Antibiotics, Sweat, & Tears: a race recap

Near the finish of race#1--Jazz hands?!

I don't even know how, but after three rounds of antibiotics in five weeks, and being sick as a dog the week prior, I completed my goal of finishing TWO marathons in TWO days (that's 52.4 miles in less than 48 hours). My friends call me a bad-ass rock star now, and maybe that's true (ha!) but I still say anyone can do it.

Saturday's race (The Tulsa Golden Driller Marathon) started at 7am. In typical Sarah fashion, I missed the start because I was in the porta-potty. The weather was beautiful, but by mile 16 or so, was a steamy 83 degrees. Despite its name, the course didn't include the Golden Driller, but followed the bike/running path along the west and east sides of the Arkansas River. Since I had been ill for so long, the weather was so warm, and I had another marathon to run the next day, I changed up my normal routine, and ran a 5:2 ratio (5min running at a speedy pace, and 2 minutes walking a speedy pace). I was totally surprised to nearly PR at this race. It must have been that dragon shirt.

After a massage and lunch, I headed to Oklahoma City. My dear friend Kelly picked up my race packet, fed me dinner, and tried to keep me from being on my feet. At 5:45am the next morning, Kelly dropped me off at the start line. I was so nervous that I started crying before the race even started, packed in the start corral with 12,000 other people. I was miserable and juggling cramping muscles and sore joints for the first few miles of the race. At mile 3, I spotted Kelly with her dogs, Fred & Billy Ray. I don't know if I even greeted my friend, but I squatted down and loved on the dogs and got a few wet kisses in return. It's funny, but my attitude flipped 180 degrees afterwards. Kelly gave me the next rendezvous spot and I limped off. By mile 4, I felt better and mentally worked on relaxing the cramps in my calf that kept coming and going.  At mile 6, the marathoners split from the halfers and the resulting quiet and peacefulness helped me find better concentration and relaxation. I remember when I first started running marathons, how lonesome it felt to "lose" the half marathoners. On this day, it was just what I needed to find my happy place.         

Kelly found me a few more times to dole out Ibuprofen, water, or whatever I needed. Providing race support over a 5 hour span to a grumpy runner is an exhausting task. I very honestly say that I would not have been able to finish without her. And so, it is very fitting that my only personal photo from the race is of Kelly and me at the finish. I love her so. Thanks, Kelly!

Overall, it was a lovely race with nearly perfect running weather. I lost some time waiting in a long porta-john line, and probably would have come very close to my Tulsa time if I had peed behind a dumpster like I threatened to do (my mother is thankful for the additional minutes I am sure).

I can not even come close to putting into words what it felt like to cross the finish line at this race. I was so incredibly proud, happy, and TIRED.

STAIRS!

 After the race, well, I hurt. But it was totally worth it.

My favorite cheerleaders

Thank you. Thank you for the support, the texts, phone calls, MAGIC BARS, and thank you for supporting me by sending your money to the Gayle Ross Memorial Campership Fund at Camp Lutherhoma. Your generosity will help every camper who wants to go to camp this summer GO TO CAMP. Money is still coming in, but so far, about $4,000 has been raised! If you've been meaning to donate you are welcome to still send your donation to me (made out to Camp Lutherhoma) or to Camp Lutherhoma (online) or by mail: PO BOX 1672, Tahlequah, OK 74465. Since I neglected to send out an April reminder email, I will wait a few weeks before drawing a name for the camp tech-jacket. I will be sending out goodies eventually, but until then, I want to send A BIG THANK YOU to all the people who sponsored me this time around (so far):

Barb & Tom Sprunger

CTR Wednesday Women's Group

Leila Zelnick

Andy & Allison Overshiser

Jennifer & Donnie Lyon

Sam & Erin McGrath

Shelli "Swoosh" Carothers

Hillary & Wes Speer

Hank & Allison Ross

Irma Droske

Linda & Jesse Niederklein

Buddy & Ann Lloyd

Teri & Jim King

Jennifer & Jonathon Casperson

Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church

Teresa & David Nightingale 

Nikki & Brandon Witt

I am beyond blessed and very thankful to be surrounded by such generous and supportive friends & family. THANK YOU!!!