The semi horn blew and off we went at a crawl. This was fine by me because I knew I wanted to take it slow the first half, especially the first couple miles. I settled into an easy pace and checked my garmin occasionally to make sure I wasn't going too fast. It really helped keep me in check and not go out too fast. I drank a sip of my infinit every 10 minutes or so, and ate some clif shot blocks every hour. I think I smiled throughout most of the run! I was so happy just to be there and accomplishing something I never dreamed possible just a few short years ago. At the halfway mark I picked up the pace a little, but still kept it fairly comfortable. A lot of people passed me during the first half and I passed a lot of people during the second half, especially going up the hills where most people were walking. One of my personal goals was to run the entire race and I did it, even up the hills! There was only one time when I had to dig REALLY deep and it was at mile 23.? . There was a 2 mile hill at mile 22 and I slowed my stride and started trotting my way up it. I was passing lots of people and feeling pretty good, but the hill started wearing on me. My legs were getting really heavy, I was getting hot and running out of steam. There was a sign that said .3 to the top. I was soo close, and I kept going. I could see the top just yards away, but my trot had been reduced to a shuffle and my legs did not want to go on. I just kept telling myself I was almost there and it was all downhill from there. I wanted desperately to stop and walk, but I willed myself on. Then a guy about 20 feet in front of me cheered as he made it to the top. I knew I would make it too, and I did! I underestimated how much all that downhill to the finish would hurt my quads though, and while I never had to dig quite that deep again those last few miles were hard and painful. I couldn't quit smiling though, because I knew I was going to complete a marathon today! Each mile I thought of someone I knew who has supported me or made a difference in my life and they ran that mile with me. I started adding more people and by the end I visualized a huge group of people I care about running with me. If I have ever interacted with you, you were undoubtedly there :) It really helped get me through those last few difficult miles. THANK YOU!!!

I have never run a race with my ipod, but I thought with how many miles I had to do out in the country by myself I might need the extra motivation. I enjoyed the distraction of music, but I also think I missed out on a lot of the human interaction with fellow runners along the course because of it. Next time I think I'll leave the ipod at home. Other than that I wouldn't change a thing.

I crossed the finish line and my race addled brain was a bit overwhelmed by the flurry of activity. A volunteer told me to grab his shoulder as I stopped. I think he was worried I might collapse, but I actually felt pretty good. I got a hug from the race director. Someone threw a space blanket on me. Someone else put my medal on me. Then I saw Gary... he finished in 4:09 WOO HOO!!! He helped me find some water. I ditched the space blanket, and walked around a bit absolutely elated!!! Ate some cookies, banana, and other treats. Then we took the bus back to the Civic Center. Got back to the RV and showered, then headed to the baked potato bar dinner and awards ceremony. Had a great meal of baked potato with lots of trimmings, salad, and cake for dessert. They gave certificates to all the first time marathoners, and I won a book of trail runs! We sat with some awesome and interesting people and had great conversations about running :) One of our dinner companions was an 80 year old man who opened a new age division in the marathon this year, and ran it in 4:18... so cool!


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This was the best organized race I have been to. Everything was on time and ran very smoothly. They put a golden foot sticker on the bib numbers of first timers, so they can give them extra encouragement and support. The dinner was really yummy and even with all the people the meal lines went very quickly because of the great set up. I would definitely recommend this race and I would do it again!