I woke up this morning excited to give the Lausanne Marathon my best try. Through the night we woke up multiple times to the sounds of thunder and torrential downpours. This morning Emily and I texted back and forth trying to make last minute plans on how to best prepare for a rainy marathon. The updated weather report showed 80% chance of rain until 1pm.
We took the train from Geneva to Lausanne, ready for the worst, wearing running rain coats, hats or visors, lots of plastic bags to protect electronics and good spirits. But, when we arrived at the marathon and 10k start area there was very little shelter and it was still pouring. It was raining so hard that we had to write our names on our baggage check bags as we feared the stickers would peel off.
We took cover under a building overhang and waited for 20 minutes before dashing to the bathroom and heading into the corrals. Just as we headed over to the corrals the rain stopped and we thought our prayers had been heard.
I unzipped my New Balance Reach the Beach running jacket in hopes that I could leave it in my checked baggage. As soon as we took this picture, the rain started again. We actually thought the marathon start would be delayed as there was thunder nearby.
But, in the Swiss fashion, the marathon started exactly on time and Emily and I quickly moved into corrals behind the 4:30 pacer. We figured that she would provide us some much needed motivation during the rainy miles and help us stay on pace through the hills and puddle jumping. We crossed the starting line barely able to see in front of us due to the heavy downpour. In fact, by the 5k point our shoes felt like weights due to the rain.
For the first 8 miles I stuck with Emily and the pacer, thinking that a second marathon in so many weeks was in my reach along with a PR. I ran with my heart and legs, focusing on the scenery and staying strong through every hill. I leaned forward at my hips, followed Monica’s arm swing tips and kept smiling. My Garmin wasn’t enjoying the constant downpour and would go from constantly beeping, showing random paces to turning off all together. At the next KM marker I did some quick math and realized that they were going far faster than a 4:30 pace. Based on my rough estimates they were keeping closer to a 9:55 pace. This amazed me as we’d climbed some pretty good hills and the rain was making everything more difficult. For one second I felt excited as this is a strong pace considering the hills and rain. But, the next second I realized that if I wanted to finish I needed to slow down, more in line with my goal pace. I gave Emily a wave goodbye and told her I was going to hang behind. Around a mile later the rain stopped and as the clouds cleared, the lake finally came into view. I told myself that I couldn’t put headphones on until the marathon turn around point, at mile 13. I asked a nearby runner what his pace was and when I heard 10:20, I said perfect and asked if I could run behind him since my Garmin was only showing overall time.
For the next 3 miles or so I felt pretty good. My shoes were heavy but my breathing was in check and I felt mentally strong. I took in the sights, enjoying a few small Swiss towns, vineyards, fun Swiss residents cheering from their windows, and views of the lake. But then at mile 11.2 I felt a pain in the back of my right leg. Right where my ITBand connects was pulling and had me wincing. I tried slowing my pace seeing if that would help. For a half mile or so it would feel a bit better but then it started again. I pushed through for 2 more miles, through the half marathon starting line. I knew I had to make a decision at this point.
I could push through the pain and maintain a run walk for the next 13 miles. But, I feared a few things at this point. But then I remembered what Gia said to me earlier this week. She told me to listen to my body. I’ve run marathons but never two in a season and I’ve actually never run a 10k or half marathon within a few weeks of a marathon. Historically I’ve focused on yoga and cross training during November and December before hopping into half marathon training after the holidays. I remembered Emily’s story about pushing through severe pain during her first marathon and then being on the “disabled list” for 8 months afterwards.
At 14.2 I finally made my decision and pulled to the side of the course.
I ended today with my first DNF. I expected tears and depression during the hours that followed. Instead, I texted my close friends and family who were following my progression letting them know I decided to bail. I shared the news on Twitter with followers as they were all so supportive over the past 24 hours, providing rain and hill suggestions. Instead of being depressed, I spent the rest of the afternoon cheering on the half marathon runners with other friends and greeting Ranald and Emily at the finish. I can’t wait to run the Lausanne Half Marathon next year. The starting line was a huge party with each starting wave dancing and waving to the wave behind them. There were massages and food for participants BEFORE the 1:45 start time!
By the end of the day, we had a marathon, two half marathon distance, and a 10k in our group. Not a bad way to end the day. As the medals for all events are the exact same, my girl Emily grabbed me one as she finished the marathon. As she gave it to me she said, “you did after all run a half marathon today.”
I am sure readers will have mixed emotions about my unsuccessful attempt to run 2 marathons so close together. But, I will never know my body’s ability if I don’t try. That is what today was all about, trying something I hadn’t done before and giving it my best attempt.
I’m taking this week off from formal training, enjoying some cross training and yoga, before jumping into 10k training as we are signed up for the Clapham Common Nativity Run 10k on December 14th!
Rule #1 in running: ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Way to run a smart race and not end up on the disabled list. You did great and will continue to thank yourself as your body heals and you’re still able to get out there and run. 🙂
Thanks Meghann! I just wish my body was stronger – I guess it will come over time.
I think this is an awesome story! You tried something, and while you didn’t get the results you hoped for, you did get an experience and a story to share. Keep up the good work!
I think its awesome you tried for marathon #2 in two weeks and the fact that it didn’t quite happen – no big deal. You made the best decision that you could for yourself in the moment. Don’t let anyone make you feel badly for following your dreams! Like you said, you’ll never know if you don’t try. I think you did an awesome job and you are an inspiration on living life to the fullest.
