Watt's Running

Glenn was gone almost immediately. Chris stayed with us a few miles, but he too left us. I started and ran with Celeste and Jay for over half the race. I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy race. By mile 13 I was having my doubts, and by 16 I was struggling. I would walk and run as needed. I tried to chase the 4:30 group, but finally had to ask myself why I was doing this and I couldn’t think of a reasonable answer. Finally I had to walk around mile 20 for a few miles. Celeste and Jay passed me and then they went off ahead of me. While walking I met and talked to a nice runner named Joe who was about my age and was having the same doubts about running marathons. After a mile or so we said our goodbyes and he started to slowly run again, and I watched him go off into the distance. I was alone again. I kept walking. There were many other runners walking too – zombies. I was way way at the back of the pack. The 4:45 group passed me. Then after a bit I forced myself to run (it was probably around mile 23) and I finished the race in 4:48:29. I got my medal, finisher’s shirt and Austin Distance Challenge jacket. All of which I am very proud to have. This was the longest time for me to run a marathon. Even my first one took less time (4:24). I knew ahead of time that today was going to be a tough one. I tried so hard to keep in control and pace myself. But in the end it had nothing to do with pace. I just got so sore and stiff as I always do and just had to walk. It was not easy to start running again, but I pushed myself. In my humble opinion this is the last marathon I will run in my life. It is just too hard on my body and me. I’ve not been able to handle the stress and it’s no longer any fun. I’ve not been able to solve this soreness and stiffness that now always happens to me. So I am officially announcing my retirement from being a marathoner after having completed six of them. I might consider a half marathon, but a full marathon will never again be an option. However I will always remember these times. I will look at the medals and pictures and remember the sweet feeling of accomplishment they represent. Yet I will continue to be a runner. My body and mind aches to have to say this, but I must. Adieu sweet friends and running buddies. May I run with you around my neighborhood or on the Town Lake trail, but otherwise I wish you the best to all who continue to do this brutal test of strength and spirit that is the marathon. Sincerely, Bri
Update: A photograph of my running buddies for 2008

L to R: Glenn K., Jay N, me, Celeste D., and Chris L.