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Baltimore Marathon 2009 – the good, the bad, and the disgusting

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“Run when you can, walk when you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” ~Dean Karnazes

Baltimore Marathon

2009 Baltimore Marathon
1st 13.1 split: 2:08:11
2nd 13.1 split: 2:52:35
chip time: 5:00:46

Baltimore Marathon For those of you simply interested in my review of the Baltimore Marathon itself, here you go: I would recommend it. Hilly, and not always the most scenic route (i.e. we ran through numerous neighborhoods with broken and/or boarded up windows) but the spectators and crowd support were AWESOME. Way better than the VA Beach Rock and Roll half last month. Under Armour tech tees (ladies fit for the ladies, which I really appreciate!) and great medals. Plenty of water stops, Power Gels, bananas, oranges, potato chips, and gummy bears, all on the course. I would certainly do it again (if I was ready for the hills!)

Now for the “Heather’s race” review. As you have probably gathered by now, this race did not go as planned. I’m still trying to figure out exactly what went wrong, and still trying to deal with my disappointment.

I had a great morning pre race. I woke up, ate a normal pre race breakfast, and walked to the start (about 20 minutes) with Holly. I was well hydrated, and ready to go. I never felt nervous for a second, I was just excited to tackle this distance once again. I felt 95% trained and ready to go. I seeded myself in the middle of the 4:00:00-5:00:00 group, hoping to beat my PR of a 4:37:00. When the gun went off…off I went, with a big smile on my face.
Mile 1-3. UP HILL. Remember those Baltimore hills I was worried about? Yeah they weren’t a myth. (Keep in mind I live in F-L-A-T South Carolina, the only hills we have are tiny sand dunes) I swear mile 3 was and entire mile straight up hill. I had tAdd Imageo stop and walk partway up the last hill. Walking, at mile 3 of a marathon. I was beginning to wonder what I had gotten myself into.

Baltimore Marathon Somewhere around mile 3.5 I fell right into the 4:15 pace group pack. There were 4 pacers and about 15 followers. I stuck behind them for a little bit, and was instantly amused with the pace leaders themselves (one carried a horn he trumpeted at each mile marker) and felt completely relaxed at that speed (around 9:10-9:30/mile-ish). I decided I would stick around.

I ran mile 3.5 -15.5 with the pace group. I felt fantastic, and most importantly, I had a BLAST! I recalled some of the most AMAZING advice I had been given, just the day before (on this blog!) from my running mama friend Anne: “If you’re not having fun, slow down!” . I was having fun. I met some great people, had some awesome conversations, and joined in on the group rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock” (one of the pace leaders picked up some bells along the way). I forgot I was even wearing the darn Garmin, and before I knew it, I had run 12 miles straight without stopping once. I even learned to perfect the art of filling my amphipod, adding nuun tablets, and taking a GU while on the run. I really never thought that was possible.

I passed Holly, who was on the sidelines, at the halfway mark. She told me I was looking fantastic, and I told her I FELT fantastic. I was having such an amazing race. 2:08:11 half marathon time. Certainly not my fastest, but considering I was only halfway done, I was pacing myself well. Or should I say, the pace leaders were pacing me well!

Bmore 1

Bmore 2

And then it happened. Somewhere around or right before mile 15, my stomach turned. I had just taken my 3rd GU, on schedule. I was drinking my nuun, just as I had done on all my training runs. But there was that tell tale stomach turn. I tried to run through it. I lasted about a half a mile before I literally felt as though if I went any further, I would quite possibly poop all over my pace team.
Disgusting, I know.

I walked to the next porta-potty and proceeded lose it (the contents of my stomach that is). Felt a bit better, came out, and tried to run again. Suddenly I had the most insane feeling of pressure in my abdominal cavity. Like if someone stuck me with a pin, I would pop. I walked that off, only to have the turning stomach come back. To spare you a long miserable story about my digestive and excretory systems, I pretty much walked the last ten miles of the race, and visited somewhere around 5 separate porta-potties.

Ten miles. Seems like nothing when you are running. When you are walking, in the drizzling rain, with insane stomach cramps, completely disappointed, ten miles feels like an eternity. Oh, and did I mention, I started going back up hill again? Good stuff.

