You fall -- you get back up (x-post)

Yesterday was the Tucson Marathon and 1/2-Marathon.

I walked my first 1/2 Marathon 4 years ago -- with 2 goals in mind.

1.  FINISH
2.  do not finish last

At the time, I was 239 pounds and 49 years old.
I finished the race in 3:59 and was proud of getting done in less than 4 hours.

Yesterday, I did the same course -- 75pounds lighter at 154 pounds.
I got to about 9 1/2 miles into the race, and I turned around to see if the Elite full Marathon runners were coming up along side me --- and I FELL.

I fell backwards right onto my tailbone --- it hurt.
I was helped up by 2 runners --- and led to a police car nearby.
The police officer offered me an ambulance - but I said "NO" and requested an aid van.
I was going to go to the finish line and wait for my friend.

I sat in the passeger seat of the car for about 4 or 5 minutes ---- and it hurt.   I was watching the race and started to see people that I had passed earlier now approaching me.

I decided to get up and try to walk -- and I could, so I left the police car and I did the last 4 miles of the race.

I finished in 3:06 ---- 53 minutes faster than my first race.
If I had not had the fall, I believe that I would have finished in under 3 hours --- which is my new goal!!!

Next year ---- finish in 2:59 or better!!!

I love my band-- I love the freedom that it has helped me achieve in my life!!

Awesome, way to get up and push on.

It sounds like the injury was just some bruising maybe the tail bone maybe some ego.
I'm glad you were able to get up and finish.  Congrats on breaking your old record.  I'm sure you will beat it again on your next race.  Just got to look where  you are going instead of where you had been.

Scott

Way cool!!  When you were in the police car I bet you felt like a kid stuck in the house while the neighbor kids were playing outside...Looking out throught the window you would give anything to be with them...

The only tragedy in falling is NOT getting up!  You are amazing.  And you can do anything you set your mind to.  Congrats!

Kim

Awesome spirit! and way to push through and finish.  Sometimes the most painful races are the ones we are most proud of.  I know more than once I have had to just push through and finish when quiting would have been easier and less painful.

Way to embrace your inner Honey Badger!