It took me 4 hours 34 minutes and 43 seconds to run the race. While this is a good time–one that I am certainly proud of–it was slower than what I expected. I had run 20 miles in 2 hours and 48 minutes, so I expected a faster/lower finish. Regardless, every one had told me that my goal for my first marathon should simply be to finish. I understand why.
Generally, you hit the wall around miles 19 & 20. I had not passed this point in practice to avoid injury. I thought it would be relatively easy to finish 6 more miles. Running the marathon took everything I had to finish. My hamstrings cramped up really bad around mile 14–before I hit the hills. This slowed me down dramatically and really took a toll on my mental battle.
Two distinct times I wanted to quit; thankfully, I did not. To keep going, I would think, “Put your right foot in front of your left. Now put your left foot in front of your right . . . .” The outpouring of God’s grace and love was overwhelming. At every point that I really felt I could not continue, someone I knew would be at the side of the road; my brother or dad would run with me; I would hear that Heidi was running her race well; or my mom, sisters, and Heidi’s parents would cheer me on with signs.
With 1.5 miles to go, Heidi (who had just run 13.1 miles) and my dad helped me finish by running with me.
So what made an impression on me?
- My wife and family love me very much
- Running a marathon is a lot harder than I thought it would be
- Running a marathon was more rewarding that I thought it would be
- God made our bodies for incredible purposes
- Running is an equalizer — it does not matter where you come from or what age you are
- Discipline brings about worthwhile results
- Pace is important
- Preparation is vital
- The winds of West Texas have a lot of benefit
- Lubbock needs hills
- Having people in your life that encourage you keeps you going in the hard times
- 15,000 people running at one time! Really?!
I could list more, and I am not sure that I have realized everything yet. I am still processing a little bit. Overall, the race was really hard, but really fun. I think the spectators had just as much fun, if not more fun. If you ever get a chance to run in a marathon–half or whole–or watch one, take it. It is motivating.
I want to leave you with a quote I saw on the back of a t-shirt during the race.
MARATHONING: The triumph of desire over reasoning.
**These are the only pictures I have–if you have more, please send them to me.
That’s awesome Hickman. I kind of insipires me to start running.