Thursday, March 10, 2011

Hyannis Marathon Race Report

Better late than never, right? On Sunday, February 27th Ryan and I ran the Hyannis Marathon in Hyannis MA. This was my second time running this race, I ran it back in 2006, this was Ryan's first time. Hyannis was somewhat of a marathon milestone for me as it was my 20th marathon.
I was planning on pacing a couple of women to a BQ, so my plan was to run around 3:50:00 and Ryan's plan was to run somewhere just over 4 hours. We both viewed it as a training run and since all of our friends were running we decided to join in on the fun. The weather was kinda of on the chilly side with either rain, sleet or snow. The night before we got about 2 inches of snow but then the rain came and washed it away. This course is said to be flat but in my opinion there are quite a few rolling hills. It was a double loop course with a half marathon and a 10k, so needless to say, the first loop was crowded and the second loop was quiet!!
All was going well with pacing, we ran dead even splits and the day went by really fast. It felt mile 17 popped up out of nowhere and then suddenly we were at mile 20. My legs felt really strong and everything was feeling good except for my back. My back NEVER bothers me so it was kind of strange to be happening all of a sudden. Around mile 20.5 my back started to cramp up and the discomfort began traveling along side of my ribs and towards the front. My friend that i was pacing, Wendy, was on fire and there was no doubt in my mind she would get her BQ. She even stopped at a port-a-potty for 3 minutes but we made up the time. I felt like she wanted to pick things up and that I was holding her back. Around mile 22 I realized that I was leaning forward/hunched over while I was running. Wendy decided to take off and I pulled over on the side of the road and just bent over and hung there for a minute. My back was killing me, I could barely stand up straight. Every .10-.25 mile I had to stop and bend over. It sucked. Wendy got her BQ and I finished in 3:55. As soon as I finished I laid down and put my feet in the air and my back felt better. See pictures below to see WHY my back was hurting me!!! Also, it gives the answer to yesterday's Wordless Wednesday post.
Ryan had a good race too and he met up with a friend just past the half way mark and then the two of them ran the rest of the way together. He looked really strong at the finish and didn't seem to be phased at all. We were both kind of hungry at the end but had to walk all the way back to the car to get food. Most of the post-race food had been picked over, which is sadly kind of normal after a race that offers shorter distances in addition to a marathon. While we were at the car, our friend called to say that Ryan had placed in the Clydesdale division!!!!!
Ryan and his 2 medals! Way to go, Lovie!!

Post race

 And here is why my back HURT!!  I spent all day Friday and Saturday hunched over like this! (I believe I have a paw-print sticker on my hand, my 2.5 year old nephew gave me a sticker for using the "potty")


Working on invitations. I made 120, not quite finished yet.

This is just the base of the invitation. I punched the flower pattern on the bottom and then I used stamps and embossing powder (you put special powder on the stamp-ink and then use a heating tool and the embossing powder hardens and becomes raised and shiny). The base of the invitation has a turquoise colored mason jar with pink, purple and orange wildflowers inside. My colors for the wedding are pink, purple and orange and our centerpieces are turquoise mason jars with multicolored wildflowers, so it ties in nicely. 

Yes, you read that correctly, pink, purple and orange...wait til you see the bridesmaid dresses!

Up next: Black Cat 20 Mile Race Report. We ran a 20 mile race 1 week after the marathon. Stay tuned!

20 comments:

Jennifer said...

I once spend a day spent bent over stoking a wood burning ceramics kiln. My back was a wreck for two weeks. Hope you feel better soon. Very creative invitations! And nice race for both of you, yea for bling!

Jim ... 50after40 said...

Great job again to both of you!!! I've never had pain like that during a race, great job on toughing it out!

Amanda said...

No wonder your back was hurting - that's a lot of work!

Congrats Ryan on the division place - that is so awesome!

Congrats to Wendy on her BQ - amazing speed right there!

Teamarcia said...

Nice races for both of you! Yep that'll do in your back for sure!

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Buddy you are AMAZING!! Handmade, wowzers!! Congrats to Ryan, I NEED to find an Athena race somewhere...I would place for sure.. HEHE

Running and living said...

You guys are nuts, a 20 mile race after a marathon! Good thing you are getting married:) Hope your back is better, Bethany, and congrats to Ryan for his 2nd place, that is huge!

Anonymous said...

congrats to both of you! especially ryan for placing and you for doing those invitations later! i can't wait to see those dresses with that color scheme...

Marci said...

Nice job on the marathon. I know what it's like to lean over while running cause I do it all the time... though for me it never hurts cuase I'm so used to it!

J said...

I love your colors for the wedding! May is going to be here sooo soon!! I am just starting to think about invitations! We went to the florist this week too and did our tasting for the reception last night!!

Colleen said...

Wow, under 4 with multiple stops - you're amazing! And way to go Ryan!!

Hannah said...

Oh heck yes, that's why your back hurt! But, I think the colors are lovely, and I can't wait to see the dresses!

Sorry to hear all of that bending over affected you while you were running - that just sounds miserable! Hope you are back to normal very soon.

Congrats to Ryan on placing! You two are so cute. Love it!

Jen Feeny said...

3:55 with back issues. Girl you are my hero! Congrats to Ryan for placing!!! I read how terrible the conditions were so way to stick it out, out there!!!

Loving the invitations! So cute!!!

Jenn said...

A 20 the week after the marathon!! You guys are a perfect match! Congrats to both of you at Hyannis!
Hope your back feels better:) I love those colors! Bright and cheery and fun just like the two of you!

Jill said...

I think the colors are beautiful!! Nice job on the run, you guys did great. Get that bad feeling better!!!!

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

First, congras on 20 mary's!!! Amazing!!!

You ARE a trooper and so glad your friend could make a BQ!

I can't wait to see the bridesmaid dresses if these are the invites!! Hopefully, guests color coordinate!! :)

Richelle said...

Congrats on your races! Extra congrats to Ryan for placing in the Clydesdale division.

I haven't figured out yet what to do for invites, but after reading your experience, I may just pay someone to make the invites for me. :)

Emily said...

congrats on the race! sounds like you were the perfect pacers.


pink is definitely going to have to be one of my wedding colors.

N.D. said...

Those invites are soo cute! no wnder your back hurt! great job!

Karen Seal said...

Wow that's a lot of inviations! Congrats on the race! :0)

Katie A. said...

Holy cow you two are amazing!! Sorry about your back! I'm sure that is one race you'll remember since it was tied to your invitations ;)
AND congrats to Ryan! Nice work!!!
Oh, and one more thing, jealous of your goofy challenge! I'm thinking this might be on my list this year ;)