the okc marathon.

Well. Marathon number two was... something. I told The Lawyer last week that one thing we can be sure of is that it will be an experience we will always remember. That is ringing true, and a pretty darn good call if I do say so myself!

I was a DNF at the 2010 OKC Memorial Marathon. And you better believe the only reason I was a DNF is because the EMT's wouldn't let me pick up my IV bag and go the last 1.5 miles I had left to run before my body shut me down. Silly EMTs. They also clearly ignored my request to just wheel me in the stretcher the next 1.5 miles. I was all (through my sobs), "come on guys, you're in great shape, you can do it..." as they simply smiled and continued shoving my stretcher into an ambulance.

I have a lot to share, and am still recovering. So as the week wears on I'll share the entire race story, it's a good one. You didn't think I'd have a marathon story that wasn't did you?! For now I am doing fine, resting at home. What took me down was a bad case of leg cramps (calves, hamstrings and quads, with the calves being the shining star of evil, natch) that started at mile 13.1 and finally (and literally) took me down at 24.7 thanks to who knows what. The best assumption of the three doctors and multiple nurses and physical therapists who worked on me was severe dehydration and lack of nutrients all combined with the elements.

What I do know is that when I made it to the medical tent and was sobbing and in a lot of pain, I was still so much better off than the runners in the beds around me. For that I am grateful. The circumstances and placement of where I went down were truly divine in my opinion. There were EMTs and police and volunteers at my side within a minute. The medical care I received was far superior to any I have ever had in my life, they know what they are doing in OKC! This truly is a spectacularly put together race.

So in the end, no redemption. That marathon will forever be... THAT marathon. But as my good buddy Lea pointed out to me yesterday. You have to go big or go home. And I have to say, staying true to my form, I went out pretty stinking big!

Stay tuned. And congratulations are in order to my amazing friend The Lawyer who finished marathon number two and got herself a PR while she was at it! And to Indi who ran her first Half Marathon (welcome to the club my dear friend) and to Ashley who went and nabbed herself a PR during the Half as well.