Thank you for the support Pam!
As always you are inspirational Ashley. You made the decision that SO many runners can’t — and regret as soon as they cross the line. Youre body was telling you something, and you listened. As a result, you’re going to heal up and be back in no time. I think all of us runners know how TOUGH of a decision that is, and yet you managed to make it, AND have an amazing attitude.
You’re amazing 🙂
I just wanted to say how brave what you did was. Having run marathons I know how hard it would be to stop. There are hundreds of races in your future and you will have learnt more about yourself and racing these last few weeks. I look forward to seeing you kick some butt in your next race. 🙂
Gill
Thanks Gilly! 🙂
Good for you for listening to your body! Running through pain is never smart- I ran a half through pain last fall and ended up with a stress fractured heel. I wish I’d had the sense to stop. I’m beyond impressed you ran what you did given the fact that you ran a marathon 2 weeks ago AND had the travel aspect – be proud of yourself! 🙂 That PR is there- you’ll get em next time! Hope you enjoyed some cheese and wine post race and cheered to the many miles you DID complete!
Thanks Kristine! Wow, a stress fracture in your heel must have been miserable? Yeah I know the PR is there somewhere – it’s just hiding. But hey, half the fun and learning is the journey!
What distance did Bo run?
Bo ran the 10k! It was his first race back from injury!
I definitely think you made the right choice! I went out for an 8 mile run about a week and a half after my marathon last year and pushed through IT band pain because I was too stubborn to stop early (how stupid…) and I was out for almost 6 months trying to battle that injury. Sooooo not worth it! I definitely think trying for a second was worth it though – so many people run multiples but maybe it’s just something you have to build up to?
Thanks Katie! I’m sorry you faced injury but yes, I think it is something you have to gradually build up to. My training doesn’t include 40 and 50 miles weeks like some other runners. Maybe this is something that would help moving forward if I decide I want to do 2 races so close to each other.
I think you totally made the right choice. You have to listen to your body when you run. And some days, it’s just not your day.
I would suggest running a 10k, 10 miler, or 1/2 marathon one to three weeks before you do a marathon. They make great pace rehearsal sessions. Same thing for a 1/2 marathon – try to do a 5k, 8k, or 10k one to two weeks before and practice the pace you are trying to run the 1/2 in.
I just did the marine corps marathon in a PR of 4:09 yesterday and am considering doing another marathon in 3 weeks… I haven’t registered yet, but I don’t have anything else going on, so I might give it a try!
Good luck on your upcoming marathon! Just remember that it will be uncomfortable. 🙂
Great idea Liz! There was a great article in RW this month about ideal time between marathons – http://www.runnersworld.com/editor-blogs/one-week-two-marathons
I find it very difficult to hold maturity and responsibility against someone.
Thanks Nicole. I know everyone will have their own vantage point and I respect that.
Just curious: When dedicating an entire post to a particular race, in this case Lausanne, why do you hyperlink “marathon” to NYCM?
Thanks Anonymous for the call out. This is an old link from when my only marathon was NYCM. I will update this!
Great job at listening to your body and doing what was best for it! I’m sure it was a very hard decision, but I think you made the right one!
Thanks Shelly. It isn’t easy but even 24 hours later I still believe it was the best decision.
Good for you for know when to say when. I actually had my first DNF yesterday (in a marathon – I’ll definitely be posting about it soon) and it’s a hard pill to swallow and the regret (irrational though it is) washes in and out, but I know I made the right choice. It helps to read thoughts from other runners who have been through it, too.
You’ll fight another day! Rest up and foam roll the crap out of that IT band!
Thanks Cathryn. Yes, right now I need to roll the heck out of my itBand. It has been screaming all day. I am sorry you had to DNF yesterday but hopefully you will be back running soon!
I love your attitude…at the Runner’s World Half weekend, we heard Dave McGillivray speak and his message was: “My game. My rules.” It really resonated with me — the idea that YOU are in control of your decisions and you shape how you feel about them.
I’m glad you listened to your body and that you took care of yourself!
Thanks Katy! I was sad to miss the Runner’s World weekend, especially this speech. It sounds like it was perfect!
I love your positive attitude! It’s a tough decision to listen to your body and DNF, but sounds like you made the best decision. Enjoy some well deserved time off from training and kick that 10k in the tush!
My husband just completed his second marathon in two weeks and told me what a bad idea it was. Great for you for trying and even better for listening to your body. You definitely accomplished great things even if it wasn’t your original goal.
Thanks Sarah! Congrats to your husband! Which 2 marathons did he complete?
Proud of you for making the right decision! And you’re totally right, you’ll never know what you can achieve if you don’t try. Also, great attitude about it all! Proud of you and happy you had a great day despite the DNF.
Rest up 🙂
Great post, tough decision but the right one! Been reading your blog here in Ireland for a while now and really enjoy it!!
Keep up the good work:-)
Thanks Rachel for the support!
Good for you – I’m impressed that you were strong enough to realize that you had to stop. That cannot have been easy. Definitely the right decision!
As others have said, it’s always good to listen to your body. My husband pushed through a race in pain this summer and still hasn’t fully recovered. It’s nice of you to think about how your readers will feel about your marathon decisions; however, how YOU feel is what really matters! I think most of us would understand and support your decisions. You never know until you try! 🙂