Start to mile 1.5 - Up Up Up. Almost from the start we got a taste of the Austin Hills. I knew the profile of the course, so knew (plus my most awesome pacer Haley) kept me in check by not going out too hard. It was funny to see almost everyone killing themselves in the first 1.2 miles. Dumped my sweatshirt at about mile 1. Walked the first aid station to fill my Amphipod water bottle.

Miles 1.5-2.5 - This is where they lull you into a false sense of security with about a mile of great downhill. O, but that is all about to change.

Miles 2.5-5.5 - What he heck did I get myself into. We climbed, and climbed and climbed some more. I trained on the hills, but as they say, hindsight is 20/20. I should have concentrated my training on just the hilly areas running shorter loops up and down. Since we knew it was going to be a long day, we walked most of the steeper hills and ran the few downhills if they fell on a scheduled walk break. Again, to many people killing themselves too early in the race. At mile 5 we had our first Shannon sighting. My wonderful friend drove all the way from Dallas on Sunday morning. She would show up at various points on the course with her backpack of goodies.

Miles 5.5 - 8 - Finally we were at the top (or were we?) and we had a few miles of recovery going downhill. I was still feeling pretty good at this point.

Miles 8-17 - Up we go, again. I don't remember anything particularly heinous about the hills, just continual, gradual climbing. At about mile 9 we ran through the LIVESTRONG section. That was so cool and actually pretty emotional. The crowds were so loud and everyone was dressed in yellow. Haley was wearing a shirt that on the front said "For my husband" and on the back "For Maw". Got so many comments. Mile 10 Shannon was there with her backpack of heaven. Took some Swedish Fish which were such a great break from GU. Since I trained with them for IM, I was not worried about eating them. It was at mile 10 when the half and full split. We stayed left and at that point, I knew I was committed to going the distance.

Miles 17-20. This section is what Haley refers to as the "Bad Marcy" period. It was without a doubt when I hit my dark time. I think it was more mental fatigue than physical. Don't get me wrong, I hurt. But I was more mentally done with the race at this point. The bright spot was the Oreo's that Shannon had at 17. But other than that, really nothing good to say about that those 3 miles except I didn't quit. Not that Haley would have let me. I know in the Army she was a nurse, but at that point she put on her Drill Instructor hat and kept me going.

Miles 20-26 - Things got better. I hurt more but mentally I was in a much better place. The terrain flattened out, but mostly, I think that the fact that we were now heading back towards the city, and could see the buildings, was a big plus. Shannon was there again at mile 22 with Cool Ranch Doritos!

26-26.2 - They mess with you on the course. Give you a nice flat few miles right until you can almost see the finish line, then throw in 2 completely heinous hills right at the end. Walked the first one but thanks to H's encouragement ran the second. Into the chute and there was the finish line. Wow, just like that it was over!

Run more hills. Not let my demons take over. Other than that, I think I ran to the best of my abilities

Once we crossed the line, it was a 3 block finishers area. Got our medals, water and finishers pictures. Walked and walked and walked until the end. Shannon was right there at the line. Steve and Kurt were a little down and we waited for them to get to us. While our parking spot was awesome for the race start, it was about 8 blocks (uphill of course) back to the car. Hobbling back was my warm-down. Changed into some dry clothes. Dropped H and K off at our friends house and headed home. A quick stop for some food and 4 uncomfortable smelly hours in the car.


Even though the hills were not a surprise, they kicked my butt in a major way. I feel like I trained well. I followed my plan. I was really hoping for a 5:15 finish but I am not disappointed. I finished, got my medal and can now say that I have run a marathon.


I cannot say enough about the organization of this event. The volunteers were beyond incredible. The aid stations, even for us back of packers, were always well staffed and stocked. never did they run out of anything. There were medical stations at every water stop with Vaseline and band aids. The course was safe and really nice. Even though during my dark miles I said I would never do this again, we all know that's not true! I cannot say enough to Haley for being such a wonderful friend and keeping me moving forward, even during the times I said I hated her. And what can you say about a friend who drives 4 hours with a backpack of heaven. Thanks Shannon. And a big big high five to my most wonderful husband who finished his first half after his back surgery last year!