After running 26.2, I was ravenous with hunger. The "Runners only" area was offered fruits, breads, juices, ice cream. I looked around, walked a bit but I much rather lay down and relax. The food didn't seem appetizing at all. My family found me and we took several pictures, boy was I sweaty and stinky. My uncle-in-law (is that the word) Jim who had completed the marathon earlier, suggested that I sign up for a free massage and to get some fluids in me. Throughout the race volunteers shouted "water or poweraid", I drank plenty of fluids and that was the last thing I wanted.
My bib number was finally called and I received a massage. I was so thankful they didn't seem to mind how stinky and sweaty I was. It was such a great massage, it was just what I needed.
Afterward, we headed to my brothers house in Syracuse. I took a long hot shower and tried to sleep but the pain started catching up to me. I didn't notice that my sports bra had been digging into my shoulders and how soar my knees were and the chaffing I received-ouch! My body was so exhausted, I know I needed to sleep but I had a hard time trying to sleep. My husband tried to give me something to eat but I still had no appetite. I ate a piece of bread and my throat seemed to react immediately. I thought I was having an allergic reaction because I felt like my throat as swollen. We concluded that my throat was raw from breathing so hard for 5.20 hours.
By the evening when we returned home, I could barley walk. My stomach hurt so bad but I still had a hard time eating because of my throat. I took Tylenol PM and hit the bed. I woke up so soar I could barley walk to the bathroom. I eventually improved but I'm going to take it easy. I read that recovery time for another rest is normally a month.
I have proudly hung my marathon medal in my car. I even considered wearing it to work I was so proud Lol. Many people have asked about my experience hence the really long post...and YES, I would gladly run another marathon!
