San Antonio Rock & Roll Marathon: What a Day

Yesterday was a day that I will never forget. I will write a full race report later, but here's a quick recap. I am still in shock and disbelief. I am proud and my eyes well up with tears when I recount everything that happened yesterday. All this is not because I PR'd - because I didn't. It wasn't a PR day for anyone. In fact, I ran a 3:15. The woman who won is a sub 3 hour marathoner and ran a 3:06. It was that kind of day. The day where mental strength was just as important- if not more - than physical strength. I dug deep out there yesterday. I was a cart horse who never gave up. And that is what I am most proud of.

I was the second place female at the Rock & Roll Marathon in San Antonio. I had a bike escort (once I moved into third place). I stood on a podium in front of thousands of people with some tremendous athletes and had my name announced while receiving flowers and a large plaque. I won prize money ($500!!). I was granted VIP access post-race and had a couple ask to have their picture taken with me. For a little peon like me from Georgetown, Texas, this was a dream come true.

I wasn't expecting yesterday to turn out as it did. In fact, had the weather been nice I would not have placed as high. To be honest, I beat some athletes who are legitimately faster than I but either pulled out due to the heat or fell way off pace. But that doesn't make my finish any less meaningful. I earned it. It was hot, it was humid and it was windy. The combo of sun and wind would be the factor that took many down on the back half of the course. I was in 5th place going into Mile 15, and ran my way into second place by Mile 18. From there, I just hung on. I never blew up; I just ran consistent. Lucky for me, as Dan reminded me, I am just a better bad weather runner than most which I was able to use to my advantage yesterday.

The podium!!

Post race celebration on the River Walk!

A big thank you to everyone for their congratulatory texts, tweets, Facebook messages etc. I read and re-read each and every one and they truly meant a lot. Also a big thank you and congratulations to my husband Dan who ran the half yesterday in under 2 hours. I am so proud of him - this was his 11th half marathon in just a 5 year span. Not bad for a golf coach ;)

Marathon #20 in the freaking books. #21 up ahead in 3 weeks. Here we go.