Marathon # 5 - Maybe I am getting the hang of this

everyminute

Went to New Orleans (Hi Jenn3!!) and ran the Rock and Roll New Orleans Marathon this weekend.  This is my 5th marathon in 17 months (4th in 5 months) and finally broke the 4 hour mark.  I have been training pretty much non stop since July and maybe, just maybe, the work finally paid off. 

I had a great run on a great day (what a difference good weather and a nice flat course makes).  I felt strong the whole run, never hit the wall and came in at a very impressive (even to real athletes) 3:53.  28th out of 280 in my female age group. 226 out of 1760 females. 841 out of 3600 marathoners and 18 mins faster than 5 months ago, 59 mins faster than 17 mins ago.

my blog post - http://blog.timesunion.com/running/finally-under-4/7281/

 

(black tank top, black and pink shorts - pink headband - PONYTAIL)

Ok - enough bragging...my point is - I never ran a marathon before bc nor a half marathon.  When I did run it was a 5k here or there at a 10 min pace - 930 if I gave it everything I had (or thought so anyway).  I clearly remember telling Joe when I was diagnosed - I can't do it anymore, I can't run, it's too hard, I am too tired, oh and I will probably die this year anyway.

June 5th will be 4 years since the day I was diagnosed.  I will never say I am grateful for cancer but I am a stronger person, I am a better person, I am a happier person.

I have my moments - I get scared - I wish it never happened - but overall life is good and for you all I wish the same. Doesnt have to be running (only crazy people do what I do) but what you WANT to do.  Dream it, do it and don't let cancer take a single second more than it already has.

And if you are in the NJ shore area on 5/6 - I am running another marathon. Hope to see you there!

NancyD

Go, Mary go!  I'm SO impressed. I've got to get back into my distance walking...running can't do, but walking is fun.

karen1956

Mary you are amazing!!!!

MaxineO

Incredible, Mary! You are an inspiration!!!  Keep on running.

SpunkyGirl

Mary, I just wanted to cry in a very good way when I saw your post.  Although I'm not out there running marathons, I am unbelievably grateful to be here, and taking advantage of every day.

Rock on!

Josiekat

Wow! You are amazing and you give hope that there is life after treatment ends! Keep running!

misswim

Mary, you are incredible! Thanks so much for sharing

Carla9112

Mary - wow - what a great post.  You don't know how much you have encouraged me.  I am past chemo and doing radiation.  I used to run a lot many years ago but then I gained weight, got lazy and thought I would never be able to do it again.  Well - after chemo - I figured I can do anything.  I've started running again and am signed up to do a 5K in May with a friend (baby steps for me).  Maybe some day I can do a marathon too.  I completely agree that I am a different person now thanks to cancer - much much stronger!

Good luck to you with your next marathon. 

lexi4

Wow! You are terrifc and you look awesome! Keep it up!!

Hugs,

Lexi