OOPS, I DID IT AGAIN!

Yes, I used a Britney Spears song…. Yes, I should be embarrassed…. But, I did it again. Sunday I ran a marathon…again! After only a week.

Oh, I am so far behind in my news. So, let’s make this short and sweet, like a Britney Spears marriage….

7 Bridges Marathon (Chattanooga, TN)
Sunday, October 20

I loved this race. There were a few miles along a busy road that I weren’t my favorite but this race is nice. It has a nice field size, not too big, not too small. Lots of water stops. I may have suffered from delirium because at one point, I am sure that there were waters stops every 1/2 mile. I know what you’re thinking…. “No, Megan. I’m sure you were running at an incredible pace!” And, you would be wrong! I was taking my time, enjoying Chattanooga and loving life!

And, I’m not going to lie: Any race where it is possible for me to take in more calories than I burn, has me all kinds of…excited, and gitty! I nearly knocked a girl in the face to grab a small cup of Skittles about Mile 8. Then, later I found other candy offerings that I gladly accepted: a cup of Reese’s pieces, a full size Snickers bar, more Skittles…. I was a kid on Halloween night running to grab candy here, and there!

My goal was to cross the finish line with a healthy body. I was okay with walking as much I needed so that I would be good race condition for MCM.

I really enjoyed Chattanooga! Great city. Nice people. Lots of trails along the river. And bridges. I LOVE bridges! So, running across so many made this a great time!

my favorite bridge we transversed! (a people bridge and our last crossing!)

good thing i ran a marathon hours before...i may not have made it through "fat man's squeeze" in rock city! — good thing i ran a marathon hours before…i may not have made it through “fat man’s squeeze” in rock city!

Marine Corps Marathon (Washington DC)
Sunday, October 27

I tried my best to remain calm for this race but my nervous stomach started early…Tuesday to be exact. I have become the adult version of the nervous energy of my earlier edition. (I’m starting to realize that I will likely be a bundle of nerves forever…YAY!) I had sleepless nights. Knots in my stomach. Fuzzy brain. It was a long week. My fear: my legs would reject running once I started. What if I had to walk so much that I wouldn’t make the bridge?! I tried not to think too much, in the hopes of these defeating thoughts would be forgotten.

I held off as long as possible…Saturday, I started my Imodium procedures…. I want to always be able to laugh at the “Don’t Poop!” signs you see at marathons! Too much information?!

Here’s what I know: I want to run MCM for as long as I can. I LOVE everything about MCM. The incredible moments you witness if you observe your surroundings. You share the course with America’s Heroes and Heroines. There are goosebump moments, tear-lined eyelids… It’s a moving experience. May you all know such humanity exists. May you have the opportunity to thank so many who serve our country. I am honored to have raised money for the Semper Fi Fund again this year. Truly great work that the MCM charities do.

Here’s the nitty-gritty of my race performance. My leg wasn’t happy at mile 10 but it never failed me. It rallied and eventually I forgot about it all together.