Sunday, October 12, 2008

Redemption

Yesterday's Whistlestop Marathon went better for me. From the start I wanted to just take what the day brought me, mile by mile. Last weekend's TCMarathon left me feeling unsure and out of control. But I did feel better the second half of TCM, and managed to negative split by about a half hour. 

Anyway, here are my splits from yesterday at Whistlestop (also a negative split!):
1- 10:26
2- 9:23
3- 9:20
4- 9:19
5- 9:29
6- 9:13
7- 9:09
8- 9:19
9- 9:06
10- 9:16
11- 8:55
12- 8:48
13- 9:17
14- 9:04
15- 9:04
16- 9:40
17- 9:14
18- 9:34
19- 8:44
20- 8:35
21- 8:37
22- 8:55
23- 8:42
24- 9:20
25- 8:50
26.2- 10:24
Total time - 3:59:53
For my age group, the Boston qualifier is 4:00:59.  ;-)

I ran with a guy named Tom almost the entire way. I was wearing my FCA-Endurance Team(Fellowship of Christian Athletes)  jersey, and when we passed one other guy who said, "love your shirt!", Tom and I had the opportunity to talk faith a little. He studies lots of religions so it was really interesting and the miles clicked off one by one. I told him that I like endurance sports because I can bring Jesus with me out there and He keeps me company when it's great as well as when it sucks. About the halfway mark, when I was still feeling great, I quietly said a prayer that "if You want to finish this marathon with me, it'd be great to go under 4 hours. But if that's not the Plan, just bring me in feeling good, ok? Amen."

Looking at how fast I got at the end, I can only think that power came from somewhere outside of me. 

Any which way you read it, it was a great race for me and I'm not even sore. (Don't hate me for that, ok?)

I had so much fun with the friends I went with - hugs to Holly, Chae, Diane, Merilee (p.s. - Merilee - you over paid for gas so I owe you some money), Guy, and Marty - you guys are awesome! I also got to see Trimama at the prerace dinner and we did start together, but separated right away. She is going to do great at AZ IM  in a few weeks. Can't wait to follow you and Merilee!!!

Yea!!! Boston! After 29 marathons, I am finally qualified!!!

30 comments:

Carrie said...

Congrats for qualifying! TCMarathon must have been your training run.

The Young Family said...

Awesome job!! Boston Qualifier!! Way to go...

I think I figured out I could qualify when I am in the 70+ age group! lol... I will work on it.

Em

Unknown said...

BQ!!!! Congratulations!!!

Lori said...

Super!!!
A big congratulations to you.
...and a negative split. Yeah!
--that's awesome!
Lori

Spokane Al said...

Wow - you are truly awesome! And as for qualifying for Boston - congratulations - it is still in my dreams.

Pharmie said...

Holy cow! TWENTY NINE marathons? You are a rock star for sure. A big congratulations on the BQ! Looks like Twin Cities was a great practice run for you.

KC said...

wow - congrats!! very excited for you.

CoachLiz said...

Yahoo!!!

What an awesome race and so consistent on your pacing.

Start doing a bit of hill training for Boston.

Tri Mom said...

As I said before I knew this was your marathon! Glad you enjoyed it. We did plenty of celebrating, laughing, and cheering for you in Green Bay!!

21stCenturyMom said...

Congratulations, Jenny! Woo hoo!!! Boston, here you come!

jbmmommy said...

Congratulations! After all that you've been through, your perseverence really came through.

SWTrigal said...

That is really AMAZING!! You cut it close and got in..i am so impressed with your athleticism, girl! Congrats...

Taconite Boy said...

Good Job Jenny!

Born To Endure said...

OMG...AWESOME!
You must be so very very happy.

Iron Krista, "The Dog Mom" said...

Congrats. THAT looks like negative split perfection to me :-)

:) said...

Phil 4:13!!!

Congrats on the BQ, speedy!!! :)

MissAllycat said...

BQ! BQ! BQ!

Congrats - you rock!!

Ironjen007 said...

Congrats on the Boston qualifier! I'm so proud of you..that's awesome!

Michele said...

Congrats on an awesome marathon and the BQ.

Mike said...

Congratulations on BQ'ing. Fantastic achievement!

The Stretch Doc said...

that is freakn` AWESOME!!!
super congrats to you !!!

rockon`

The Stretch Doc said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Marci said...

Boston Marathon.... here you come...

CONGRATS!!!!!

anna jo said...

that is amazing. maybe after twenty more marathons I'll finally get my BQ. one can dream! :)

trinick67 said...

Nice! Awesome! Congrats!

Anonymous said...

congrats, babe. you're awesome.

RunBubbaRun said...

Congrats on your BQ race.. Boston hear you come..

Cliff said...

Congrats jenny :)..way to qualify for Boston..

Eileen Swanson said...

Nice blog! Way to go on that marathon, those are some great splits!

E

see115 said...

It's been so long since I've said hello! The move made me disappear for awhile. :) I just wanted to say "hello again" and that I admire you in so many ways. Congratulations on the BQ!! So amazing! -Beth