CLE

So, three days later I think I'm ready to recap the 2015 Cleveland Marathon.  

Jen drove the three marathoners down to Quicken Loans Arena where we met up with Kirsten, Anita and Heidi.  It was already in the mid 60's & looked like rain.  Sure enough, as we stood in the starting line crowd, the sky opened up and huge raindrops began to fall.  Just enough to get us a little wet...and we were off.

I ran a solid first 10k, staying within my 8:30 pace frame pretty well.  I was feeling good and strong.  Then it started to rain, and it felt pretty good because it was getting warm.   The best surprise was seeing Beth & Lori & Dave around the half {I had missed seeing them at 9}  They had signs & were cheering!  What a pick me up!  

 I met up with Dodd around mile 14.5 and we ran together in the rain, which eventually stopped...and the sun came out.  I didn't think it was too hot, but I knew I was struggling.  At one point I reached out and grabbed the back of Dodd's shirt just to catch up to him.  By mile 20 I was holding his hand just to keep going.  The original plan was for him to pull off at mile 20 & drive to the finish.  He realized the shape I was in and chose to run a little more.  This picture was taken around mile 21 & you can really see the horrific shape I was in.  I know I didn't know how bad I looked ~ I just wanted it to be over.  That stupid Shoreway.  The last three miles are giant rolling hills of open concrete...lots of people sitting on the side of the road looking for help...90% humidity was killer.  We saw the finish (Dodd actually claimed to see it long before he actually did) and kicked it up...I crossed the finish line at 3:57:31, turned off my watch and watched my legs buckle.  The next thing I know I'm in a wheelchair, in the medical tent, getting my temperature taken not in a way I would like...with Dodd standing there next to me...being dumped in an trough of ice water to lower my 106.7 core temperature, and finally realizing I was in serious trouble.  Thank God for the medical personnel who were right there taking care of the crazy people who spent $$ to push their bodies beyond the limit.

Right now I am just embarrassed to have been able to run a 20 mile race at an 8:16 pace and die {almost literally} at the marathon distance.  I had to be drug {really literally} the last 6 miles.  I would not have made it if it hadn't been for the selflessness of my amazing running partner.

I didn't make my BQ goal ~ the lowest point of the race was when the 3:55 pace group caught and passed me.  I did ask them, rather nicely, "please don't pass me."  but pass me they did.  

I did finish in under 4 hours, but it was certainly not pretty.  And the end wasn't  fun.  I look at the pictures the marathon posted of me...and they are so embarrassing; being pulled along a race I pictured finishing so strong ~ and independently.  

Mike had a great race: 4:08:10 and he finished without falling down {although witnesses say he did take a little wobble upon he finish}  I'm so proud of him and his fight and determination and strength.  He did it and was not beaten this time.  & then instead of taking care of himself at the finish he has to come deal with me...and he was in no shape himself to do that.

We made a new family motto:  Every marathon has a half.

and that is the distance the Bartons will run.