Marathon

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So, it's over!

I completed the marathon in 4:23:10. I knew that I wanted to run it faster than 4:30, so I'm really happy with my time. The run went really well: the weather was perfect, the crowds were very awesome, and my family came out: Torrey, Hagan, Mom, Dad, Grandma Hagan, Cheryl O'Malley, Jeri Hagan, and Pat Hagan. I was hoping to go a little bit faster, but ran (excuse the pun) into two obstacles:

1. Just before I saw my family on mile 17, my foot caught a portion of buckled asphalt and I went down hard, leaving me with a nice little bruise on my side. Two people who were cheering on the side told me that I was the second person to have fallen in the same spot, so I didn't feel TOO bad!

2. At mile 20, I experienced cramps the likes of which I could not before have imagined. I kept having to stretch out my legs and walk for portions. I did manage, however, to run A LOT more than I walked during the last few miles and did run across the finish line.

So my first marathon now completed, I say confidently (today) that I will never do it again. But as most things in my life, this confidence will dissipate quickly and in a week or so I'll probably begin training for another marathon, probably in order to beat my current time.

So here are a few pictures taken along the way. Enjoy!





Me stretching at mile 23. Look at the sign that is posted - classic!



Me finishing the race.


Brenda was with me when I fell, and this is about 3 minutes after my tumble. She is amazing: this was her third marathon in 4 weeks!


Coach Drew Marquard, SJ. I owe Drew special thanks for being my training partner and guide during this entire process of preparing for the marathon.

Comments

Unknown said…
Congratulations Ryan....it was awesome to see you run! I am a very proud nanny!!! reconsider doing it again...you might have some company....grandma.
Sunday, May 17, 2009 5:55:00 PM
Barbara said…
Congratulations on this milestone! ;)
Sunday, May 17, 2009 11:57:00 PM
testsjmg said…
When I said "break a leg" I didn't mean it literally. :-)
Monday, May 18, 2009 1:29:00 AM
Jen said…
Congrats, Ryan! I'm so happy for you :)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 1:41:00 AM
Sofia G. said…
I stubbled in your blog a few months ago, very informative. Anyhow since you're from Denver you must be from the New England province right? And checking that you entered in 2004 then you're about 5 years into the whole Jesuit vocation thing. Alright to the point. I was wondering if by any chance you knew Chris Ryan S.J. from noviate (I am not sure if everyone lives together from the same province).He visited my parish every Sunday while studying at SLU in Saint Louis for the three years. He became a dear friend. Anyhow I rememembered this blog and I thought of asking :)

Best of luck in your Jesuit journey from a 16 yr old in Saint Louis!

P.S. Congrats in the marathon! Haha you're one of the many Jesuit marathoners apparently lol.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 4:57:00 PM
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