Marathon

My first Marathon, what a great experience. I got emotional numerous times during the run, loved seeing my family along the way and loved feeling strong and accomplished during the run. I have been training for the past 8 months, loved having a goal to work towards, having some alone time and doing something just for me.


6:29 am waiting to start as they sing the national anthem!

Tony dropping me off, beautiful sunrise.

My cheering group Logan, Calli, Anna, Shay and Livy (Mile 15)

Tony making me laugh!

Can you see my pain....oh, ow!!

I wanted to write about my marathon before I forget:

Woke up 4:45 am, couldn't fall asleep until about 1 am was nervous and excited. Had my coffee, oatmeal and toast. Tony dropped me off at 6:10 am. Started at 6:30. Everyone started out so fast but I just held back and let everyone pass me, just kept looking at my watch so I would keep on my 11 1/2 - 12 min per mile pace. Didn't use my headphones for the first 5 miles, just enjoyed the morning and the beautiful sunrise. Did my routine of run 5 min, walk 1 min up until about 17 miles than the walks were a bit longer. At about 2 miles I could hear a bike behind me, think I was the last person but didn't want to look back because I was feeling so good. At 13 miles, Tony, Anna, Olivia, Marc, Shay, John, Calli and Logan all met me with a sign. I got choked up it really was incredible to see them. Then they met me at mile 15, 17, 20 & 22; then at 24 miles, Dale, Joy and Michelle were there. It really meant the world to me at that moment. At mile 18 my friends Cynthia and Annete cheered me on.

I felt very strong and on a high until about mile 23, could do my run walk at a good pace. Then the last 3 miles I thought I was going to die. Felt like I had little razor cuts on the ball of my foot and my toe on the other foot was cramping. It hurt just as much to walk as it did run, so I kept trying to run it just wouldn't last very long. Sweet Michelle walked with me for a few blocks at 24 1/2 miles, great words of encouragement from my sweet older sister.

Very sore the first 5 hours after the run, even laying down hurt. Took lots of baths and felt much better. Second day a bit sore but not more than any of my other long runs

I feel so content to have completed this and shared it with so many close family and friends. All the nice messages I received before the run were incredible.