This morning was the Shamrock marathon. I was supposed to run it but was injured so my role was to support Greg.
Pity Party
I'm going to get my negative feelings out of the way first, so that I can focus on the wonderful time I had today.
I was depressed yesterday. As much as I was trying to be supportive and excited for my husband, Greg, it was so hard to just push my feelings aside. Yesterday was tough for me for two reasons: 1) It marked the 3-year anniversary of my last "good" marathon experience. 2) The forecast for the race was in the mid 40's and sunny.
Regarding #1, I was depressed because I realized that the last time I ran a marathon that I considered to be a non-failure was exactly three years ago at Shamrock 2008. Ever since then I have been living and breathing marathon training and yet things haven't come together for me. Injuries, illnesses, weather, whatever the case-- I have just haven't been able to make it happen.
Regarding #2, I was glad that Greg was getting ideal race weather, but I kept thinking, "Where was this weather last year? Last year I was in such great shape and I was at my peak and ready to run a sub 3:40, but it was so hot that I dropped out at mile 13 because I felt so horrible. It was 25 degrees hotter last year and unseasonably so. Now that am I injured, the weather is perfect. If I had just had this weather last year, I would have a solid marathon under my belt and this injury wouldn't be so difficult."
I Got Over It.
I did allow myself to be upset on Saturday at the Expo, but I knew that this was an important
weekend for Greg and I wanted to be happy for him. So I shoved my feelings aside and focused on being able to support him.
On race morning, I accompanied Greg to the start line. I stayed next to him in the corral for as long as I could before the corral started to move forward.
That's awesome that Greg negative split like that, and better yet, that you had no shin pain while out there supporting him. (I still think of that as a highlight of my MCM experience, BTW, when you jumped in to pace a bit with me!)
ReplyDeleteWhoa, awesome negative split! Sorry you couldn't be out there running the whole thing. It sounds like you are doing all the right things and getting better though!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Greg! I had a feeling you would have a tough time of it, but being a support crew is definitely a great way to help get you through it! Nice job on those last few miles - for you and him, considering you just started running on land again.
ReplyDeleteYou'll get your chance and it'll be sweeter than ever.
I love everything about this post! So happy for Greg, and for you that you had such a good burst of running and amazing attitude about it. If I can't run, my second favorite thing to do is be the pit crew. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteyou know what? you get major props for going to support him and running what you could. your attitude is amazing. congrats to your hub!
ReplyDeleteThat's so great for Greg, and GO YOU for being so supportive and positive for him. It sounds like you are healing up well, and you'll be able to go for your own PR soon enough.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to read that both you and he had such good experiences.
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth - Great job supporting Greg, even though you were disappointed that you couldn't run yourself. Do you use the bone stimulator on your left shin, too? I'm glad you were able to get those miles in with Greg without pain. What a difference from NYC! I can't believe you were at the corral with him and then running towards the finish with him!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the comments! I have not been using the bone stimulator on the left leg because I hadn't ever had pain there. If it starts to act up and I can pinpoint the actual spot then I will start using it there.
ReplyDeleteCHEATER!!! hahahahaha I think you were crazy personally for running there to help out or motivate Greg but who cares!!
ReplyDelete