Aleigh

✅ 3rd Marathon. 11 min PR. First sub-4. Such an unforgettable finish line.

Long recap incoming… My goal for this race was to pull off a sub-4 and see where my fitness was on non Dopey weekend legs (IYKYK). But with less than 3 hours of sleep and abdominal cramps the night before, I became less hopeful.

On race day I picked out the 3:55 pace group and was feeling SO GOOD with them (seriously how have I never run with a pace group, it’s my equivalent of a road treadmill now). My fuel was on point. I was conquering the hills they don’t really warn you about. It was a great race. Until mile 21 😂. It was like a switch flipped and my legs refused to carry me any further. I saw that pace group slowly gain distance and so I did what I normally do when I panic - I text both my husband and @runfitmama that I was a failure (drama much?).

Their encouragement carried me through the final 5.2 miles and I just wanted to make them proud. I wanted to leave that race with a story I was proud to tell. So I ran what I could and walked when I thought my legs would buckle. And when I saw that stadium I picked it up, though was high key terrified that my body would start to crumble in front of everyone. That sensation never came. Those final steps on the Hayward Field track were the best I felt all race. Still trying to figure that one out 😂.

So yes, I’m proud of that race. I fought for that time. But I couldn’t get there without the amazing support of my husband, coach Kristin, and the sweet sweet friends I’ve met in this community that wished me luck that day. So thank you, all. Thank you, Eugene.

Now to rest up before kicking it up a notch for some even bigger Chicago goals 😈.

#running #runnersofinstagram #runner #runwithjoy #dopeystrong #marathoner #race