I have made it through the first two of my twelve planned marathons. First up was "The Mississippi Blues Marathon" in Jackson, Mississippi. I was concerned about forcasted rain, but was blessed with perfect temperatures and cloudy skies. Our first impression was the roads, they are really bad! The hubs didn't like driving on them, at all. The expo was small, but found an adorable charm that was a mini of the medal, guitar shaped! Those same friendly peeps engraved medals the next day. The race itself was fun, lots of bands along the way. The course wound through a college campus, downtown, some really nice, and quiet, neighborhoods. There is a really long hill around mile 22-23. I don't particularly like hills at the end, but it wasn't terribly aggressive, just never-ending. I stumbled on the horrible roads around mile 6, treating it like a trail race from that point on. My feet hurt like never before in a race, had new-ish shoes. They had plenty of miles on them, but they are definitely not for me. Lesson learned, back to my Asics! I enjoyed this marathon, but probably won't do it again, or maybe in my trail shoes.
Second on my list was "The Mercedes Benz Marathon" in Birmingham, Alabama. Running another marathon just two weeks after the first was a bit concerning. Was not sure how I was going to do, this one has a 6-hour cutoff, as opposed to "Blues" 7-hour. I needed to stay in front of the balloon ladies. Mercedes is a loop race, two for the full marathoners. Thought the elevation gain was the problem in MS, so inquired about hills before hand. First 5-6 miles of loop are where the hills are. None were game changing, and wasn't worried when I started my second loop. Both half and full distances start at the same time, so course seemed crowded for first 13. So much room as the half marathoners broke off to finish. I was never alone, which was nice. Talked with a guy named Scott for a bit near the industrial part of course. His family even met him out there, really nice! Best part of day? The pancakes and bacon around mile 17. Oh MY! I also got my beer at mile 25ish. I will absolutely do this one again! I managed to PR for my marathon distance!
Number three was supposed to be "Snickers Marathon" in Albany, GA. Felt really good going into race week. My last two runs were horrible, and a new class I took kicked my butt, however, I knew I could do this. Woke up morning of race with a bout of stomach flu. Nope, could not even look at food, much less GU. Very disappointed, we drove home before the start. I slept in the camper all the way home.
So, number three will be "Raccoon Mountain". I ran this as a full last year with a friend, her first. I also have run it as a half, which was my intent for this year. A nice slow relaxing, forest-bathing, trail/road race. Well, now it will be nice, relaxing, forest-bathing, full marathon. I should, barring unforeseen problems, beat my 8 hour time from last year. But, if not, they do give a prize for last place. Win-Win
See you on the other side!
Run Far, Run Often, Run Happy
Melissa
