Tulsa World Route 66 Marathon

Okay, so I am going to do posts about this. I'm gonna start with a shortened version of how I wish things had gone, and then I'm gonna give you the dish on the REAL results.

How I wish it had happened
Alright, I just finished my first marathon. It was SO awesome. My time was pretty good. After a strong finish I had a 4:20! I stayed at a pretty constant 10:00 min/mile through the first 20 miles and when I hit the hills on the last 10k I really turned it up. After the race, we had pizza and Michelob Ultra and everyone had a good time. An excellent race in and excellent city with the best aid stations and an awesome post race.

How it really happened
OUCH
My foot and ankles are killing me. I was doing awesome for the first 17 miles. I felt so strong and I was doing excellent. The race was great except for one aid station without water. So I hit about mile 16 or so and then PAIN. The right side of my right foot began to hurt. It hurt every running step I took, but then I began to walk and it subsided. Back and forth this went for a little while, and I stopped in at a first aid tent. The doctor there told me that I should drop if the pain became about a 5 or 6, and not to run if it altered my running. Well before I got to the 17th mile, It hurt even when I walked and it was unbearable running, but I pressed on for the next 9 miles... walking at a little slower than 20 minutes. While my pace was good for about a 4:25 up to that point, I had to settle for a 5:47 or so, I haven't looked at the official time.

I have to say that the low points of the race were:
Having some of my friends pass me and having to tell everyone that my foot hurt too much
Watching as the Fleet Feet 4:30, 4:45, and 5:00 pace teams passed me.
Having the (Hooters Girls or Oklahoma State cheerleaders *couldn't tell which - they were wearing orange jumpsuits*) tell me a secret "you're supposed to run" the rudest thing I've ever heard at a running event.
Enduring the people trying to get me to run.
Smiling for the photos
Walking through the finish line even when being beckoned to run.

I am glad I finished and I am better for having done it, but I wish it had been better. I can't wait until my next marathon, but it's definately gonna wait until after my foot injury is gone.