I just wanted to give an update and report on the marathon. This was a bittersweet day. First of all, the weather was perfect and it ended up being a beautiful day in Napa. I have never received so much support and enjoyed a race like this one.
Well, I was feeling awesome and was moving very fast. I was on pace to shatter the record and finish in under 3:20. My shoulders were never tired or sore during the entire time, which was surprising. I was moving very well for 14 miles. In fact, we were a bit curious, so we counted in one mile, I dribbled around 500 times (so do the math and you can estimate how many times I dribbled that 9 lb. ball today). At mile 14, I was still feeling very strong and everyone on the course was inspiring and pushing me. At the aid station at mile 14, I slipped on the wet floor and when I caught myself, I heard a loud pop come from my left knee and intense pain. I tried to run it out, but went ten feet and realized I could not go. I started walking. I kept dribbling with hopes that maybe I could still recover soon. The pain didn't subside, and I ended up walking from miles 14-17. I was determined to at least finish, even hobbling in at a slow walk. At mile 17, my knee was numb enough that I could start a slow jog for a few miles. Even with the injury and the walking for many miles, I looked at my watch and realized that I was at mile 20 at 3 hours, and I could still possibly break the record, and I decided I had nothing to lose and went for it. I was moving fast and feeling great (besides the knee) until the mile 21 marker, when I heard another pop and stinging pain and was forced to walk again. It was at this point I saw Chris (my trainer), and he walked with me and gave me some nice words of inspiration and we walked together for a mile (I still have not stopped dribbling). It was at this point I knew I would not be able to beat the record. At mile 22, we began a slow jog together and then another friend, Dave, joined us for another mile, and then I finished the race at a faster pace. I still finished the race at 4 hours, 11 minutes, dribbling the entire time.
It was a little bittersweet. I was a little disappointed because I had the record beat easily until a freak injury at mile 14. But, the main goal of this endeavour was to raise money for the students of Stanford College Prep and to inspire people to get out and help out their communities. I had reached the main goal just by stepping on the course, record or not. This is why I kept going and hobbled the walked/hobbled the last 12 miles (and I am sure the Orthopedist will yell at me tomorrow, but oh well). Also, when we started this, the initial goal was the record that stood at 4 hours and 30 minutes (which was broken mid-way into our campaign and set at 3:48:23), so I still beat the initial goal.
It was an overwhelming feeling to see so many supporters there with signs and specially made t-shirts. It was truly special. In a way, I feel like there was no better ending to this race. The injury is painful (and knee is very swollen) and kept me from beating the record, however, it follows the message that we are trying to send, and makes it that much more special. Thanks to everyone for your support and love during the past few months. In case anyone wants to see more about the race and campaign, I am putting the links at the end of the email. Thank you for everything.
Best,
Pablo
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Upward-Bounce/365120415569?ref=ts
Congrats Pablo!! Very Cool!!! So proud of you! Hopefully your knee is doing better by now
ReplyDeletelots of love,
Romina