Miranda's Shanghai Marathon Race Report

I started doing triathlons in 2007 to do something outside of just working. Since then I have had tons of fun and adventures. One person that has had to listen to hours of my tri talk has been good friend and former office mate Miranda. Apparently, I somehow convinced her to run a marathon but really all I did was give her a box of Gu. I just received this email on her first Marathon:

Start Line

Hey Marcia-

So overall my first marathon experience was great. I finished in 5 hours and 30 minutes. On one hand I am disappointed that I did not make my goal time of 5 hours but on the other hand I don't give a shit because I ran the entire thing without stopping. The weather was absolutely perfect and I felt great the entire run. 

Running

The first 8 miles went by really fast, unfortunately it was the most exciting part of the course. After the bridge (which I had no problem climbing the 1.3M uphill entrance ramp) that took us to the other side of town it was pretty boring running through industrial parks and last year's expo site which is now like a ghost town. 


The last 10K was running underneath an elevated highway bridge so I am sure you can imagine the fun in that. 

All Done

Peter and my cheering squad of 9 were at the 20 mile mark waiting for me which was a big boost in my energy given there were few spectators for most of the run. It also helped to distract me from the fact that across from the 20 mile mark was the finish line which I had to run past :( 


The last 5K was pretty tough as my legs and feet were starting to feel really tired and most of the people around me were walking at that point (some even talking on the phone!) but it felt good to power along past them to get to the finish. I have to admit I got a tear in my eye as I crossed the finish line as I was pretty proud to have completed the race and was able to run the entire thing. 

Recovery Drink

Recovery has been interesting, by about 9pm that night I was in agony with my ankles and knees aching really bad but I woke up in the morning and that had gone away and I didn't feel too bad. 


Of course the soreness in my quads progressively got worse throughout the day yesterday. Now on recovery day 2 my quads are even more sore, I plan to get a massage this evening. 

I do think I will run a marathon again since I need to improve on that time, but definitely one that has a more exciting course. 

Thanks so much for all your support and coaching (as well as the GU!) it all helped me so much! Maybe the next one we can do together!! :)


Regards,
Miranda


 I think she is hooked! Miranda is a great inspiration for getting out there and getting it done and Yes we will run a marathon together.