Sunday, May 02, 2010

Tacoma City Marathon 2010

The early start. Picture by Dawn Bellevue

Short story - a fun race. Ran well and felt good all the way through. The weather was cool and quite windy, but no rain till we were done. Margaret, Jessica and I ran together all day, and Rob was with us for the first 11 miles or so. He was Volunteer Coordinator, so he began with us at the early start and checked in with all the volunteers along the way, then waited with Steve (he was a course marshal) till the last runners came through, then they swept the course. All in all, I believe Rob probably talked to every volunteer on the course today.

This was my fourth TCM in a row, and my 45th marathon, bringing my marathon-ultra combined total to 58. I am still amazed by this. I remember watching Eric's marathons and dreaming of the day I might do one marathon. Just one, I thought. I was struggling with heart issues then and having difficulty with anything beyond five miles. I remember running Portland in 2006, my first marathon and how hard it was. And how sore I was after. I wanted to be a Maniac, so I thought two more to qualify and that would be it. By the time I ran those two, I was hooked. Here I am, three years and seven months later, finishing 45 marathons and not only that, but a few ultras too. I still can't believe it. Now Lesa is trying to convince me to do a 100 miler. She wants me to find a 48 hour race and she's convinced I can do it. I don't know...maybe if everything fell into place just right...

Next up is the 12 Hour Watershed where I plan to do at least a 50K, followed by the 50K at R2R. However, both are contingent on cool weather. If it's too warm, I'm out.

For today though, I am content. I'm smiling and I'm feeling good!

Here are a few pictures:

I carried that Pepsi 21 miles! It was so worth it. Picture by George Koski


Margaret, Jessica, me, about mile 23 Picture by George Koski

12 comments:

Anne said...

You are such an inspiration! Congrats on a great race!

jessica said...

What an inspiration you are - you have accomplished so much and are a better, healthier woman for it. Thank you for helping me to the finish line and of course the kit kat. You are a wonderful friend and I'm sure I speak for Margaret also - a wonderful running buddy!

Thank you again for getting me accross that finish line!

Irene said...

Once again, just amazing!

It's funny how most of us just want to do ONE marathon, and then we get hooked, but you've really taken it to another level. Congratulations!

Wes said...

58 and still truckin strong :-)

Scott McMurtrey said...

(BIG SMILE)

bigger than this:
:)

Sarah said...

You're a rock star, Michelle! I'm so glad I bumped into you on the course and was able to benefit from your positive energy! :)

Joe said...

Wow, look at those hills!! Way to power up them!!

Yes...keep it cool. You would not have enjoyed my race on Saturday in midwest heat and humidity...you guys were much better off!!

Congrats on getting another one done!!

Darrell said...

It is amazing how many marathons you've done in such a short period of time. Congratulations.

iJuls said...

Just one, eh? Look at you now. You're just amazing. And if I remember right, you had a little heart thing too. Way to go! Keep on inspiring us.

Jenny said...

And still going strong! Looking good in all the photos! I really wanted to stop and stay with you on Sunday, but I think I just wanted to get it all over with. The wind and hills kicked my butt. My hamstrings are finally not sore today (wed) from going up those dumb hills. It did feel good to push it, just probably not the best course to push it on since I really don't enjoy that many hills on miles 11-23. The only thing that kept me going through the park was how beautiful it was.
Next year will be the big 5...hopefully you get a buckle!
:)

lizzie lee said...

Congrats!!! 21 miles with the pepsi... Nice picture, and nicer skirt. Lovely!

Paul Rhodes said...

wow, how incredible, im doing my first half this weekend (Sydney) after 44 years of being unfit and 30 smoking.....i feel the best i have ever felt.planning a full marathon

http://runnershigh-paul.blogspot.com/