted off
to pee in the woods. I regrouped with them after a mile or
two, but then we soon began to separate again. Being so savvy
about marathoning (having run none before), I decided I'd
better run my own race, so I took off.
At the half way point I needed to go to the bathroom again
(for the 3rd time). I was walking through every water stop
and drinking. At 15 miles I needed to go again. At 17 miles
I had to go again. And again and again and again.
At the dam (which I later realized was 20 miles) I began
to cry. My husband couldn't get to me with the much needed
food; he was stuck in traffic and I was hungry. At mile 23
(after another bathroom break), I came to a dead stop. It
was hard to propel forward. I had a very supportive friend
meet me at 21 miles and I do not think I would have continued
if not for her care. On the way around the Zilker Park soccer
fields, someone commented that all the marathoners in sight
were walking. I begged another marathoner with blue hair for
food. She was another angel.
The finish line was a great disappointment. I had no sense
of accomplishment or achievement, merely a sense of relief
that I didn't have to go any further (except for the walk
to the bus and the walk from the bus to my lost car). It took
over 6 hours, but the first half was done in about 2:30 -
2:45. I would be lying if I said I "ran" a marathon.
I did complete it, but certainly not without questioning WHY
about a thousand times. On Monday, I awoke pink eye and complete
exhaustion. My knees ached and I walked funny. I am sunburned
on my face and neck. Who the hell asked for sunny weather???
I discussed my performance with my husband, a high-caliber
runner and cyclist. He offered that there is something different
about the 20-mile mark. Running just changes around 20 miles.
I guess in a different year or a different lifetime, I can
try some new theories on how to better my time and my experience.
All in all, I'VE DONE IT. Now, I AM A MARATHONER and I don't
have to do it again if I don't wanna! (Editor's note ... she
IS back, and WILL do it again, in fact this year, she is a
coach!)
Lisa Geiger,
affectionately called by Liz: (Troublemaker) Red Rebel
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