I DID IT!!!

Yep - 26.2 miles - I ran it - I survived - I am a marathoner! I can't wait for the next one:) I think I will do the marathon in Chamapign at UofI which ends on the 50 yard line of memorial stadium on May 1, 2010. So excited!

The marathon was in Milwaukee. It was a much smaller race than Chicago and I couldn't be happier that I ended up there. I was able to see all of my supporters a number of time along the course. In Chicago I never would have found them. Thank you Jeff, Jack, Michael, Eli, Val, Josh, Peyton, Mom, Bob, and Justin for coming out to support me. It was awesome having you there. And thank you to everyone who sent me emails, called me, followed my blog, and thought of me during this awesome adventure. Your support was very energizing! And thank you coach Julie - you were in my head the entire time! "If you had to - could you make it to that tree up there?" OF COURSE I CAN! "If you start hurting - adjust your stride." I actually gave that advice to someone along that way and she was very thankful. And thank you to the 9:45 - 10:30 running group - it was great spending the last 16 Saturdays getting to know you. Hopefully we will cross paths again.

The race was point to point - meaning we started 26.2 miles from the finish line. There were pace groups so I decided to run with the 4:30 group. I was hoping to finish in 4:20 - so I was going to stick with them until mile 20 and then pick it up. Well, at mile 19 I really really really had to pee so I made a quick stop and was going to run fast and catch up with them. Big mistake! I could not catch them - I really tried but couldn't do it. Next time I will either hold it - or pee my pants:)

The pace leader - Pacer Jim - was terrific! He talked the entire time (well at least until mile 19 as far as I know) He seriously had 19 miles worth of jokes and stories. The miles just flew by! As a pacer there is a pace sign that you normally carry - he had the group take turns each mile carrying the sign - the sign had the power he would say. As the holder of the sign pacer Jim would give you 5 minutes of his time talking to you about why you are doing the marathon, your family, etc...all of his questions really made you remember why you were there. Then - he would break out into his stand up routine. I am sorry I didn't get to run the last 6 miles with the group. But, I finished the last 6 miles. I FINISHED!!!

Today I am sore - my back, my knees, my legs...but it is a good sore. I took the day off of work and am going to just enjoy the day - wearing my Marathon Finisher sweatshirt.

Thanks again for all of your support!

Love you all!!!