Run for Risa Benefit Marathon

Run for Risa: This is my race report from yesterday. For some reason, my Garmin only registered 24.18 miles, but I ran 26.2. This race was not about time or setting a PR. It was a race to benefit a local girl with cancer. I did not know the family, but one of my co-coworkers did and asked if I would run. How could I say no, and how could I not run the full marathon? I wasn't sure how this race would go. Hagg Lake is hilly to begin with, and I knew I hadn't really trained properly for a full marathon, as my longest runs had been half's. Plus, I developed a nasty cold mid-week that was taking its toll on me mentally and physically. I was worried about not finishing until I took a step back mentally and realized that I've climbed mountains with less physical conditioning, so I knew I could do this-I just needed to focus. I got up at 4 that morning feeling rested, but had sinus congestion and pressure. Running in the cold morning air would help that. I drove up to Hagg Lake and was able to find the area we were meeting with no problem-everything was very well-marked. I was a little early, so after I picked up my race packet, I sat in my car to stay warm until start time. There were only a handful of full marathoners-probably 20, but at least 150 half-marathoners and the rest signed up for the 10 K and fun run-388 participants in all. We were the first to start at 7am; as we were waiting for the official start, Risa's mother came over and thanked all of us for participating. The route was 2 loops around Hagg lake with an out and back to make it a full 26.2 miles (13.1 for the half), since the loop is just over 10 miles. The out and back proved to be a little confusing as far as where to turn around, but it was better that the original plan, that had us going out Sain Creek Road, a steep gravel road with a 6% grade hill-not fun, especially at mile 24! I was grateful that the organizers took time to really evaluate the course. We were off and running in the cool, sunny morning. The loop was beautiful-hilly, but I had no problem with it. As we all started to spread out according to our respective paces, I found myself alone for most of the race-it almost felt like a training run. There were aid stations about every 2 miles, offering water and Ultima. I was glad for the brief company of the volunteers, as there were no spectators on the course like most races. There were volunteers in cars periodically circling the lake in case anyone was injured or needed to drop out, and I would get the occasional honk and wave. I saw my co-worker Susan at the mile 8 aid station and got some encouragement from her to finish the first loop. After crossing the finish the first time amidst applause and encouragement, it was time to go back and run it again. At Mile 15, some fatigue and soreness started setting in. I remember thinking that if I'd signed up for the half only, I'd have been done by now. I pushed that thought out of my mind and continued on, starting to intersperse a little bit of walking in between running. By mile mile 18, My calves were feeling pretty sore and tight, so I started walking more, knowing that this would happen and also knowing that this was about supporting a good cause and finishing. I met up with Susan again at the same aid station (~mile 21)-by that time, my right hip was pretty sore, and I knew that if I pushed too hard, I risked injury. Susan introduced me to one of Risa's sisters, who thanked me for participating-her words were “you don't even know me, and you're doing this.” That gave me the boost I needed, and I continued walking, even though my body had enough. One thing about long-distance running, especially marathoning, is that it is truly a mental game, especially late into the race. This is the time when your body wants to quit and you have to work through the pain, knowing that the finish will be your reward. I have to admit, though, I still wondered what I had been thinking, doing a full, but I knew at this point I was so close to finishing. A few more aid stations and words of encouragement, and finally boat ramp C, with balloons that seemed to be calling to me. I turned and headed toward the finish, amidst cheers and applause-my name was announced and then, to my surprise, they told me I'd won a prize: first woman over 40 to finish! What?! I never win anything! That was the icing on the cake that made the whole race worth it. After talking with Susan, I went to my car to drop some things off and of course post my results on FB. I came back to the picnic area since pizza was on the way. I also heard them call the last few runners. The course was to stay open until 2pm, but the last runner finished at around 12:45pm. I left tired, sore, and happy that I had done something worthwhile.
Risa had unfortunately lost her battle with cancer several weeks ago, but this benefit enabled her family to raise enough money to cover her medical expenses.