Splits throug 18 miles

I was really happy with my running up until the cramps came. I was mentally prepared for this race but I don't think I was physically prepared for the 6 hour challenge. Cool thing was I had decided in my head that I was GOING TO DO 6 HOURS!!! And I believed it. For the first time in any long race, my mind was not the limiting factor. It was my body and that is a major victory. Thanks to some really great friends and coaches, I know now how to mentally prepare for a long race. Now, let me just work this spring on getting this body to a point where it can respond to what my mind wants it to do.

These were my splits through 18+ miles when I had to stop due to major leg/calf/thigh cramps. My goal was around 6 hours (13:45 min/mile) and I ran right at, maybe a little above that pace for most of the morning.

Mile 1 - 13:55

Mile 2 - 13:50

Mile 3 - 13:45

Mile 4 - 13:49

Mile 5 - 13:43

Mile 6 - 13:34

Mile 7 - 13:39

Mile 8 - 13:38

Mile 9 - 14:12

Mile 10 - 13:56

Mile 11 - 13:59

Mile 12 - 13:35

Mile 13 - 13:48

Mile 14 - 14:18

Mile 15 - 14:18

Mile 16 - 14:45

Mile 17 - 15:00

Mile 18+ - 35:15 DONE!!!

The Voice of Truth

God and I came to an agreement this morning that WE're going to do this marathon. I was at Starbucks for breakfast this morning and I had my computer. Liz was on FB so I IM'd her. We got to talking and I asked her to play Voice of Truth for me. I went out to my car and she just talked on the radio about NO FEAR and that God was going to be with us (and KSBJ too). Then she played my song. It was such a wonderful time of worship for me and Liz really blessed me with her comments and prayer. The song is about "getting out of the boat, onto the crashing waves." And about the faith to "face a giant with just a sling and a stone". And the waves "laugh at you" and say "you'll never win." The giant "reminding me of all the times I've failed." But the VOICE OF TRUTH tells a "different story." He says, "Do not be afraid. This is for MY glory." Tomorrow I CHOOSE to listen to the Voice of Truth.