Run Lola Run

6:07:49…

Mission accomplished. I finished my first marathon, upright and smiling. I didn’t finish with everyone, or actually anyone, but I finished!

There are so many emotions and thoughts swirling around in my head right now…I would like to start at the beginning, but other things are coming up in my head right now.

(I must insert here that after reading the Star Tribune blogger’s account of his big day, finishing in 4:43, that my competitive side is kicking in…after the race on Saturday, I swore that I would never run again, but even now I can hear a little voice in the back of my head saying, well..maybe next year…I mean, I would like to have a better race, I would like to improve my time, I would like to enjoy the finish more….argh! I’m crazy!)

The first and foremost thing in my mind is how I did not stick with Karen, even though I said I would. I don’t think she expected me to when I had told her that before, but when she and Jill fell behind, it didn’t even OCCUR to me to go back and check on her. I had to keep moving. I feel awful about that. I’ve tried emailing her and calling her, but I haven’t gotten a response. I hope she’s ok, and not too mad at me. I hope she’ll be at run club tomorrow night. I just want to talk to her and here about her race and tell her about all the drama, and apologize for not sticking with her.

Maybe she’s in a funk, I don’t know. And if she hates me forever, I will understand. But I just want the chance to say that I’m sorry.

Speaking of people falling off, I wasn’t prepared for all the drama that happened mid-race. I think I was prepared for everything—including not finishing due to some unforeseen circumstance beyond my control—except our group falling apart. Once we lost Cory and Leann freaked out, I wasn’t sure how any of us were going to make it across the finish line. I’m so glad that we all did, and now I wish I would’ve been able to stick around and party with everyone. The only thought in my head as I crossed the finish line was “get me outta here!” That, and “ice cream, stat!” The severe thunderstorm that was about to hit Duluth, didn’t help either.

Later on in the day, Abe asked me if I thought that it was worth it. I assumed he meant the race, and I answered “of course!” Finally seeing the finish, sprinting towards it and crossing it was one of the best feelings of my entire life. But more than the race, the training is what was definitely worth it. Not only did I become a better a runner, but I became a more centered and focused person, which has definitely spilled over into other areas of my life. I also cemented my bonds with my running group, and I can’t imagine not seeing any of them again. These women are phenomenal, and have become like sisters to me. In fact, when we were running on Saturday, people kept asking if we were sisters!

I’ve learned so many lessons from this marathon, and I’ll be posting them in forthcoming entries. But for now, well done Sara. And I hope Karen calls me back.

posted by Lola @ 4:08 PM