Well - I did it. I actually finished the whole marathon. I started training later than I should have, but I was pretty diligent. A couple of weeks ago, I hopped on this thread and asked for some last minute advice, and you were all so gracious. I was slow. Much slower than I wanted to be, in fact. But the fact remains - I am proud to have finished the race in 6:49:36 (Chip time). It was both a humbling and uplifting experience at the same time. I was also very entertained.
I was humbled by the fact that there were people flying by me who, if I just passed them on the street, would bet a month's wages wouldn't be able to run a mile (let alone 26.2, or even 39.3). To all of them, I say - WAY TO GO! I know how hard I worked to be in a position to finish - I can only imagine how much effort you put into your training! I was uplifted by the older gentleman who passed me around mile 21, as I was dragging, he was steady and up-beat, proudly donning his "triple bypass survivor" shirt. Uplifted by the gentleman who I passed around mile 18 who had a very clear, very pronounced physical disability that had him quite literally dragging his legs every step of the way. Uplifted not only by his resolve to keep putting - no - keep PULLING one foot in front of the other, but also by the steely concentration and resolve etched on his face.
I was entertained by all things Disney, of course, but more than that I was entertained by the most awesome shirt I saw (the lady who passed me and the back of her shirt read "HEY YOU! MY MOM'S KICKIN' YOUR ***!") and most awesome sign (Chuck Norris never ran a marathon!).
But more than everything, I was blessed. I was blessed to have been welcomed into the running community. Me - a non-runner - welcomed like one of your own. Blessed by your advice. Blessed by your encouragement. Blessed by the whole experience.
Everyone said you never forget your first marathon. Yeah, as if there were going to be a second! Well... There will be. Here and now, I tell you I'll be back next year. I'll train harder, train better, and while I hope to finish at a faster clip - that's not what will matter to me in the end. What will matter are the new relationships. The new friendships I form. Thank you, everyone. Thank you so very much.
I was humbled by the fact that there were people flying by me who, if I just passed them on the street, would bet a month's wages wouldn't be able to run a mile (let alone 26.2, or even 39.3). To all of them, I say - WAY TO GO! I know how hard I worked to be in a position to finish - I can only imagine how much effort you put into your training! I was uplifted by the older gentleman who passed me around mile 21, as I was dragging, he was steady and up-beat, proudly donning his "triple bypass survivor" shirt. Uplifted by the gentleman who I passed around mile 18 who had a very clear, very pronounced physical disability that had him quite literally dragging his legs every step of the way. Uplifted not only by his resolve to keep putting - no - keep PULLING one foot in front of the other, but also by the steely concentration and resolve etched on his face.
I was entertained by all things Disney, of course, but more than that I was entertained by the most awesome shirt I saw (the lady who passed me and the back of her shirt read "HEY YOU! MY MOM'S KICKIN' YOUR ***!") and most awesome sign (Chuck Norris never ran a marathon!).
But more than everything, I was blessed. I was blessed to have been welcomed into the running community. Me - a non-runner - welcomed like one of your own. Blessed by your advice. Blessed by your encouragement. Blessed by the whole experience.
Everyone said you never forget your first marathon. Yeah, as if there were going to be a second! Well... There will be. Here and now, I tell you I'll be back next year. I'll train harder, train better, and while I hope to finish at a faster clip - that's not what will matter to me in the end. What will matter are the new relationships. The new friendships I form. Thank you, everyone. Thank you so very much.
