My First Marathon (x2)

About a year ago I learned that there was going to be a new 70.3 (half Ironman) in Traverse City. When registration opened I was on it and got in...which was good because it sold out within hours. We didn't know exactly where the course was going to be...just that it was going to be great. When the course maps came out the bike profile seemed a little more intense than we were anticipating. About 2,500 feet of climb, which is more than Chattanooga. Ok, another hilly race. Usually I am excited when I register for a race, excited when the courses details come out, excited when bib numbers and athlete guides come out...and super excited the week leading up to the race. I am also usually excited when I am going to see my parents. The week before the race my mom had to cancel them coming for personal reasons, which I was ok with. But then I just wasn't super excited about the race. Even coach said it felt like I was in a different place. When we got up to Traverse City I was g...

Ok...I forgot to finish that series. When I did three events in three weeks. The last one was the You Can Call Me Al 5K, which is also the Personal Best Training World Championship. I hate, hate, hate 5Ks. I really do. And with a lack of communication from the race and it being a small church fundraiser I went a little off the rails in the days before (sorry Tom). Race morning I got there and got my bib...sat around talking to team mates for a bit, then went out to warm up. It was fine. Whatever. Got back to the tent to suck down a gel and some water and get lined up. It was one of those starts where I wasn't sure which way we were going so I wasn't sure where the back was...and needed to rearrange. Gun start so already behind, but it was a small enough race it was academic. The course was fine. A little narrow on the trail where there was also an aid station, but I was far enough back it didn't matter. Lots of negative thoughts in my head about how I am the team masc...