14 years ago, I ran my first marathon in Georgia. It took roughly 5 hours and 20 minutes. After that race, I ran more marathons in different states- neat way to combine a love for travel with my hobby. I set a goal to run one in each of the 50 states, hence this blog.
Along the way, I got faster. Soon, the "stretch goal" became to do each state in under 4 hours. Obviously, the best way to do this is to just run the initial marathon in under 4. That doesn't always go as planned.
While I only have 9 states to go to fulfill my initial goal, I have 24 to do in under 4. The Georgia Fitness Marathon was a "do over" state for me. It was my 46th lifetime marathon, so you'd think I would have made less mistakes. Nope.
Here, in no specific order, are 5 mistakes I made:
1. Didn't look at the course map
Two 13.1 mile loops- ironically similar to my first marathon at Tybee Island. I don't recommend this- way too mentally draining.
2. Made a wrong turn (twice)
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During my second loop back in George Pierce Park, the same thing happened twice: a friendly volunteer said "take a right here!" but then had no clue what I should do at the next immediate fork on the greenway. There were only 35 marathoners total, so "just follow the person in front of you" wasn't a strategy. I quickly self corrected after wrong turns were made, but estimate I ran about a mile and a half extra because the course wasn't marked appropriately.
I knew there was a possibility of this in an inaugural race...but didn't seriously think it would happen. I "knew" the possibility about like I "knew" the possibility of having multiples with an IUI.
In speaking with other runners (one who made 3 wrong turns, another who had to jump over a utility vehicle that was blocking the course), I think I got off pretty easy with a 28 mile day. Bonus: I was so angry in the later miles that adrenaline masked the pain I typically feel at mile 24 and beyond.
It was 35 at the start. I packed a tank top and shorts to run in.
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| 3 out of 3 runners WILL take a wrong turn on this course |
3. Forgot to check the weather
It was 35 at the start. I packed a tank top and shorts to run in.
4. Didn't pack breakfast
What kind of Starbucks doesn't open until 6:30 am?!
5. Forgot to look at the positives
I ran a 3:38:21 and got my sub 4 Georgia marathon.
I placed second female overall, less than a minute from the leader. I got to do something I love. It was a great
day and those are
the things I'm holding on to from this experience. To God be the glory! 
