I was very uncomfortable for the first half, which is unusual. My pot-o-potty stops didn't include number "2," and my guts were full. My bowels didn't cooperate on the run, so I went to the bathroom a couple of times just to relieve the bladder for a bit of comfort. Fortunately, I became a bit more comfortable on the second half of the run.

I used 10 and 1s for the second half and kept up with the 10 and 1, 4-hour pace bunny. He was very good at his job, and motivated us well during the end. I really had to dig deep at the 39K mark to get my goal of under 4:00.

My nutrition was pretty good. I used the Eatmore Bar option that I learned about from people who participated in IMC this year.

Train more speed work. Continue to have one long run and one semi-long run every week.

First I thanked the pace bunny after getting my medal.

I would have liked to take my normal cold shower to bring inflammation down, but I was waiting for my husband to finish his first every marathon. He had been hoping for a 4:30, but got a 5:50 time. My friends from Regina brought their beautiful English Mastiffs (Rocky and Bo) and themselves to keep me company while I waited for Trevor. Rocky and Bo got a lot of positive attention, so I'm inclined to think that marathoners are "dog people." :)

One of my friends held up my post-race blanket over her car, so that I could change clothes, as my lips were turning blue from being in damp clothes.

After a quick shower at the hotel, my husband and I hit a sports bar to watch the Saskatchewan Roughriders win the Banjo Bowl!!


Carrying too much weight (in muscle and fat), and not enough quality training.


This was my 3rd kick at this can, and I was surprised that I finished. The first time I tried to run this race I got a DNS because I got bronchitis the week before the race. The second time I ran it, but got a DNF because of GI cramps due to dehydration or hyponatremia. This time I wasn't sure I was going to finish again because I felt like I hadn't prepared well enough and because I was so uncomfortable at the beginning of the race. This finish felt fantastic. I would like to qualify for Boston some day, so I'm on track for my plan.