 

I was terrified to take in more GU, or nuun for that matter. So I didn’t . Probably another mistake.
Somewhere around mile 20 I lost it, emotionally. Every crazy thing that could have crossed my mind probably did at that point. I had this amazingly overwhelming need to just hug my babies, right then. Impossible, considering I was at mile 20 of a marathon, hundreds of miles away from home.
I didn’t want anyone to look at me, I didn’t want anyone to cheer for me. I just wanted to walk as fast as my little legs would take me and get there already. I didn’t want any finish line “glory”, i didn’t want my medal, I didn’t want the bananas and pretzels. I just wanted this race behind me.
When I had a downhill, I tried my best to run. I usually made it about 30 seconds before I had to stop because of the stomach pain, but I kept going. Through all of this, I never thought of quitting. OK, that’s a lie, I thought about it all the time, but I knew I’d never actually do it.
The last mile into Camden Yards was mostly downhill. I ran/shuffled as much as I could.

I don’t really remember the finish line. There were a lot of people, someone put a medal in my hand and someone else put a space blanket around me, and a third person put a bottle of water into my other hand. I didn’t stop for any food, I just headed in the direction of the Team Fight tent. I was a mess. Before I knew it, I heard Holly calling my name. I headed in her direction and fell into her arms, a just cried. She sat me down on a chair in the tent, and some guy helped her wrap probably 5 space blankets around me. I have no idea who that man was, but he must have asked me 10 times if I was ok. I know he didn’t believe me every time I said “I’m fine”. I don’t think I would have believed me either.

Baltimore Marathon
The entire day and all of the emotions I felt came pouring out. I was doing so well, I was well on my way to a P.R. I didn’t start out too fast. I was right on with my nutrition (but apparently I wasn’t). I had trained, I had found my happy pace.
But it didn’t matter. It just wasn’t my day. Then, the guilt I had been feeling all weekend about leaving my kids AGAIN for another race came pouring out, and I cried even more. Eventually, I had stopped crying long enough to take my medal out of it’s plastic bag , and put on an incredibly fake smile for a picture.
Holly then helped me put on my Sugoi Race + Recovery Socks, we helped clean up the Team Fight tent (everyone else was long gone), and we left.
So here I am now, not quite sure what to think about all of this. Yes, I know it happens, whatever. I just felt so ready for this race, and this was the LAST thing I expected to happen. This was going to be MY race, my turn for a good marathon. It wasn’t going to be a BQ, but it was still going to be good. And it wasn’t. So I’m disappointed.
I’m looking forward to the Beach 2 Battleship relay in 4 weeks, as a redemption race. But at the same time, I’m terrified to do this again. Maybe I really do have too much on my plate. Maybe I’m just not meant to be a “marathoner”. I don’t know.
I’m sure you will hear me ramble on and on about this for the next week or so, but for now, that’s all I’ve got.
OH, but I did want to mention, I ADORE my recovery socks. My calves and feet feel fantastic, usually they are the worst post racer. Funny thing is, my quads and butt are on fire (the compression socks only go up to my knee), so it appears I need to save up my $$ and find myself a pair of compression tights!!

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Comments

  2. You did a great deal better then what a lot of others could do. Plus… you did NOT give up! That is something to be very proud of!!! Sorry it did not go well as you had hoped. But there are always other races to be run. You will get them next time. Hope you are feeling better now or soon. Take care.

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  3. Sorry you had a bad day, Heather!! Not exactly sure from your descriptions if you had vomiting, stomach bloating and cramping, lower intestinal cramping, and/or diarrhea. How you address it in the future would probably differ for each. Intestinal dumping is pretty common after ~2 hours of increased body temperature – you might try some pre-race Imodium for that. Also for the other symptoms take a look at race-day total intake of water, sodium (often too low, even with Nuun) and sugars (as well as types of sugars).

    Good luck sorting it all out!

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  4. I cried for you while I was reading this. You are such a fighter to keep going, many others would have given up at the first porta pottie.. You will take what happened at this race and use it to improve for the next one!! Good Luck!! Can’t wait to read how it all turns out.

