Martian Half Recap

Just want to take a moment to express my sympathies for the victims, family, friends and community of the Boston Marathon attack this past Monday. I am so thankful for the law enforcement, military, FBI etc, that is working around the clock to find the parties responsible for this attack. My prayer is that no further lives will be lost, healing will begin for those injured (physically and emotionally), and that justice will be served. We also pray for the people of West, TX after the fertilizer plant explosions. Our thoughts go out to the people struggling with the devastation there.

This past Saturday was bittersweet for me. All winter long, I have been training to run the Martian Full. After I lost three weeks of training due to my pulmonary emboli, I was determined to still run the full. I felt like my high mileage before could carry me through. Of course, we all know I am full of silly ideas sometimes. After fretting and worrying and praying about it, along with the advice of my doctors and a friend who has experience with blood clots, decided to switch to the half. (BOY AM I GLAD I DID!).

Packet pick-up was Friday afternoon from 3 PM-8 PM. I decided to make the hike to Dearborn with my toddler in tow. I was concerned he might have a small meltdown, but figured it was worth the risk of a grumpy toddler, rather than try and fight the tide of traffic after my husband got home.

Let me just say this, the Southfield Freeway is crazy. Never before have I ever thought, I am totally going to get into an accident so many times. I honestly, give props to my husband for driving on that all the time. I felt myself wincing every time we came to a merging point.

Nonetheless, we made it safely to the Performing Arts Center, where the expo was being held. There were many signs pointing me towards the expo, and parking for the expo. Parking was plentiful and we easily found a spot and made our way into the Center. I easily found the room where the expo was held. (And was super grateful I didn't have to tackle any stairs with a stroller). There were many vendors and it was quite organized and not cluttered at all. I briefly paused at the Mizuno table, but refrained from buying anything. (JP is letting out a sign of relief, I'm sure). I tried not to waste too much time looking at anything, as I didn't want little JS to get too cranky before we had to wait to pick up our packet.

Packet pick-up was a whole 'nother monster. The area where we were directed was WAY too small to accommodate the amount of people picking up the packets. There were signs that showed which number you needed to line up behind based on your bib number. Unfortunately, the lines were so long and the space so small that everyone was blending together, and then when they got up to the front of the line, realized they weren't even in the right line all along. There was quite a bit of grumbling among people about this and talk of cutting in line etc. I am sorry to anyone I inadvertently ran into with my stroller in an attempt to work my way into the line. I finally got to the front and got my bib, unfortunately I never actually received a drawstring bag because the volunteer working with me walked away and then never came back. No big loss, got the bib and that was most important.

JS at the Expo

Race day dawned, and since my race didn't being until 8:45, I didn't have to get up super early. The weather was looking iffy. Very overcast, kind of windy, and chilly too. I made my way towards Dearborn and got there around 8:00. The parking mentioned on the website was already full as other races had started much earlier. No biggie, fortunately, I was able to find a spot about 5 blocks away, a bit of a walk, but I didn't have to pay and it wasn't overly stressful.

My next stop was the porta-potties. I waited in kind of a long line, (think I just accidentally picked a slow line). When I got up to the front there was some confusion whether the brown stuff on the floor was mud or otherwise. I decided to take my chances, and use the porta-potties anyway ;)

The race courses were changed at 4 AM the morning of the race due to flooding on Hines Drive. I have never run this race before so I do not know what the "normal" course is like, however, this is the first time in race history that the course had to be changed. Race start time was delayed by 10 minutes, I barely noticed as I was chatting with another lady I met while waiting to start.

The start was straight up a hill. It was also extremely congested, and I had to slow myself quite a bit as not to trample anyone. For the first three miles I was just trying to find my place and pace. I was attempting to stay around 8:45, but somehow ended up around 8:20. I just want to give a shout out to the two annoying men who thought they were "elite" runners, and decided that yelling at everyone to "stay to the right," "get out of the way," "stop blocking me," and then calling people out by their shirt color, was ok race etiquette. Also, the shoving of people, NOT COOL. Sure, some people don't know the rules of passing, but if you're THAT FAST, then start at the front of the race, we were solidly in the middle of the pack. COME ON! Safety first. I saw so much shoving in the race it was unbelievable. Actually saw a girl run straight through the middle of two runners, knocking one to the side.

Photo Courtesy of Greg Sadler Photography

The course was tough mentally for me, it was fairly boring, not a lot to see, and not that many spectators. For some reason, my heart just wasn't in it. Maybe because I was just worried about getting to my best friend's wedding shower on time. I know some people love when they pass their friends coming down the course from further on, for me, that messes with my mind. I think "how far until the turnaround." And it just felt like the course went ON AND ON AND ON. There were a lot of inclines. Not hills perse, but steady inclines. It was a little crowded in spots as well, because there were cars parked along the streets. Thank you to the people who lived in those subdivisions, for being patient with the runners. I know you all did not receive any advance notice, and that many of you were stranded. I only saw a few angry shouts and honks of horns.

The water stations seemed sparse, I don't know if I just wasn't noticing them, but they seemed few and far between. Also, the bathroom situation was not ideal. I saw quite a few people trying to use the park restrooms along Hines Drive, and found them locked. There were also not many porta-potties to be found. If you're a runner, and you experience Runner GI issues, you know how important it is to have restrooms readily available.

I was really dragging by mile 7. I did not feel comfortable putting in my headphones as the course was narrow, and I wanted to be completely aware of my surroundings. I really didn't think I was going to finish. I just felt dejected and sad. I never walk on long runs, and I slowed to a walk around mile 8. I felt a hand on my back. I turned and the girl who had been behind me for most of the race said "don't stop, I've been following you the whole time, and you're pacing me. Keep it up." Thank you to Sara Turshani of Dearborn, much appreciate you lighting the fire under me to get it done. I picked up my pace and managed to stay in the high 8s and low 9s. By then I had adjusted my time goal and just wanted to finish under 2:00 by the point. We slugged on over several bridges, which really seemed to trip people out. Don't think alot of people realized that the bridges moved under the weight of the runners and seemed kind of panicked. I took about three more walk breaks for about 20 seconds. My lungs felt amazing, but my mind was weak. Around mile 12, I ran into Forrest Gump. I found this guy wearing camo cargo shorts, holding his shoes in his hand, running barefoot, and the world's longest beard. I literally don't know where this guy came from, or why he was running barefoot, but thanks for the distraction. Mile 12ish was up hill. I just wanted to finish...Of course around mile 12 we all of a sudden had 20 mph winds and freezing rain blowing into our face.

Myself and Sara. Courtesy of Sadler Photography

I consulted my Garmin, and was surprised to see I could reach 1:54:XX. I decided to push it hard and finished in 1:54:57. An automatic PR for me since, I've never run an official half. Overall, Running Fit ran an great event, especially with all the changes due to flooding. Thank you! I am overwhelmed with gratitude that I was able to run with healthy lungs, and run well. I never take a day for granted. My life was preserved. Thank you, Lord.

Crossing the finish line. Sadler Photography

I met up with Sara, and we said our congrats and parted ways. Thank you again, Sara. I owe my finish to you, my friend. It was a long cold walk back to the car, but I made it home and to the bridal shower, AND I was only 15 minutes late. Good to celebrate the upcoming wedding of my dear friend Jen. A lovely shower was thrown by Amanda, Mary, and Emily.

Bridesmaids. Photo source: Jen D.

The lovely bride Photo Source: Jen D.

Two of my favorite people. Photo Source: Jen D.