St. Jude Memphis Marathon

Sometimes the best laid plans just don't work. That was the case with this marathon. So I'll start from the beginning. Get ready for a long report! :)

On Thursday night I slept for almost 10 hours. On Friday night I actually slept for about 8 hours. All systems were go. I got up a bit before my alarm and starting getting ready to rock. I put on all of my Elijah stuff, including the reminder band. In addition, I put on a hospital bracelet that I received as a St. Jude Hero. It was my key to entry to post-race Heroes areas.

I was racing for St. Jude patient Serina, age 21, from Louisiana. She is battling Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma.

Chasen dropped me off as close as possible to the start. I knew it would be hectic, so I went alone. I weaved through the crowds and found my corral, #9 -- for the 4:45 - 5:00 racers. (my dream was 5:00) We started staggered... meaning I didn't cross the start line until about 8:15 AM.

I was doing quite well, I must say. I was keeping up with the 5:00 pacers like a champ. The next thing I knew, they had disappeared into thin air. But I was still going strong... I just couldn't see them. I was "on pace" for at least 5-6 miles. Chasen said that when I called at mile 7 I didn't sound good. Dismal at mile 7!!! Not good.

Here is my amazing pit crew: (L-R) Wayne, Helen (age 4), Chasen, Michele, Maggie (11 months)

Here I am approaching the pit crew at about mile 4. I am holding my special picture of Elijah.

Off I go!

And the struggle began. I have no idea why. I'm sure you'll gasp when you see my splits. It's as if I just lost steam. I was NOT happy. According to the splits, it went south at mile 10. But the fatigue began much earlier. For one thing, I had to use the port-o-pottie for the first time in my racing career. It didn't take long, and was such a relief. Upon getting up, though, I dropped my special picture of Elijah. IN THE POTTIE. I was just sick about that! I have already talked to Dawn tonight... and she laughed! She said Elijah would certainly autograph another for me. :)

Helen got a lot of smiles with her sign.

Even Baby Maggie got involved! They said she only got fussy when she wasn't holding a sign.

Before mile 13 I literally wanted to quit. QUIT. Can you believe that? Neither could I. I knew that was not an option. There was NO WAY I was going to let down all of the donators, my friends, myself, and Elijah. No way. But how on earth was I going to make it to 26.2? I was devastated. I had already been passed by the 5:15 pacers an the 5:30 pacers. Mind you, I ran Little Rock in 5:38. I wanted to cry. So I started to walk. Before the half, I was zoomed past by my friend Kim who was running her first full marathon today. Man oh man.

So I forged ahead. Walking and running. Runing in slow motion. By mile 15 I thought "just 11 more miles." By 16 the prognosis was better - "just 10 more miles." At this point I called Coach Terry for inspiring words. I sooooo did not want to disappoint him. I left him a voicemail. I called Chasen and left him a voicemail. No one was answering. I left Annette a voicemail, also. She and her pals were supposed to run me in. I was calling in that favor way ahead of schedule.

The next few miles were equally awful. I just didn't have it in me. I was sick about it! What a letdown. I was hoping to make it to 20 and "start fresh." About that time I finally met up with a "running buddy" that I'd stay with until the end of the race. This guy and I ran and walked together until a block from the stadium (when I finally got a second wind and left him in the dust - sorry guy - but he said to go ahead).

I finally made it to Autozone Park. I had to run around half of the field.

Wayne took most of these photos. He has a new camera and was primed to try it out!

The finish at last! My Garmin read 5:59:06. That's almost 21 minutes slower than last time.

With space blanket on, I headed to the chip removal lady.

Chip removal, then I got my beautiful medal.

Next I had to walk UP the darn stairs. Yuck!

I was met by Chasen who tended to shoe removal detail.

After all this I got some food. We said goodbye to the rest of the pit crew and headed to the St. Jude Heroes areas. On the way, Coach Terry called. He was great about it all and assured me that these things happen. I just HATE that it had to happen TODAY.

I got food at the Heroes room for later, then found out that the massage people were packing up early. UGH! So we went back to the hotel. It was ICE BATH time!

I ran the tub about 1/3 full with cold water. I stepped in and couldn't will myself to do anything more that squat in it. Then I took the plunge. My legs were covered. It wasn't that bad! Chasen went to the ice machine and loaded me up. Then he went back for more. I must say - it was not that bad. I actually enjoyed it. So far it has made me very un-sore.

After a quick "cowboy cool" shower, Biofreeze went all over my legs. My left foot is all blistered, but I'll live.

We went shopping with our friends/pit crew, and then out to eat. The day was ended by a dip in the pool.

Here are the not-so-nice facts:

The course was one big rolling hill. I do not recommend it. Sorry to say.

There was not much crowd support along the majority of the course.

Only two people that I did not know yelled "Go Susan!"

At times we had to run, basically, in traffic. Runners are apparently second class citizens in Memphis.

I inhaled vehicle exhaust all day.

It is very mean to make racers walk up a zillion steps after crossing a finish line.

The end-of-race food was minimal, Hero or not.

Official results still have not been posted.

I am not pleased with our hotel.

Here are the better facts:

I would do this all over again in a heartbeat. Being a Hero has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

I did hear "Thanks, Heroes" many times throughout the race.

I felt extremely supported by all of my amazing runner friends going into this.

I stuck with it and finished.

Here are my splits: (not for the faint of heart)

Mile 1 - 11:01

Mile 2 - 11:06

Mile 3 - 11:15

Mile 4 - 11:30

Mile 5 - 10:59

Mile 6 - 11:40

Mile 7 - 11:32

Mile 8 - 11:34

Mile 9 - 11:26

Mile 10 - 12:36

Mile 11 - 13:30

Mile 12 - 13:44

Mile 13 - 12:51

Mile 14 - 14:39

Mile 15 - 18:31

Mile 16 - 14:25

Mile 17 - 13:29

Mile 18 - 15:42

Mile 19 - 15:01

Mile 20 - 15:42

Mile 21 - 15:30

Mile 22 - 15:25

Mile 23 - 14:46

Mile 24 - 15:45

Mile 25 - 15:44

Mile 26 - 15:55

Mile 26.6 - 3:35

It's awful, I know. But, as I said, I was just proud to finish. I guess if it was easy, everyone would do it!