Harrisburg Marathon

at the packet pick-up

            Well, things didn't turn out how I wanted at the Harrisburg Marathon.  I guess some days are better than others.  After a rocky start to marathon training because of plantar fasciitis, I started to feel more confident when my runs started to "click".  Since I was originally training for NYC and picked up the Harrisburg marathon after NYC canceled I had an extra week of tapering.  I am not sure that my body does well with tapering so two weeks was rough.  My fastest marathon was used as a training run the week after a 20 miler and tough week of training.  My slowest was this past weekend after 2 weeks of taper. 


        As for the course and the race itself, everything was perfect.  The course was a nice course, lots of friendly volunteers and many people out cheering.  I knew by mile 6.5 that it wasn't going to be my day.  By mile 8 my quads were already tightening.  Not sure what went wrong?  What got me through was that I ran every mile for someone/something.  Finishing this race was an accomplishment for me.  I am may not be happy with how it went but I am proud of myself for sticking it out.

getting ready to high five my Ally

       The main thing that kept me going was getting the miles for everyone.  I couldn't quit on anyone that I dedicated a mile to.... 
Here is my list:

1. Staten Island
2. Brooklyn
3. Queens
4. Bronx
5. Manhattan- Miles 1-5 were for the marathon that never happened last weekend.....
6. My Grandma Phillips- she was at many of high school races and always supported me.  I miss her much
7. My Papa- he passed away when I was in Middle School but I am sure he would of supported me!
8. Grandma Lady- My dad's mom-  so many memories and wish I had been able to have her in my life longer.
9. Dana- Dana was a high school friend and runner.  Dana Passed away from cancer a few years back.  He was inspiration to many.  He had a lot of challenges thrown his way but always stayed positive.
10.  Kelli- My running buddy!  She is the girl who gets my crazy obsession with running!  I am luck to have her as a friend! 
11. Grandma Mac and Grandma Bal- my husband's grandmothers who were are so lucky to have around still.
12. Sam- My father in-law.  I am very lucky to have such amazing in-laws! 
13. Nancy- My mother in-law.  A cancer survivor and an amazing person!
14. Kathryn- My sister who lives in Virginia with my niece and nephew and her hubby.  Wish they lived closer
15. Danny- My brother who lives in Chicago and I miss a bunch! We are running Chicago Marathon next year....his first, and I can't wait!
16. Tom- My other brother.  He lives close by with my nephew.  He is going through a lot right now and remains positive and shows such great character!
17. My Dad-  I love my dad and wouldn't be who I am without him!
18. My Mom- My biggest fan!She has been to everyone of my marathons and so many of my races.  He support continues to amaze me!  
19. Ryan- My oldest nephew....love him!  I am lucky enough to watch him in the summer and spend lots of time with him.
20. Teegan- My 3 year old niece.  She is a bundle of energy. Such a a sweet child that brings many smiles to my face.
21. Dexter- My 1 year old nephew.  There is something special about this kid!  He makes me smile!  
22. Bryson- my step-son.  He is a hockey player who plays with lots of heart!  I used some of that to get through that my mile
23.  Garrison-  My oldest.  The song Greatest Love All started playing right at the beginning of this mile.  Truth - there is no greater love than what I feel for my little ones....thinking about Garrison surely got me through...
24. Ally- My daughter- She is such an amazing child! She made me the best sign ever! I loved giving her high fives when I ran by her
25. Carson- My baby- who is 4.  He is my challenging child! Always keeps me on my toes! I love him to pieces
26. Mike- My husband.  Without him running a marathon would not have been possible! So Thanks HONEY!         

.2 was for me

I am already looking for another marathon....Even though this one wasn't plesant and think I will be running 2 marathons in the fall I need to try again!  I need something to train for! I need redemption!

I am leaning towards Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon or Charlottesville Marathon..... Any advice/pros/cons on either????