Earlier this year I, Courtney, turned 40: big milestone but far from the “Over the Hill” party we threw my dad when I was in high school. To celebrate, I knew I needed something a little less mid-life crisis-y and a little more… well, epic. Since I am a frequent seeker of type-2 fun, reaching for a Marathon PR fit the bill. 

And so it began: Operation Faster as a Master.

I poured over race review websites to find my target race: something in the fall, something with a good BQ percentage that would serve my goal, and something within driving distance. Survey says: Richmond! Dubbed America’s Friendliest Marathon, it sounded promising.

Race morning, I met friends and we made nervous chitchat as we rode to the race, navigated gear check, and found the porta potties. The music started and I urged myself to feel the party vibes. Montell Jordan was reminding us runners, “This is how we do it,” which was a good sign. It’s one of my go-to songs to transport my mood.

At the corral, I met the 3:30 pacers. I really liked how the race website gave the option of registering with a pace group so you could hear from the pacers ahead of time. They sent an email introducing themselves, sharing a bit of their background and experience. I had a pace plan, but I felt confident that these pacers knew the course well and could guide me to my goal. 

We stood shoulder-to-shoulder in nervous silence for the national anthem and then came my favorite moment of any race: the lurch forward of the crowd, GPS watches beeping, walking then running with thousands of runners with the same goal. It feels electric.

The early miles ticked by fast. We were right on pace. I stopped looking at my watch and trusted the pacers. 

My husband, you should know, is a champion spectator. He’s like a course magician, appearing when I expected him and often when I didn’t. He surprised me at the start and two bonus times on the course beyond the four spots we talked about. His appearances throughout the race gave me a nice mental and emotional boost.

We hit the half-marathon mark right on the money. I expected some rollers and fell behind the group on false flats. I threw in some surges to get back, but more importantly: I didn’t allow myself to get discouraged. 

Courtney closes the race with a PR and a fierce mental effort

I chatted with someone named Lauren from the pace group; she said I looked strong. I said that that to myself whenever I spotted her. “Lauren thinks you look strong, Courtney, Lauren thinks you look strong.”

 I continued to take my nutrition on schedule though I worried I would see it again. I had stomach gurgles the previous night and frequent burps as I ran. This was unusual for me and I wasn’t sure how to interpret it. That said, I managed to get fluids at the water stops better than I expected. 

When I saw my husband at mile 18 — the 5th time I saw him —he asked how I was doing. I said I felt good. I said I felt strong. I did not feel good or strong, but I wasn’t going to say it out loud. There was more space between the pace group now and I was determined not to see my goal literally run away from me.

Keep looking at that blue sign, I told myself I am a good closer. I told myself, Lauren thinks I look strong. My new plan was to keep them in my sights. This would take some work, I told myself, but I can grind.

I got to mile 20 and thought: Here. We. Go. A marathon is not two half marathons. It is a 20-miler and a 10K. The race starts here.

Mile 21:  Is this the wall? There was even more space between me and the pace group. I decided to keep pushing the gels. My best chance was to stay ahead of my fueling needs. I did not look at my watch. I could see the pacers and that was enough.

Miles 22 to 24 were a blur. I tried to reel in the runners in front of me. I could speed up; I was passing people.

Mile 25: So close. Where is this downhill we were promised? Move, smile, take the energy from the crowd. 

The crowds were phenomenal. When they say it’s America’s Friendliest Marathon they are not kidding. The spectators seemed to be there for everyone, not just their own people.

Someone yelled, “One more turn and let the downhill carry you.” I had no idea what my pace was but I thought I still had a chance to PR. I picked it up.

Mile 26. There’s the finish. Time to kick. Then I saw the PACE GROUP! I tried my best to close the gap.I was SOOO close. I finished in 3:30:07. A PR by just over two minutes.  

Courtney ringing that PR bell

I am so proud of the work I did on this course, especially the mental component. I realistically appraised my situation and responded to my needs. I kept it both truthful and positive. I acknowledged what I noticed, but did not spiral. THIS is a skill I can transfer to other places my anxiety likes to hide. I can be strong in plenty of other ways, Lauren.

Don’t get me wrong: I love my shiny new PR, but the mental game? That’s my real PR.