11/08/09: 26.2 miles + 3 or so miles

Had a fantastic time! The OBX Marathon organizers went above & beyond to make this a memorable event. I had 2 bicyclists escort me the entire route. We started 10 minutes before the actual start time so not to be in the way of the elite runners. Around the 1/2 way point we began passing 1/2 marathoners. DO NOT wear headphones of any type when exercising outdoors. Runners could not hear the bikers yelling, "Bikes on your left - move!" At times they literally pushed people out of our way.

The finish line came way too quickly. I did not keep track of the miles passed, just enjoyed the perfect weather and beautiful scenery. Of course, I did not have my camera w/ me b/c I didn't want to stop to take pics. Since I wasn't mentally prepared for the finish corral to be right around the corner I wasn't psychologically prepared to be done. Done. That simple.

Triking a marathon is vastly different from running one. Triking provided me VIP treatment. Running is everyone on their own. W/ running, there is the challenge of getting ahead of the person in front of me. W/ triking, getting in front of a slow 1/2 marathoner was an not fair advantage. Even climbing the bridge, I was a bit faster than most of the runners. I have to use my right arm to add pump motion to my right leg when climbing hills. I met a couple from Cleveland, OH while climbing the bridge. They left yucky weather in OH and was thrilled w/ the picture perfect, cloudless, blue sky day on the OBX. W/ running, there is always someone in every direction of my body. W/ triking, there was me, Robert, & Chad. We stopped for about 45 seconds near the Wright Memorial for the men to use the "nice" restroom facility. They each took another turn for urine relief on the rest of the trip. I think I was on so many meds, I didn't need any breaks. W/ running, it is common to see runners relieving their bladders behind trees, on the sides of the course, anywhere, especially if there is a line at the port-a-potties. I missed that experience since I was triking well ahead of the full marathoners. W/ running, every step of the last few miles is a physical cry for the torture to end and the finish line to hurry up and appear. W/ triking, I never even envisioned the finish line - hadn't even considered it really. Suddenly, it was there. My escorts were gone and it was all over. I wasn't ready. W/ running, my body would be completely aching for food, hydration, comfort, sleep, etc. W/ triking, I was a little thirsty & determined to eat the celebratory bagel and orange slices (there was other food available).

It amazes me that people would want to drink beer after a grueling workout. They've just put their body into dehydration mode and then to consume beer adds to the dehydration. Doesn't make sense to me. The bananas, peanut butter, carbs, oranges (sugar) - those make sense. Gatorade, water, yes. But not beer.

Well, now to decide on my next challenge. I think the greatest challenge, personally right now, is to decide where to plant myself come Januaray 2010. Deciding on my next triking goal will be a little easier. I believe I'll work toward a 50-miler. I need to find the point where my body is physically exhausted. Hitting the wall. The 37 mile jaunt did make me mentally hit the wall. And I survived it. It will be very easy to settle into apathy. And that even sounds tempting. In the meantime. . .

Blessings Abound!

~A~