I don't even know where to start...

I did not sleep at all Friday night.

I did not fall!

I freaking beat the glow vest!

I saw a possum on the towpath running the wrong way!

I got snotted on in my face!

I passed tons of people.

I never hit a wall or felt extremely low.

I went nuts when I realized I could walk and still finish.

So I didn't walk and I ran it in to crush my goal by 40 minutes.

I screamed and pumped my fists like a freaking maniac at the finish.

I met new people and made new friends.

But I also ran a lot on my own and really owned my own race.

I negative split this beast by about 40 minutes.

I woke up at 4 AM this morning starving and walked 1.5 miles to Bob Evans for breakfast.

I am absolutely ecstatic.

I feel almost guilty for how much fun I had yesterday and how well my body performed for me.

I feel validated.

I feel like I am truly a runner.

Most of all I feel loved. I had so many friends and family call and comment to wish me good luck and to check in on me after the race. There's no way you could do this stuff without that kind of support.

I will work on a race report this week. I think this may have to be at least a 3 parter. A lot happens in 9 hours and 23 minutes!

Some stats to keep you at bay

15.5 miles (when you get off the appalachian trail) 3:15:35
41.8 miles (after a marathon on the towpath) 7:56:19
50.2 miles (8.4 miles of rolling roads) 9:23:34

5th out of 34 in my age group 244 overall

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW! Awesome time E!!!! Actually, awesome doesn't even begin to do it justice!!! Freaking incredible!!!

Anonymous said...

All I can say is "wow" and it's not even a "wow" of excitement; it's a "wow" of astonishment. You rock!

Theoutofshapeguy said...

Great job lady!!!

Iron Jayhawk said...

YOU ARE ONE BAD@SS MAMMAJAMMA! We were rooting for you all day long from Chicago. :)

Your body totally deserves some hardcore pampering right now. You're a beast, Elizabeth!! Way to go!!!

Toasty said...

I read all the items and one seems to be "not like the other ones" .... yes, "one of these things is not like the other ones" .... i hope you got Sesame Street in the US (*snicker*) ... ah, that Bert and Ernie ... anyway .... SNOT!!!!!!

BuckeyeRunner said...

Amazing! What an awesome job!! I am so glad that you had a great time, and did so well. I can't imagine it, but it sounds like a blast, and better than any therapy I can think of! Way to go!!!

Rae said...

That is amazing!! You are a machine!!

Can't wait to hear all about it!

Bolder said...

i felt the same way at the end of my race. i was worried that people thought i was delusional, and thought that i thought, i had won the race!!

you ARE a runner.

but, you were before. glad you know it now!!!

Anonymous said...

You beat your goal by 40 MINUTES?! That's phenomenal! Congrats!

erin said...

I am so proud of you! That is absolutely wonderful!!! You kick some major tail girlie and it is inspiring...=)

Yay!!

Love ya,
Erin

ps. my band still kicks your band's butt. ;)

Chad said...

Awesome job!!! Can't wait to read all the details. Way to go.

Vickie said...

Awesome time! Now are you going to Huff next month?

Anonymous said...

Great job Esperanza! So proud of you!
-Monica

Anonymous said...

Holy cow! Eric told Amy and Jeanie that you did this, but I thought I must have misunderstood. It is totally amazing and so impressive that I don't have the words! Imagine me without words!! More than excellent!!!! your old aunt liss

:) said...

HOLY CRAP, that's a long way to run!!!!!

Congratulations on an awesome feat!

Wes said...

"I feel like I am truly a runner."

You have no idea what an inspirational runner you have been to us...

walchka said...

Totally freakin rad! You are simply amazing E and you proved it once again this weekend. Congrats on a phenomenal race!

Fe-lady said...

Oh my gosh! That's just super-wonderful and you should be SO proud of yourself! Glad you had the best race and a great time! Isn't it all worthwhile when it all comes together like this? You sure deserve your Thanksgiving dinner this year! Pig out and tell stories! Happy happy !

Afternoon Tea With Oranges said...

Girl - you ROCK!! I cannot even fathom attempting this race, much less finishing in a time like that. Congratulations on setting a goal and doing what it takes to get there, despite setback and obstacles. Most would have thrown in the towel when the ITB starting acting up. And way to soak up the joy and really feel the excitement of your accomplishments. What an incredible feeling!!!

Jessica DeLine said...

I think you proved long ago you were a "runner". now you've certainly proved you are a good ultra runner too!

Cliff said...

Congrats on your race...love that crazy eye look

Trisaratops said...

Freaking. Amazing.

WAY TO GO!

Now drink some beer and eat some ice cream.

Anonymous said...

Incredible times! Yes, you are a Runner. Can't wait to read your report to see how on earth you paced yourself, hydrated, ate... WAY TO GO!

Anonymous said...

woo hoo, yeehaw, that's AWESOME!!!!!

Steph said...

Who ran 50 miles?! YOU DID! AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!! SO COOL! (Did you end up going bowling afterward?!) I hope you're recovering well. Congrats again!
-Steph

RunBubbaRun said...

You are not just a runner, but now you are really a "ULTRA" runner. Great job. Wow 5th in AG. Very inspiring, you had fun and that was the most inspiring part.

Unknown said...

Once again, awesome job! Can't wait to read the report.

qcmier said...

That is SO AWESOME!!!

Lora said...

CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS

How absolutely fabulous you did this!! I am so proud of you!!

Let us know how you recover...different from a marathon???

runliarun said...

I cannot even imagine this. I had trouble last week running ten miles. Being ecstatic about this maybe starts to approach it. You are awesome. A different species, perhaps? Cannot be the same kind of creature as me, patched together from flesh and sinew. You must be made of dreams.

RR said...

A very impressive run! Your splits tell the whole story. You ran a very intelligent race. Rest and enjoy this one. You have much to be proud of.

D