Kentucky Derby Marathon

 The Kentucky Derby Marathon

4th Marathon of the 2014

8th Marathon overall

Expo: 1/5
One thing I love about racing is the Expo! The Expo gets me excited about the race, I can shop and be with the other nervous runners.  This Expo was so tight, crowded and didn't have a lot of booths that I found appealing. Maybe I'm getting bored with Expo's or something? I am giving this Expo a poor review.

Race Swag: 2/5
My race shirt is a little big but I love the tech material and the design.  The half marathoners got a bright orange shirt which I really wanted instead of this marathon shirt but I didn't feel right switching when I was running the marathon.  We also got a marathon hat but it doesn't fit my head at all.  I most have a huge head :( It didn't even fit my Dad's head so I just tossed it. I was really disappointed that my name was not on the bib.  Maybe I am getting spoiled from all my other marathons but how else is people going to cheer for you?

Starting Line: 3/5
The starting line was very organized! There was plenty of bathrooms which I used at least 2 times because I didn't want to stop while on the course.  I got to the starting in line almost an hour before the race started.  I like being early to races because I can relax a bit before I have to run.  This was a huge bonus since we were able to park like one block away from the starting line.. PLUS, we didn't have to pay! Since, we were so close we stayed in the car to stay warm. They didn't have music that I could hear nor did they have any kind of big display right before the start.  I have seen fireworks, planes and loud music to get the runners excited. 

Course: 5/5
I LOVED this course! This has to be one of my favorite marathon courses ever.  It was extremely beautiful, so much to look at and the crowd/fans were everywhere! Around mile 8 we ran in churchhill downs.. it was HUGE! Horses were practicing for the Derby which was so cool to see.  The trees were blooming and so was the flowers the smell of spring was in the air.  There was a GIANT hill/mountain at mile 11 which I swear continued till mile 13. 

Water Stops: 5/5
I believe there was a water stop every 2 miles? I honestly can't remember because I really lost track of where I was.  They did have gu's on the course which I actually took at mile 18. 


Finish Line: 4/5
It was a nice finish line but not my favorite.  I did hear them say my name which was cool.  I can't really remember much because I was that tired.  I did bend over as soon as I finished... 3 people ran over to me to make sure I wasn't going to fall over.  The volunteers were AMAZING! I never take food at the finish line but this race I grabbed a banana, chocolate milk and some water.  They did have a little party area but I was just to tired to enjoy a beer.

Results: 2/5
I had a TERRIBLE race mentally and physically.  I went way to fast the first 10 miles but I really was going for the PR.  The first 10 miles I was under a 9:50 pace but after I hit that giant hill I completely fell apart. I struggled with running, struggled with walking and struggle with tummy issues.  I honestly wanted to call it off but I knew I would be mad at myself if I did.  My ucan wasn't working or it felt like it wasn't working.. that is why I took a gu at mile 18.  With 5 miles left in the race I stopped at a store to get a cold COKE. Why? I needed sugar to help me get to the end of this race... Coke was the trick that helped for sure.  I am proud I finished! This was the hardest race I have ever ran mentally.

Overall: 4/5
I really did love this race for so many reasons! It wasn't extremely large which made the road less crowded.  The weather was amazing but it did get super hot at the very end.. not one single cloud in the sky.  I love everything about the course.. the fans, the trees, the houses, the hill...EVERYTHING was perfect. I didn't love the expo or the shirt but who cares about that anyways! The medal is beautiful!  I consider this one of my favorite races of all times! Would I do it again? YES, YES and YES!!!

What I loved about this weekend is spending some time with my Dad.  He was late signing up for the race but he still ran 10 miles while I was out running my 26.2.  My Dad is a HUGE inspiration to me! He is the reason I love running so much.  It's a gift that we both have this love for racing.  I love the time I get to spend with him out on the road clocking in the miles but I love our trips to places where we can just be a family.  Thanks Dad for being there at the finish line! I broke down at the end of the race but when I saw Dad I couldn't help but smile.  Thanks for driving me home too :) That 30 minute nap felt like HEAVEN!