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  5. Oh girlie, I feel your pain and there’s only so much consolation one can offer. But you DID NOT quit, which is testament to the fact that you ARE a marathoner and will be back again, and again, and again until you get what you truly deserve. This race didn’t kill you, and therefore you are stronger. Hope you are feeling better and recovering well 🙂

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  6. I think the quote you put at the top says it all- no matter what happens you did not give up. My stomach in regular life (non marathon times) is unpredictable and I know how hard to can be to get through the day when your tummy is hurting- I can’t imagine getting through 10 miles!

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  7. I had never heard of that Nancy, about the increased body temperature and intestinal dumping! Very interesting! I had everything BUT vomiting. For the interest of science, I will share the personal information with you all that I was at the start of my menstural cycle, and I’m wondering how much influence that had on this outcome. It usually makes my stomach pretty wonky anyways, and I’ve always lucked out as not having a long run or a race at the begining of my cycle. Would be something worth looking into I suppose.

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  9. I’m sorry that this wasn’t your race; it looked to be an extremely tough course. I am still so very proud of you becaus you DID NOT GIVE UP!! That shows true character in my book. Congratulations on your marathon! I hope you get to hug your babies very soon. 🙂

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  12. Oh my gosh – I HATE when my stomach turns like that. IT happened to me 3 years ago in NYC and I cried and held my sisters hand as she walked/ran with me to the finish. It was awful!! I just felt good about finishing. And you should too. You did great. I love the top picture. Way to persevere when it was not easy.

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  14. You are a marathoner! So many people would’ve quit, but you didn’t. I don’t know if you read Chic Runner, but she had a similar experience in a marathon. I think she stopped the Gu after that and switched to tiny PB&Js because they were easier on her tummy.

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  15. So sorry it didn’t go as planned. I totally admire you for not giving up. Don’t think you’re not a marathoner because of tummy issues; only a marathoner wouldn’t give into them!

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  17. I am so proud of you for finishing! I am sorry your stomach went to crap!This happened to my daughter when we ran the half.She couldn’t figure it out and shes a Marathoner just like you!! YoU ROCK in my book!!

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  19. Aww. I’m so sorry. That just sucks to work so hard and then not have it the way you imagined. You’ll redeem yourself! I can totally relate with the emotional stuff. Once I hit a certain milage (and my heads not all *there* :)) thinking about the kids always brings on the tears. 😉

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  21. I’m sorry! Darned digestive systems!!! You’ll get redemption at another marathon, I’m sure.

    I’m impressed that you still managed to finish.

    MCM Mama

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  22. OOh, just saw that you were at the start of your cycle. I’ve found that I need to be careful where I run at the start of mine so I can easily get to a bathroom. I’ve been known to need to stop every mile, even when not doing gu or any other supplements.

    I’d bet that played a big role in your problem.

    MCM Mama

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  24. Heather,

    I did a century ride 5 years ago in Lake Tahoe and had the same kind of issues for the first 70 miles of the ride. It is one of those things that happen that you have no control over. Makes for a miserable day.

    You should feel very proud for continuing to put one foot down in front of the other, when it would have been so easy to stop.

    There will be better days ahead for you at this distance.

    Marathons are hard.

    You are tough.

    Livestrong!!!

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  28. Wow. What a race report Heather! Not quite what I was expecting. I literally just blogged this morning about how races are such a gamble, you never know what to expect or how it will turn out. Yours certainly took an unexpected turn with the GI issues. Slogging through the last 10 miles in your condition is certainly an accomplishment! You are one tough woman. Congratulations on finishing, even if you don’t feel like a congrats is in order right now. 26.2 miles is a tremendous feat no matter how you cross the line.

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  29. ugh, I’m sorry that things didn’t turn out like you hoped, your poor stomach. But you did finish it, you didn’t quit, which is huge! Maybe this will be your one crappy race (no pun intended) and all the rest you do will be great!

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  30. That sucks! I felt awful when reading about your experience. Yes, there will be other races, but I don’t know if that’s any consolation right now. You put in so much work to make this race great, it must be very frustrating. Just know you’re not alone and I for one appreciate your honesty and willingness to share your experience with us.

