What a great weekend for running in Austin! As the saying went for the race (appropriately suited for a Valentine’s Day event), “Run Austin, Love Austin”. This was actually a pretty big weekend for Derick and I, as it was his first full marathon. This was also MY first full marathon back in 2008.

The weather was spectacular, albeit a bit chilly at the start (probably low 40s), I am guessing that the busy volunteers had their hands full of clothing that was stripped off of runners those first 5 miles. The sun came out right after the gun, and it made for an awesome day to run; be it 13 miles or even 26.

As for my race, I did not know what to expect, but as with any race, I intended to give it everything I had and go into it shooting for a best time. That is kind of how I approach any race I do; always an opportunity to PR. While I had been battling a bit of a cold the past week, it is hard to say that it did me any dis-service, as I ended up feeling almost entirely normal on race morning and physically my body felt strong and responsive. In all honesty, the rest probably did me good and allowed me to run on fresh legs (funny how that works isn’t it…I think the little setbacks are usually a blessing in disguise). The downside to this was, 13.1 miles of hard running on up and down terrain left me completely trashed post-race.

I took out miles 1-3 strong but not too hard and cruise down 1st street (a 3-mile downhill stretch) in some 5:45 miles. I was joined here by Jack & Adams own Adam Reiser, who was running the full marathon! Though we did not chat, it was nice to have Adam by my side for a few miles. As I approached mile 7 or 8, my hands got warm and luckily Jamie Cleveland was nice enough to pick up my gloves as I saw him cheering and left him a little gift as I went by.    

It was about here where I realized my body was going to start to hurt. We hit Lake Austin Blvd, a long flat stretch and I decided that the PowerGel I had haphazardly tossed in my pocket at the last minute would come in handy (note: always take something just in case!). I slurped this down and prepared for the hardest part, miles 11-13. I was still under 6-min pace, which would put me in at around a low 1:18. But, I knew the hardest part was yet to come. And that it did. The hills on Enfield and then 15th street on this course are just as bad as they say! But, I tried to welcome and savor the pain, enjoy the ability to be out there competing and of course keep the mantra going “You can do anything for 2 miles… you can do anything for 20 minutes…” Positive mental talk can be invaluable; even if you do not fully believe it, it helps immensely.

I could see Desiree (lead woman) a little ways up, and I knew I would not catch her, but sure as hell would try. I finally saw the Capitol, which means less than .5 miles to go. That was a welcome sight! Finishing along Congress is an awesome feeling, the streets lined with spectators, and the energy of downtown Austin. While I was pretty pleased with todays effort, I was more interested in what Derick was doing out on the course when I finished!

SO…I proceeded to run back to Jack & Adams (about a 1.5 mile painful jog), to get his backpack (post-race clothing) and then jog back to the finish. I got back about 2:20 into the marathon, right as the mens winner was finishing (AMAZING!) and anxiously awaited Derick. I saw Gilbert (of Gilberts Gazelles) coming around the Capitol, on his way to a 2:34 finish and an incredibly tough spirit at the end. A few minutes later, I saw Derick plugging along approaching the Capitol. It was SO GOOD to see him!

I knew it was not the marathon debut he had hoped for, but I was so proud of him for sticking it out, despite battling some cramping and the inability to take in his gels. I think he realized too once he finished how hard it really is, and likewise, how proud he was to have pushed through a pretty tough day. As he said, it’s a pretty cool feeling to do something that you have never done, and despite going into it with a big goal for himself, he really felt happy and satisfied to have simply kept at it and finished the race (that being said, a mere ‘finish’ was a 2:41 and 10th overall for the men).

It seemed for some reason, friends and others out there either felt great on race day or felt rough but most all that I know endured and finished. So, I just want to send out a huge congrats to all of our many friends and Durata athletes who took part; and of course the amazing volunteers and spectators who cheered us on. Every time we get up to compete, we never know what to expect. It is not so much about the time we can post or the place we can finish, but how we deal with what our bodies give us on race day (or in turn, do not give us!) and how we respond to our situation.

OH, and how could I forget. The title of this blog. When you finish a race and feel completely sore, trashed, hungry, cramped up and shot at the finish line, please please please go home and take an ice bath. All you need is cold water, 10-20# of ice (depending upon how cold the water already is) and a good 10-15 min soak. Wrap up in a towel and keep as warm as you can; and follow it up with a quick warm shower. Speaking from experience. I know that it is much more pleasant to go home, take a hot shower and watch the Olympics on TV , but your body will THANK YOU the next day if take an ice bath. I am walking very funny today and I think it will be at least 3-4 days until I can run again. So, do not be like me and take that ice bath post-race! It takes some time to do, but is well worth it the next day. Trust me!