Posted: Thu, 18 Feb 2010 01:07 PM - 7,566 Readers

By: Kelly Williamson

What a great weekend for running in Austin! The slogan for the race was appropriate for a Valentine's Day event: "Run Austin, Love Austin". This was a big weekend for my husband Derick and I, as it was his first full marathon (and likewise, it was 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 many volunteers had their hands full of clothing that was stripped off of runners those first 5 miles. The sun came out soon after the gun went off, and it made for an awesome day to run; be it 13.1 miles or even 26.2.

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 disservice, 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, often times a small cold, or any setback, can be 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 very controlled and cruised 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 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 when 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 haphazardly tossed in my pocket at the last minute would come in handy. I slurped it 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. However, 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 the pain and challenge, and appreciate the ability to be out here competing. I kept 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 Ficker (lead
woman) a little ways up, and I knew I would not catch her, but I would sure as hell try! I finally saw the Capitol building, a welcome sight, which means less than .5 miles to go. Finishing along Congress is an awesome feeling, the streets lined with spectators, and the energy of downtown Austin. While I was pretty pleased with the effort (1:18.57 and a 2nd place), I was more interested in how Derick's journey was going once I crossed the finish line.

I proceeded to run back to Jack & Adams (~1.5 mile very painful jog), to get his backpack (post-race clothing) and then jog back to the finish. I had the chance to try out my new Zoot Kapilani racers, which performed awesome during the race and left my feet feeling great afterwards. I got back about 2:20 into the marathon, right as the men's winner was finishing, Keith Pierce, in an incredible time of 2:20. I situated myself up by the Capitol and anxiously awaited Derick. I saw Gilbert (Tuhabonye) come around the Capitol, on his way to a 2:34 finish and an incredibly tough spirit at the end, and then waited a few more minutes. There he was! 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. (That being said, for a pretty tough day, he still managed a 2:41 and 10th overall for the men). He remarked that it was a cool experience to be put in the situation whereby he had to come to the realization that he 'just wanted to finish'. It is good to have this perspective every so often; whether it be tackling an event for the first time, or simply doing something which is very tough physically and personally.

It seemed for some reason, friends and others out there either felt great on race day or felt rough; but all of them endured and finished.

I want to send out a huge congrats to all of our many friends who took part (I believe about 14,000 competed); 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 more importantly, being faced with the question of 'how will I respond?'.

OH, and how could I forget. The title of this blog. When you finish a race and feel sore, trashed, hungry, and cramped up at the finish line, please go home and take an ice bath. Speaking from experience. I know that is 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 you take an ice bath; and, you can follow it up with a quick warm shower. I am walking very funny today and I think it will be at least 3-4 days until I can run again.

To wrap it up, do as I say and not as I do, and take that dreaded ice bath post-race. It takes some time and it will be uncomfortable, but is well worth it the next day. Trust me!

*  Story Contributed by: Kelly Williamson