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  31. You went out there and gave the good fight. I lot of people would have dropped out. You will have redemption – you just never know when it will come. The marathon is a heart breaker.

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  32. so sorry to hear about your stomach troubles, but congrats on sticking it out and finishing the marathon! any ideas of what could have caused the stomach issues? how was the pre-race week nutrition and hydration? nothing new on race day, right? doesn’t sound like it, just asking. hopefully you can figure out whatever caused it so it doesn’t happen again!

    congrats on finishing the marathon; there will be another one!

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  34. I’m so sorry you’re disappointed….I can “hear” the pain in your words. Upset tummies are the worst. I can’t go more than 8 miles without Immodium. I plan on carrying it with me on M-day! If it makes you feel any better, with my current leg issues, your finish time is my new GOAL time. Good to know that the recovery socks really help! ((HUGS)) and healing!

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  35. Well, I’ve never been through that during a marathon, but I can certainly say I’ve had that on a few runs and it’s no good. Unfortunately, not all of them can be fabulous… but you know what? That’s what makes the other ones all that much better. Be proud of yourself… you still finished. Despite all that, you still crossed that line. And that, my friend, is still an accomplishment.

    Hope you feel better soon.

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  36. “Maybe I really do have too much on my plate. Maybe I’m just not meant to be a “marathoner”. You ARE a marathoner, and a damn tough one. You finished the marathon. You earned that “bling.” You toughed it out when most people would have quit. You accomplished something that only 1% or so of our country has accomplished. Great job. It’s tough enough to complete a marathon when you’re feeling well, never mind when you endure what you did. We’re all very proud of you. Don’t let this stop you from running another marathon. Consider it a learning experience. Did you eat or drink anything that you don’t normally have?? Congrats again…you’re one tough woman.

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  37. Wow Heather. Even though my baby isn’t here yet (10 more days til d-day!), I can totally see myself having this type of a breakdown as well. I hope to train for next year’s Marine Corps marathon – but will I feel guilty every time I head out for a training run and leave my baby? Is it selfish of me to crave long runs and races in these last days of my pregnancy? Shouldn’t I just be happy to be a mommy soon? But I think we do deserve these hobbies- running makes us even better mothers. What would we be like if we didn’t have running??

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  39. awwww I think we have all had a race that just went horribly wrong for one reason or another…yup I walked 16 miles in San Diego because my IT suddenly flaired up…I slowed to a 20 minute mile at one point. But you know what, you proved what an indominable spirit runners have and you finished. Can you even imagine how great that will be for yoyur kids to know and understand?! It doesn’t always go perfectly but you can find strength you didn’t know you had to go on.

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  40. Wow- that is quite the race report. I am so, so, sorry that you had to deal with stomach issues. That’s just really unfair given all the hard work and effort you put into training. Very frustrating. Don’t feel guilty about leaving the babies at home. Sometimes you have to do something for YOU so that your needs are met, in and turn allowing you to give more back.

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  41. I’m so sorry. We all have awful runs. And, I can only imagine the stomach issues. Let’s just say that I’ve been contributing a fair amount to the fertilization of bushes up here in DC lately and am worried that something similar will happen to me on race day. All of this counts towards “scar tissue” that will help you run a better race the next time. Debrief with yourself; figure out what funked up your stomach; and carry on! Because that’s all we can do!

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  42. Hubby and I have a saying “you’re not a real runner unless you have diarrhea during a race.” HA! i am SO sorry you had such a rough time. congrats on fighting through and finishing!! now ON to the next one!

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  43. ugg marathons are just HARD and to have stomach issues on top of that is even HARDER!! but you made it to the finish line and that is the most important thing!! CONGRATS 🙂

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  45. so I kno this is a very late comment on this post but i just found your blog (which i love!). I live in Baltimore and decided to to the 5k just for fun. All i had was a little 5k and between the awful humidity/weather/hills that day I was incredibly disappointed as well. But hey you finished! I know its easy to get caught up in times but think about how many people would have just walked off the course and given up. You’re an inspiration!

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