The amount of work it takes to be a very mid runner is hysterical! In all honesty though I haven't…read moreput much "training"' into a marathon in a very, very long time. Every time I sign up for something and say "this is it, it's time to actually get ready for this" - life lifes! and I find myself nearing the start line saying something like, "just crank this mary out today and have fun- enjoy the course".
That's what happened with Coeur d'Alene! I registered on 2/18 after making a rather large life decision and said this is it, I'll train out and really pour into this prior to MDW. A rather enormous training period for someone who can roll out of bed on a Sunday and jog a marathon but life did its thing and I got side tracked with some large life choices and the "training" took a back seat.
I thought I'd have to scrap this race all together but when it turned out I could make it work after a relocation and months of packing, followed by a couple of weeks of moving- I bought a new flight, revised my hotel dates to only come in to pick up my bib, run and make it happen!
Despite feeling fairly worn out from the weeks leading up I was so excited and thankful to be in town to participate.
This course is stunning. It reminded me a little of one of my other fav marathon courses (Cape Cod).
There were several pacers but only a 3:30 pacer and a 4:30 pacer near my times, and 3:30 is still a dream for snail marathoner like me. I knew 4:30 would be rather conservative but also the best bet for where I was at to help ensure I remain injury free.
Shawn the 4:30 pacer was amazing!! His energy and positive, fun vibe made this run even more special. I love when ultra runners pace marathons because I feel like such a clown the second I even dare think I'm feeling the least bit fatigued, knowing they'll run 75+ more miles for a run. They really put things in perspective and help marathons feel like a 20min 5k in your local park.
I'd highly recommend this marathon if you like small races with beautiful, tranquil, serene vibes.
Everyone called this the hottest day of the year but with recently moving to TX 80s felt dreamy!
All in all I still boarded my flight feeling like I'd run BPN Last Man Standing not a measly 26.2. I told myself shake it off and have been getting around fairly nicely since.
Lastly, about a month ago I remember writing "may bib 261 find me at a marathon check in". The thing about life is, you can't wait around for any one thing to find you- you need to go out and get it. I was given bib 164 and figured I'm less than 100 from what I want. I got back in line, took a chance and asked for it. To my most grateful surprise, sitting in another box it was brought over and swapped out for me. If you don't know the history behind this bib, go educate yourself!
Can't wait to run this marathon again! I think I'll plan on training and running it next MDW for time ;)