Air Force Marathon 2018

As promised I said I would return to Dayton for the Air Force Marathon, and I said I would complete 2 marathons in 6 days. First the part about the 2 marathons. Dayton was on my list and I signed up for Erie on a lark, and the fact that so many people raved about the course, and the added challenge of 'can I really do this'. I indeed did do.. but was almost done in... and felt like doo doo at mile 12 (in Dayton).

Last year Dayton was a complete mess and only I'm to blame. I started on 3 hours of sleep, chin splints, a broken toe, I didn't hydrate, started the run on a completely empty stomach, and worst of all I wore a cotton shirt in hot and humid weather. Needless to say I wound up on a stretcher at mile 14 getting an IV. I swore on that day I would never make the same mistakes and give up.

This year presented it's own obstacles as they all do. The temps and humidity were a bit higher, but I was better prepared. That is of course for the fact that my body was still bouncing back from Erie. At mile 11 I hit a snag, a slightly pulled muscle and inflamed tendon in my left thigh. This turned into a limp/run and I found myself at the medical tent at mile 14 having to make a decision. I grabbed a water, some Tylenol, and took a break to stretch. I know there would be no PR's today, but I only came to town for my medal.

So long story short, I slugged it out and ran my worst time ever in the hottest temps as well. And I'm perfectly fine with that, I learned what my body is capable of at this point and I'm happy that I'm still expanding my horizons. And to cap it all off I was able to see The Memphis Belle on display. Next up, The Monumental Marathon in Indy on November 3rd!