When we got outside, Jill saw the pace runners and found the 5:30 pace group. I wanted to go a little faster so I said my good-byes and wished Loftin (Jill's amazing father) and her good luck. I made my way to the 4:30 pace group. There, I met another runner who was on her own. She and I hit it off immediately and decided to stay together. I'm so glad I found her...she was my pace and fun to chat with. She would talk with the spectators and other racers...like me. We kept a pretty good pace for the first 18 miles...my garmin said 9:53. We actually stayed ahead of the pace group by a couple of minutes. At mile 10, my left knee really started aching. I tried to ignore the pain for a few miles. By mile 12, I had to use the potties so while I waited my turn...I swear it took forever...I stretched. My knee bothered me the rest of the run. Strange because I haven't had any trouble with it in months. So we cruised around the lake. A bit chilly, but bearable...Then came Mile 19..."The Wall"...well, I hit it...hard. By this time, we were running a few steps ahead of the 4:30 pace group. Around mile 20, the pace group went past us and I was perfectly fine with it. I had to slow down a bit. Then at mile 21, my new friend, Keziah, was having terrible cramps and needed to walk. I knew if I walked, I would lose my focus so I pressed on solo. The next few miles were VERY long...It felt like someone was playing a cruel joke and stretched out the miles longer than the mile distance. Thank goodness for the supporters. I thanked everyone along the way. Hearing my name over and over was so helpful and motivating. I just kept saying to my self...lead with your heart(thanks Rich)...put one foot in front of the other...My garmin paced me at 12 minute mile on mile 23. After seeing such a slow pace, I told myself to pick it up...I was getting cold and I was ready to be finished. The last 2 miles, I ran with some guys. We chatted which really helped me get through it. I was able to finish strong. It was a great first marathon!

nothing...I feel like I trained smart and ran my race.

I walked around...well, maybe it was more of a shuffle. I got my finisher's medal, hat, and picture taken. I made my way inside to get some food. My knee was killing me and getting down those stairs...pure hell. When I got to the food, nothing was left...okay, yogurt, oranges, apples, popcorn and chicken (these lines were so long, I just couldn't wait) I ended up going back upstairs...ouch...and stretched really well. Then called my husband and kids to come and get me. I was ready for home!


My knee...I don't know why it gave out on me. This whole time training, I had no trouble and we ran about the same pace on our long runs...even faster on some.


The support on the course was fabulous! Plenty of aid stations, live music, spectators...I loved the way everyone cheered everyone on. It was great!