My Marathon Inspiration

by Marie Keith, MS, RD, LD

JakeBreak nutrititionist Marie Keith and her Mom, Angie, at the

Kentucky Derby Marathon. "She's my inspiration!"

On Saturday, April 26, 2008, I ran the Kentucky Derby Marathon in Louisville, KY. This was my second marathon. I have also run 4 half-marathons and several 5k's (3.1 miles). The first marathon I ran was five years ago and it was not a good experience at all -- I had digestive issues (to put it mildly), hit the wall at mile 14, and let my emotions get the best of me a few times. I truly believe that running a marathon is just a much about mental stamina as it is physical endurance - and I struggled with both that time. Because of that awful experience, I was nervous about running the marathon this year. I had also been experiencing knee and hip issues during my training this time around. My goal was to finish the 26.2 miles in 4 hours and 45 minutes. However, I would have been happy with anything less than 5 hours. I am not fast at all, and I definitely don't run to win. I do it for my own personal satisfaction. I started running about 15 years ago to get in shape, and never dreamed it would be a hobby of mine that would got this far!

My mom, Angie, ran this race, too. She ran the half-marathon - 13.1 miles. This was her third half marathon. She started running about ten years ago, after seeing how much I enjoyed it. She also goes to the gym several times a week, and hikes on a regular basis with a hiking club. There are two things about her that I think you should know. In July, she will be a 25-year breast cancer survivor! And in August, she will be 60 years old! People are always amazed when I tell them about her. Her positive attitude, along with knowing that she had three young children at home to raise, helped her survive a breast cancer diagnosis in 1983, and a suspected recurrence a few years later. She has been through a lot in her life, yet continues to embrace life to its fullest. Studies by the American Cancer Society have shown that living a healthy lifestyle, including eating the recommended 5 fruits and veggies a day, exercising at least 5 days a week for 30 minutes, and not smoking, can all help cancer survivors have a better quality of life. However, only about 5% of people who are cancer survivors actually do all there of these things. I am proud to say that my mom falls into that 5%! She is proof that cancer is something that can be defeated, and that it doesn't' have to lessen your quality of life. In fact, I think it made her enjoy life even more, cherishing every day that comes along. I also believe that a positive attitude makes a huge difference as well, and she definitely has that! I can only hope to have this same energy and spirit when I am her age.

On race day, we got up at 4am to the sound of thunder and rain outside (not want you want to hear 3 hours before a big run!). We got to the start line around 6:30am, and the rain had pretty much stopped. At 7:30am, the gun went off and the race was underway. With 12,000 runners, it took us about 5 minutes just to get to the start line to begin the run. My mom and I run different paces, so the start of the race was the last we saw of each other until I finished the marathon.

I started out slow and steady, in no rush, considering I was going to be out there for the next few hours. So many people start out as fast as possible, use all their energy from the get-go, and have to stop and walk early on. I knew better. At the 1-mile mark, I was feeling good - no knee pain, no hip pain, no tight muscles. I was off to a good start, and was settling into my steady pace for the next 25.2 miles.

Marie Keith and Mom looking pretty chipper for having just run a combined 

distance of almost 30 miles! 

At mile 12, the race split - half-marathoners went off to the left for their final 1.1 miles, and the marathoners went off to the right for another 13.1 miles. At this point, the field definitely thinned out, considering 10,500 of the 12,000 runners were in the half marathon. My mental stamina wavered a little bit here, just thinking about having already run 12 miles, having another 14.2 to go. I quickly got myself in check by deciding to take it mile by mile, instead of counting down "14,13,12 to go..." It also made me nervous remembering that I "hit the wall" 5 years ago at mile 14, and that one was coming up. When mile 14 had passed, I was so relieved! At the 20-mile mark, I knew I was going to make it. I was also right on track to finish at my goal time. The toughest part of the race, for me, was mile 22 to the end. At mile 22, we ran across a bridge over the Ohio River into Indiana (I never thought that bridge would end!). We made a short loop, and then crossed back over the bridge back into Kentucky. Then there was the 25-mile mark - that last mile was soooo long! But when I finally saw the finish line my mom, older brother Tom, sister-in-law Emily, and 10-month old niece Elizabeth were all there cheering for me. I smiled and waved. I had made it and felt great! My time was 4 hours and 37 minutes! I never hit the wall (thanks to good training and proper fueling)!. My mom had the best time of her three half-marathons, too - 2 hours and 36 minutes. She has already said she is ready to do it again next year. What an attitude! I, on the other hand, need a break from running before I can even think about doing it again. However, I know that competitive spirit of testing my own strength and abilities is not going anywhere, and I am sure there will be more long runs in my future! Plus, I know my running buddy will be around for a long time to come. I'm proud of you , Mom!