I'm a marathoner now!

As I pushed through the last few miles of the marathon, remembering all the amazing people who have supported and encouraged me kept my legs moving despite the pain. When I finally crossed the finish line, I could barely walk, but my heart was overflowing with joy and gratitude for all the people who brought so much enthusiasm to the event and who supported me in pursuing this endeavor.

The streets were full of people, despite the rain and 42 degree F weather and their cheers made a huge difference. Running with over 4,000 people was quite a change from my solitary training runs and it was exhilarating to know that so many people were running with me. Everyone was friendly and there was so much positive energy; people who lived along the route came out and offered orange slices and water to us as we ran by.

The first thriteen miles were pretty uneventful. I wasn't feeling great but my head was fine and I am very grateful for that. I stuck with the 4:15 pacer group for the first 8 miles or so and then followed two sisters who were running at a similar pace and who made great company. I felt great going up Battery Street (the biggest hill in the marathon) and carried the momentum through mile 20, but I started getting pretty tired after mile 21 and I got progressively more tirteed as I kept going. I threw out my banana and gel (which was really difficult for me because I hate wasting things) because it was making me nauseous. My breathing was kinda ragged for the last part of the race, so a lot of people encouraged me which was helpful. I definitely slowed down though, but I kept running and I did everything I could to pick up the pace. When I made it to the finish chute I attempted to sprint and it felt like I was, but I'm pretty sure it didn't look like it. I stumbled across the finish line and a volunteer held my arm as I stumbled away from the line and another volunteer put a medal over my neck. I was exhausted, but I managed to get out of the corral and find my family and friends.

My parents, brother and a family friends Erica, Ona and Jan came out to support me, and even though I only saw them once during the marathon, they helped me a lot and I am grateful. I also want to thank my dear friend Lucy for encouraging me to run KBVCM. She ran it last year and her training advice and relentless support was invaluable. My physical therapist, Amanda, helped me deal with knee issues, and my friend and coach Julianne lent me a bunch of clothing for the race.

All in all it was an inspiring experience and I'm so grateful for all the people that made it happen, for me and for everyone else who ran. I finished with a net time of 4:06:01, which I am very happy with for my first marathon, but the most important part was working as hard as I could. I left it all on the course which is one of the best feelings in the world.