Mammy's Own Race Report

From my mother's post to the PNP Girls...

I'm back from Columbus.  I'm so shocked that I'm not sore today.  My only real issue is the huge blister I have on my right foot. The blister is on the spot where one pair of shoes lets my foot roll inward too much and eventually causes pain and where the shoes I wore on race day actually holds my foot in a more correct position.  I switched back and forth between these 2 pair of shoes the last 6 to 8 weeks I trained.  The pink shoes were cushier but the blue shoes held my foot up better.  On the long walks I could never decide between the two.  The last few short walks I did prior to the race I wore the pink ones and worked very hard to pick up my pace on the treadmill. I think the pain I had the last week before the race was caused from increased speeds wearing the cushy shoes.  On race day I went with the blues, and that's why I have a blister on that area. Lesson:  pick your best shoe and wear it.  Mammy has got to embrace the fact that there is no perfect, magical shoe.

During the race; early on I had one scare. I walked on the edge of one side of the road so I wouldn't get mowed down by all the runners.  Then about 3 to 5 miles into it (I really can't remember at what point but it was early) we moved over to more of the middle of the road but on the opposite side.  I got a real funny stiff, cramp-like feeling in the front part of my ankle; like suddenly I couldn't bend it without it hurting really badly.  We stopped, stretched it and then walked in the middle of the road where it was the flattest.  Eventually, the pain subsided and we decided it was where I was walking kind of at a slant with the part of my foot that tends to hurt being on the downward slant; then changing to the flatter surface which may have torn some soft tissue.  That's what caused the pain and that eventually went away as I walked through it.  Plus I took a Lortab after Corinne decided I wouldn't mask the pain too much.

Another time when we were making a turn, Corinne jokingly said, "if we go straight right here, we'll shave off 4 miles."  She and Jill went into the gas station to get coffee, and I kept walking.  At that point the blister was just starting to bother me and I thought to myself, maybe I should just go straight.  I thought about turning around and telling Corinne that I think we should do that.  I'm glad I didn't.  I pressed on.  But I did take another pain pill. 

The last few miles were tough because of the blister.  We stopped several times to put Vaseline on it which helped, but eventually the blister busted and I just had to walk through the pain.  We were so close to the finish that I couldn't quit.  Besides, Corinne said I had made it this far, "you're not stopping because of a blister."  I'm glad she felt that way.  I'm so happy I didn't quit. 

Doing shots...that was great.  I was in so much pain, wanted it to be over,  and that for some reason really seemed like a great idea.  You have to know though, I only do shots with my son on game day.  I always have to chase it down with some red bull or something.  That shot tasted so good.  No chaser.   I really think that got me through the last 2 miles.  I know it's not a healthy approach but it worked for Mammy!

The finish line.  It was like a dream.  I could barely stand up.  The last mile I had held on to Corinne to keep from staggering.  When I saw everybody coming to-wards me I looked at my baby girl and said, "I hope I don't fall down!"  That's why she shewed everyone away until we got to the line.  She told me she explained that to y'all while I was recovering last night.  But I want y'all to know.  I will NEVER forget the faces I saw.  I have never felt so much love and support from all of you but especially from my Daughter Corinne.  When I found out my Daddy was going to die, I remember looking at Corinne and saying, "no one will ever love me and make me feel loved like Daddy ever again."  That was true for the last 9 years until yesterday.  Y'all made me feel so loved and supported....I just can't express it so you will understand.  I felt Daddy's presence in each of you yesterday.  I will never forget that experience. 

To all the people that have emailed me and posted words of encouragement all along the way, thank you so much.  Corinne would read me updates from facebook where people commented during the race.  And all the pre-race words of encouragement...you all are incredible women and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

A special thanks to Jill.  Thank you for helping Corinne take care of me yesterday.  I know it was grueling having to walk for 6 hours and 40 minutes; having to get up extra early so I could start early, and having to drive like a fool to try to get back to us to take me to the hotel yesterday.  Plus coordinating all the other stuff you did with the other girls.  You are officially an adopted daughter.  Corinne finally has a sister.    

Finally, my sweet girl.  She has worked so hard to get me to this point. She has sacrificed precious time away from Chris and Logan to walk with me, talk to me on the phone, answer my endless emails, and going over stuff multiple times (Mammy has short term memory issues).  She has been a ROCK throughout these last few months.  Always encouraging, always saying the right things when I would lose my confidence, or feel like I wasn't making progress.  God has blessed me with this child.  I always have said when I got pregnant with her at such an early age, she probably saved my life then.  I was pretty rowdy back then.  I think she has saved my life again.  I know I will live longer because of her and live a happier, healthier life because of her.  Corinne I love you so much!  Thank you for giving me the confidence to achieve this monumental goal.  I can't wait for the next race.  I'm determined to get faster and stronger.

I love you all!

Mammy

Comments

[Jessica]

Congratulations Mammy! I loved your race report!

[lorie]

Oh my I am crying like the big ol' S that I am.
Congratulations Mammy. I am so proud of you & for you.
Lorie

[Tracie]

I'm crying too. I'm so proud of you!