Today I went for a run and completed my 37th Marathon – the A1A marathon! It was a pretty fantastic day and I’m still beaming about what a great experience me and my husband had running this race together. First the weather for a Florida race could not have been better! The temperature in the morning was 56 degrees and had reached the 70s by time we hit the finish line. A 11mph wind pushed against us, but did not seem to matter once the sun came up.
We made our way to the shuttle that would take us to the starting line on Las Olas Blvd. The bus dropped us off at the starting line around 4:50am leaving us more than enough time to go to the bathroom and relax. We hung in the parking garage and discussed the route and our post race plans. Soon enough we lined up and took to the streets of Fort Lauderdale!!! The first two and a half miles were dark and spanned a portion of Las Olas Blvd east towards A1A. Despite the crowds and darkness we kept our footing and soon enough we hit A1A just as the sun was starting to electrify the sky with pink, yellow and orange streaks.
We turned north on A1A and moved along the coastline sharing in the excitement of the crowd that had gathered. Next, we were turning into Birch Park and navigating the narrow path that looped the small peninsula. The west portion of the island highlighted Sunset Bay and beautiful mansions along the water. Next we weaved into middle of the island navigating canopies of beach growth, palms and South Florida greenery. The park was a hidden jungle among the white beaches and commercial area of Fort Lauderdale.
We looped out of the park and began our long haul north. Our next portion of the race stretched from mile 7 to the turn around at mile 16. We continued north keeping a steady pace. We each stopped at a bathroom and grabbed some gels for fuel. The weather remained cool as we ran in the shadows of the buildings on our right. As we hit each mile, Shawn shared stories where he hung out in early years, where certain friends used to live near Commercial Blvd and the fun they shared in his post college years. Around mile 14 I passed a runner who asked me about Team Ultra as we shared NYC Marathon experiences from last November. I shared about my plogging experience and encouraged him to apply in the Spring. It was great to hear the buzz of excitement that Team Ultra can generate at a race! He sped forward as I hung back waiting for Shawn who had made a pit stop. We looped around a small neighborhood near mile 16 and Shawn was happy to see we were hanging around 2:45 time. I took a moment to walk, stretch and shake up my legs. The sun was now pulling higher in the sky and it was heating up. I asked Shawn if I could pick it up for the last 9 miles and he encouraged me to ‘get outta here’. We kissed, causing cheers from runners behind us and police officers on the side of the road and soon I was moving onward.
I picked up the pace and hung between 9 and 9:30 for the rest of the race. It was fun as I moved forward with energy still in the tank. I let myself run. I read somewhere – run with your legs, but allow your heart to be pulled to your finish line. That is exactly how I felt. My heart was pulling me forward as I took in the beach views and passersby’s who were now out for their morning stroll. I walked around mile 20 to take my last gel and found my groove again for the final stretch. I had now reached the point where shade was gone and the sun was strong. Soon enough I was at my 22 and then 23 – right near Birch Park. I was back on the main drag of Fort Lauderdale – my favorite spot to run. I continued to pass by a few runners cheering them on as I went. One runner called to me, “Get it sister” as I replied, “Mile 25 my favorite mile marker, let’s do this!!!” I checked off the streets, 9th, 7th, Las Olas and finally I saw the turn into the parking lot.
I stretched my legs and made it to the finish. 4:21 for my fifth marathon in five months and last marathon before turning 39 years old. This has been a crazy journey and my next running challenge is hitting 40 marathons before I turn 40. Not my fastest time, not my slowest, but an incredible race that I got to share with my husband and along a familiar coast that I enjoy so much.
Bonus! Soon after I grabbed my bag and made my way back to the finish I was greeted by Shawn!!!! I couldn’t believe it – 4:27. He was only six minutes behind me and PR in his home state. Talk about a solid finish all around. Too bad our quick trip was almost over, but what a perfect anniversary – birthday – runcation- getaway it was!!!
Today I went for a run... 