NWM: The Race!

Up by 5:00am on race day, the adrenaline was flowing through all my veins! The night before most races I get restless and broken sleep throughout the night. It was no different for the marathon. I kept waking up on the hour thinking it was time to RUN! … Once I was finally up at 5 am, it officially was race day! I got dress, ate a Luna bar breakfast, hydrated a bit, and pee-ed at least 3 times before leaving the hotel room. We walked down into the hotel lobby and the pre-race energy vibes were already bouncing off the walls. Ladies chatting up a storm, camera flashes were going off, and runners were hyped up! … It was 5:45 am and the city was alive w/ 20,000+  runners filling the streets in Union Square. The brisk walk down to the starting line area was quick and before I knew it, we were standing in the 9:00-9:59 pace start area on Powell Street. It was really comforting to have my sisters and friend Huong waiting w/ me. I’m sure w/o them, my nerves would have been out of control. On this day, I was living in the moment, focused, and calm!

Best group of ladies to share this milestone experience!

At 7:11 am w/ California Gurls blasting in Union Square, we crossed the starting line and were off running! The first mile I ran w/ my friend Huong and my sisters about 10 yards behind, but in the midst of dodging the hoards of runners and walkers I soon lost them and was off on my own to conquer the 26.2 miles. (We all agreed to cross the starting line together, but it was an individual race and would meet at the finish. For those wondering, I didn’t abandon anyone!) My race was broken down into 3 parts: miles 1-8 were race adrenaline, 9-16 physical training, 17-26 mental endurance.

Miles 1-8 were fun and the adrenaline rush put me running in cruise control. I weaved my way through runners/walkers the first 4 miles and enjoyed the flat course along the Embarcadero. At this point my layers came off – gloves tossed to the ground for donation and long sleeve dry fit wrapped around my waist. Miles 4-5 ran through the Marina where crowds of people were cheering on runners. THEN came the first big challenge – the highest elevation gain of the course at mile 6.5! This was a 295 feet elevation gain and brought runners to a snails pace. Focused and running on adrenaline, I charged up this hill and the 150 feet one after it. Still feeling strong and comfortable in stride, I kept going at a 10:00 minute pace. Around mile 8, I ran into my sister’s boyfriend Danny and shocked him w/ a quick “hi and bye” ninja approach. (So it's been described to me this way. Ha!) ...  Just keep on running, just keep on running …

I'm still smiling so it's still early on in the race :) 

Mile 9-16 became a physical challenge. The course split for half marathon runners and full marathon runners at mile 10 in Golden Gate Park. Pink bibs to the right, highlighter yellow bibs to the left! There was a sense of relief at this point b/c 75% of the runners seemed to be half marathon runners. It was now an open course and less congested w/ runners. The adrenaline rush shifted to running in the zone. My legs felt the gradual elevation climb at this point, but physically I was still feeling strong. Golden Gate Park was beautiful - very serene and green! I was still on track for a 4:30 goal finish and running at a 10:00 minute pace. At the 13 mile mark, I was at about 2:11 and feeling good. Considering all the traffic at the start and massive hills, I was happy w/ the first half time ... could be a little faster, but it was reasonable :)

Golden Gate Park Miles 11-16

THEN came the COLD RAIN at mile 16 and the race shifted to mental endurance. The forecast for race day had cloudy and 20% showers. In SF  this means 100% rain! At mile 16, the course took on the Great Hwy along the coast and it was FREEZING! There was definitely a wind chill factor and my fingers were numb from the cold rain. By mile 17, I put my long sleeve dry fit and started my walk/run intervals. At first this felt good and my body was adjusting to the rain. THEN came more elevation at mile 18.5 and muscle spasms in my gluts. The adrenaline rush became obsolete, so I walked up the hill and kept on running once I got to the top. My physical wall hit me at mile 19 when my blood sugar and electrolyte levels dropped. I honestly thought I was going to faint and pass out from all the adverse conditions! My fear of not crossing the finish turned into some tears. I prayed out loud: God, please be w/ me and run with me. Help me! … My 4:30 goal time quickly changed to just cross the finish line Nhat!

Recognizing that I had to make some quick changes, I inhaled some GU Chomps, walked some more, and took many deep breathes to calm my panic. Miraculously there was a Luna Bar station at mile 19.5; these Luna bars saved me! I was overjoyed and inhaled 2 mini sized Peppermint Luna Bars. My fingers were so numb, I struggled to open the wrapper. Somehow I managed to tear open a little corner w/ my teeth and squeeze the bar into my mouth.  I looked like a starving savage. Ha! Within minutes, life came back into me and seeing the 20 mile marker gave me a second wind! Just 6.2 more miles!

Mile 24 ... chugging along!

The last 6.2 miles were all about mental endurance and running w/ the Holy Spirit in me. I fueled up on Gatorade at all the remaining water stations and focused on one mile at a time. The rain started to come down harder and the cold became so numbing I couldn’t feel any pain in my legs. The thought of crossing the finish and being out of the rain became a motivating factor. Running by the Power Balance cheering station at mile 23, I wanted to take off my Power Balance bracelet and tell them it’s not working! Ha! In good spirits, I smiled and acknowledged them cheering and shouting encouraging words. (It takes good character to stand out in the cold rain and cheer on a bunch of strangers!) Approaching mile 24, I was determined to finish strong and started picking up the pace. Tenacity, mental strength, and being sassy w/ each stride were now the names of the game!

Unlike most first time marathoners, my last 6.2 miles went by quickly and the last 0.2 miles were even quicker! After running at a 10:30 minute pace in the last 5.5 miles, I picked up the speed and darted to the finish passing a bunch of runners savoring the last few yards! With an overwhelming amount of thoughts rushing through my head, I reminded myself to slow down, listen to the crowd, and remember this moment. The finish line was my only focus and more than anything I wanted to finish strong! … I run to be STORNG, EMPOWERED, and LIBERATED! Crossing the finish line at 4:40:33, I did it!! I survived!! I was still standing and smiling from ear to ear! In that very moment, my iPod shuffle started playing Happy Day and happy tears just poured down my face b/c I knew God was here in the present w/ me and celebrating in His glory!

Le Sisters conquer NWM! 2 Fulls and 1 Half!