Monday, October 11, 2010

Portland Marathon Finisher!!






Well by the grace of God I ran my first marathon! God is where my strength comes from...and boy did I ever need it on Sunday. I definitley don't want to start this post with I rocked it...because that would imply "I did it all" and that couldn't be farther from the truth. I was blessed and fortunate to have a day where my legs were strong, my fuel plan worked great, my knees held up, and I knew I had a huge support group believing that 26.2 was possible! Glory to God!
It was pouring down rain the entire 26.2 miles and I ran the entire 26.2. It was almost commical because in training you try everything out. Water, fuel, clothing, shoes...but ultimately you are not in control. Race day brings a bundle of unknowns and how you push through those "bumps" in the road is the challenge. I was leaping puddles, landing in puddles, running in a poncho, feeling my feet slosh in my shoes, and had my shorts soaked to my lovely thighs...all new to me. But I had my running buddy "Blonde Pony" by my side and it was fun how we could run and communicate every move and need without saying a word. Huge Thank you running buddy for joining my on the long journey!!

So you wonder....how did this mom of three, virgin marathoner do???

Official Time: 4:17:07
Females/Age 198 out 713
Hit the half at 2:06 (darn was on track for 4:15)
Place out of all women 2,808 out 7,434

I am very happy but a bit confused as my Garmin put me at 4:13. Hmmm oh well...I know those things can be tricky. So I will go with my "official" time and be happy. I finished...in a rain storm, come on I should get at least two extra minutes for that, and another free t-shirt! I still can't believe it's over....all the weeks of training, early mornings, ice baths, the blister, physical training,etc. I really did love every minute (until about mile 23) and will always remeber that day and the people who made it so special. My amazing husband brought my three kids on his own....and did his best to find me! Having my children share in that experience made it all the more better!

An added bonus was being able to meet up with some bloggers for dinner the night before. Words of wisdom and encouragment took me a long way! Great to see everyone! I have bloggy pics I will post soon and post more on my mile by mile MARATHON experience!!

25 comments:

One Crazy Penguin said...

4:19!!!! That's awesome! Congrats on a great race especially considering that it was raining throughout. Well done :)

AngMomof3 said...

WOOO HOOO! LOVE YOU! AND THANKS BE TO GOD!

Love the details. How are you feeling today? Did blisters get worse?

Can't wait for photos!

Stacie said...

I'm so proud of you Harmony. I knew you would rock it. I'm so happy for you. The rain was nuts. My experience was no where as good as yours but I still loved it. I think that makes me a little crazy :)

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

You DID amazing and you both looked GREAT after. Such confidence, CONGRATS!

Anonymous said...

That is an awesome time! Great job :)

Meredith said...

So so so proud of you!!! You did awesome! And I love the pictures!

misszippy said...

A big congrats! Way to go. So glad it was a good experience for you, which means you'll be tackling number 2 before you know it!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Awesome time and amazing that you had no major issues despite the rain. And for the record, I have never had my Garmin be that far off from my time... sounds like gun time vs. chip time... but that's odd. Anyhow, still an amazing time.

Anonymous said...

AWESOME!! What a great run. Congrats on finishing one of your goals!

Emz said...

Awesome.
Awesome.
Awesome.

Way to go!!

Are you "hooked". Ready for another? Want to come to Phx!? ROCK N ROLL AZ?!!? COME ON!!! ;)

Excellent job!!

track coach and adorable wife said...

You did amazing Harmaony and it was so fun to meet both you and "Blonde pony"! Too bad I missed you afterwards! Hope to see again, maybe at the RnR Seattle, hmmm?

Julie D. said...

Congrats, Harmonie!! So wish we could have met up. You were awesome. Congrats on an awesome race!!

Molly said...

I've been wondering how you did!! Congratulations, that is so great, you seriously rocked it in the rain, with no stopping, I'm so proud of you! Love the photos, congrats again!! : )

Anonymous said...

Good job! So proud of you!

abbi said...

Awesome job!!!! Congrats!! :-)

Running Librarian said...

Great job and super time! Not sure if I would run in a rain storm...ok I would probably do it but complain the entire time! lol

AngMomof3 said...

AND you look super gorgeous. These shots are PRE-run, right? No blotchy red skin, hair sticking out in 80 directions... looking like you'd been hit by a truck... nope, not you.

You're a super model! :)

Erika said...

4:19 is amazing! Way to totally rock it! I can't even imagine if it rains the entire time on Sunday..I may have a nervous breakdown!

Anonymous said...

You - are seriously - awesome.

Glory to God! What a great physician to take you from the disabled list to marathoner in a matter of months!

Me = inspired.
Cant wait to hear the recap!

Unknown said...

Great job in pacing yourself and getting to the finish line. It was a tough day for a marathon.

Jill said...

You are AMAZING! Way to go. So proud of you and excited too. How about RnR Seattle?

Courtney @ I CAN DO THIS said...

Amazing!!! That's the most awesome "first marathon" story I've heard. Love the family pic. One question: how did you manage to look gorgeous after running 26.2 miles in the rain???

Tina @GottaRunNow said...

Congrats! Great finishing time! Yay for finishing your first marathon!

Kerrie said...

So awesome, so inspiring! Way to go, lady!

Anonymous said...

Awesome! Way to tame the rain and the course.