26.2 miles: check!

I ran a marathon! I still cannot believe that I am that stupid...but I guess I am!!!!
(I love this picture. We went to put our arms around each other and then realized how disgustingly sweaty we were....nasty!)

One of the spectators watching the marathon was holding a sign that said, "Running is a mental thing....you are all insane." I tell you it is true!!!!

I started running in April all because our Stake was having a 5k and I thought it would be fun...it was. Then in June I did a 10k...it was also fun. I started running with some friends in my neighborhood in the mornings and just kept loving it so I decided to train with them. I love getting up before the sun is up and heading out chatting with friends and watching as the world wakes up. I also love how I feel when I am done running.

We started the race out really fast (for us anyway). We were at mile 16 before the 3hour and 45minute pacer past us. I couldn't believe how fast the miles past. I loved watching all the different ways people run. It was so funny to me, not in a mean way just in an amazed way. Some people run like antelopes, some with literally one foot in front of the other and some let their feet hit the ground so hard I am sure their joints are going to break. I loved looking at the back of people's shirts for the reason they were running. i.e: cancer survivor/26 for my dad .2 for me/in memory of.../ There are a lot of inspiring stories! I also loved the amazing scenery and the hilarious signs people were holding.
At about mile 18 I started to get a bit tired, but by mile 19 I was feeling good. Shortly after mile 19 we saw a girl that was passed out on the pavement. I felt so bad for her. There was a runner that was a doctor assisting her, a shuttle van coming and an ambulance on its way so we went on but after that I think I lost my drive. It made me so sad. To be honest it kind of freaked me out a bit. Here was what looked like a very healthy, young girl completely out on the ground. SO SAD!

Here we are grabbing water at the 24mile aid station. The last two miles seemed like forever to be honest. I just had nothing left. I walked a bunch. One of the last aid stations had baggies of ice. That was heavenly. I chewed the ice and started running again. When I got to the point that I could see the finish line all I could think was, "That was the dumbest thing I have ever done!" I thought I would be so happy when I finished that I would cry, but all I could think was I am never doing that again! I wasn't emotional at all.
I already have changed my mind and I most likely will do another marathon at some point. I really want to do a half because I think it is long enough to really push yourself, but not so long that you might kill yourself!
I have learned so much about life through running. It is amazing to me what you can do if you just push yourself a bit, surround yourself with others that make you happy, and put one foot in front of the other.
Just before I crossed the finish line.

Stats: 4hours 1minute 43 seconds.