4:54:37

Typically, I can get a whole lot done in 5 hours.  But on Sunday I took to the Twin Cities Marathon course and focused on one thing for that long; getting to that finish line. I was determined to get there whether it was jogging, walking, crawling, or shuffling. What an experience!

Kayla...the friend to blame for all this, ha! We are all smiles, waiting to begin this big adventure.

  

Still going strong at Mile 15

I had a blast and truly enjoyed almost all of it. Two times in particular I struggled bad, but overcame them both (fairly) quickly. The first hurdle was around 22-23 when my legs were telling me no more. My glycogen was depleted and my legs were now doing it the hard way. That was when I broke down and wondered what I was doing. But a little nutrition, a little encouragement from other runners, and little dig for some determination somehow propelled me.

 Naomi...my original tried and true running partner came all the way from Duluth to support me!

At about 24, I knew something was badly wrong with one specific toe (previous issues, too) and I could hardly put pressure on it. Again, I kept going, moving through the feeling of my toe literally feeling like it was exploding in my shoe. Thankfully, the really intense pain didn't last long. Right after those two episodes, I could see the Cathedral. I knew if I reached that baby, it was all downhill (literally) from there. What a finish. I grinned and practically giggled the last 1/4 mile; I couldn't help it. I was in disbelief about what was about to happen. I left for the dome that morning a runner and got to the State Capitol to become a marathoner! Wow.

Kylie was a trooper all day, her and Jon catching me at 3 different locations along the route.

Despite the residual pain that is already quickly subsiding, I wouldn't change this accomplishment for anything. The commitment to training and finishing is something I can be proud of, both physically and mentally. I may be down a toenail. Or two. Or three. But as I read on many, many signs along the route, "toenails are for sissies." Agreed.

 My #1 and #2 fans...this couldn't have happened without their ongoing support over the past several months.

To keep this from becoming a novel, I'll throw a couple teasers out....future blogs will answer:
Why 26.2? Isn't 13.1 enough?
Isn't it boring? What do you think about for that long?