What in the world was I thinking?

What in the world was I thinking when I signed up for back to back marathon weekends? Despite what people say, I'm not a real Marathon Maniac. When I cross the finish line, I usually start thinking about the next marathon that I'd want to run. This Sunday, I was completely wiped out. All I could think of was "get me out of here!" The day did not start off well for me. At the RW forum FE on Saturday, I was already feeling the malaise that you feel when a cold is coming on. On race day, I woke up with a sore throat. I pounded the fluids and the throat felt better.

I went back to my old pre-race routine where I drink Campbell soup for breakfast. The hot soup made me feel better. I got ready and arrived at the parking lot a little before 5. I was actually trying to get into the free parking beach lot, but it was closed at both ends. So I ended up parking in the closest lot for $5. I took a little nap in my truck before going to the Hyatt to take care of business in their 5 star restroom. While I was waiting in the starting area, my church friends that were running the 5k found me. We wished each other well and the race was soon underway.

Miles 0 - 6:
Before I ran a single step, I was already expecting the worst. But I kept reminding myself to go BIG or go home. What is the point of showing up if you're not going to perform. The gun goes off and I quickly bumped into an older gentlemen that I've ran with in numerous other races. I was staying behind the 4:20 pacers. But after the 2nd mile I pulled ahead of them and stayed between the 4:10 and 4:20 pace groups. Next I ran into Ingrid while running with another guy that I was chatting with about running a smart race. But right at the mile 3 turn, I just decided to throw caution to the wind and stretched the legs out a little. I don't mind it during the long runs, but I was tired of running 9:30+ paces during a race. I knew from my screwed up training, that I did not have the stamina to hold any decent pace for more than 15 miles. But I just had to do it to feel good about running again. So I sped up for the next 3 miles until I came barreling down on the 4:10 pace group. That's when I went back to running 9:30 - 9:40 pace where I ended up leapfrogging this one girl whose shirt says to follow her to the bar. Sure, why not. I talked to her every time we passed each other.
1 - 9:43
2 - 9:33
3 - 9:30
4 - 9:08
5 - 8:41
6 - 8:25

Miles 7 - 12:
My goodness, it was hard to run my slow pace when the course reconnected with the fast half marathoners. I was trying to stay out of their way. I felt like Simba running in the gorge trying to not get trampled by those Wildebeests. When we got back on the PCH, I found it really tough to run on the flat road with the wind blowing in my face. Littlestinker(Lori) passes me and says hi between miles 10 and 11. She sees me again when she was coming back from the turnaround. I was glad to make the turnaround to have the wind behind me for a change.
7 - 9:45
8 - 9:13
9 - 9:38
10 - 9:14
11 - 9:36
12 - 9:50

Miles 13 - 18:
I saw Chic runner(Danica) somewhere near mile 13. I sped up to ask her how she was doing and I don't think she was happy with her pace. At that point I was still feeling ok, but I kind of wished that I was doing the half marathon instead. Some guy shouts, "Pony Express, I'm catching up to you!" I couldn't tell who. I started to fade really fast when we made the turn onto the bike path which was pretty much my limit. After that I was running on fumes. I saw Johnkitt running strong in the opposite direction. As well as Sam in his 3:30 pace group.
13 - 9:46
14 - 9:15
15 - 10:09
16 - 9:58
17 - 10:33
18 - 10:39

Miles 19 - 24:
Took a potty break after reaching mile 19. Somewhere near mile 21 my right quad near the knee was giving me problems. I felt it tightening up. So I slowed it down some more and increased my walking breaks to 2mins. I saw Charlie around mile 23. He was trying to get my attention, but my mind was elsewhere. He asked me how I was doing and I told him that I'm hurtin'. He tells me to just run relaxed. Seeing him improved my mood.
19 - 12:43
20 - 10:55
21 - 12:47
22, 23 - 27:46
24 - 12:56

The finish:
As I made the final turn onto PCH, a lady runner nearly shoves me into the aid station table. Perhaps she was dying of thirst. But most likely I cut the corner a little tight and she didn't see my skinny butt coming through. I found it hard to run near the gutter... the little roped section for the full marathoners. At this point, I didn't want to run anymore. I walked quite a bit since I was among the half marathon walkers. I knew it was going to be over soon no matter what I do. But I figured that I should run it in if I still have something left, so I stretched out my legs a little in the final stretch. I heard a shout of "Pony Express" right as I crossed the line. I was too zoned out to turn around to see who.
25 - 12:32
26 - 13:38
26.2 - 1:53
Finish - 4:37.59

I didn't think I had a sub 5 in me this day let alone a PR. There is still a lot of room for improvement, but it's not going to happen until this year is over... until I exorcise the maniac in me. At first all I wanted to do was go home and crash. But I changed my mind and went to BJ's afterwards with Spandex, Ryan, Cat, and Ingrid. I'm glad I did. I was lightheaded after the race and I think I really needed to eat something. Also the beers hit the spot even though what I really wanted was an Irish coffee. I skipped the beer flavored water garden at the finish line. "Healthy" beers need to be outlawed.