morning after

It's over. All this hoopla and build up. Now its over and I won! Actually I am a winner in my own right, just not on the MCM list of top female finishers.

A quick recap of the marathon: Jill and I started off with a brisk 3 mile walk from the metro stop to the gathering place and back to the start line as we finally figured out where we were to be and where we actually were. There were some nerves but overall we held it together very well. The gun went off and the run started up a hill past our brother in law Ben's house and blindly passed our personal cheering section. We crusied by some beautiful senery on the GW parkway and then went up through Georgetown. Fans started coming out in great numbers at that point. It was very motivating to run by all these people. At first I sped up the first few times I saw people I knew out of motivation. I soon realized that it was more wise to continue on at my usual pace reguardless of who I saw. My physical wall came around mile 15ish on Haines Point. My fellow runner friends Liz and Cynda ran this part with me, helped me through by securing some water for me and kept me entertained.

There were all types of runners out there. Crazy runners with baloons and signs, flags and entourages. Coaches with encouraging words for their runners (that I would eaves drop on and take their words to heart) and political talks. Fanny packs galore and lots of smells. A runner was actually giving a tour to another runner as we ran through the National Mall. Who knew it was possible to give history lessons while running a marathon?

I almost cried when I started up the ramp to run accross the 14th St bridge. I crossed under the sign that read 'Glebe Rd 3.5 miles' and realized that running home wasn't much closer than just finishing the marathon. It was barren up there on the bridge minus those attempting to run, the walkers and the injured. It was also on the bridge that I began setting a new record for myself of running over 20 miles. Crystal City was full of fans but the out and back portion of the run was not motivating. By mile 24 I knew I could never run a marathon again and by mile 26 I finally saw Jeff who ran 50 feet with me, gave me a kiss and told me I was almost done. He was right- I only needed to run up a hill. I grinned like a school girl when I saw the sign that said "FINISH LINE".

After 26.2 miles I finally met up with the Marine who gave me the coveted finishers medal. He got a huge hug from bib #1119. I thanked him for serving our country and for waiting for me at the end. He was happy to see me too I'm sure.

Our family and friends were there to hear our stories and give us high fives. Their support was much needed and well received. Thank you!!! I can't say thanks enough to them! After some reflection with Jill I believe another marathon might be in the future, just not tomorrow. For the next marathon (and for my overall mental health) I will try to block out the feeling of mile 24 of this race.

This morning I would like to do an infomercial for 'Icy Hot Medication lotion' and Advil. They are amazing products! Stairs take a little time to navigate and items on the floor are not worth the effort to bend over and pick up just yet. A massage and pedicure are in my near future.

And finally- thanks to my sister in law Jill who helped me through this huge goal. Your support, blog posts and knowing you were expiriencing the exact same thing was invaluable. WE DID IT!!!

Now, where is that Motrin?

jms