I Did It!

Yesterday at work it suddenly hit me...

I RAN A MARATHON!!!!!

The whole rest of the week I didn't really think much of it...it just seemed like a regular thing for me to do. But it's really quite a big deal!

Let me tell you, it was so.much.harder. than I thought it would be! I just had to keep telling myself - "You didn't come this far to give up!" My first 13 miles was great, although my legs were more tired than normal because I ran a lot faster than my training pace (8:20 min/miles compared to 9 min miles). Then right after the 13 mile mark you go up hill a bit. My legs were never the same after that! It was so painful. I was going so slow, because my legs wouldn't move any faster! I clocked one mile at 11 minutes!! I never run that slow!

But I didn't come that far to give up. The gummy bears at the Cafe Dolce aid station tasted so delicious. Once I got to Higgins St bridge with less than 300m left, I sprinted as fast as I could because I wanted to be done so bad!!

I did it! It took me 4 hours and 18 minutes, and I was 17 out of 22 in my age group. I might run one again, just because I need to be faster! Ha. We'll see. I'm still feeling the effects of those 26.2 miles...but each day it gets a little better!

Best Marathon Runner Overall

My dad ran the Missoula Marathon, sadly without me, on July 11th. Monz, Lauren Morey, Heidi and I woke up at 4am to drive him to the shuttle station downtown and then drove out to mile 3 and set up camp to watch the runners. At 6am they were off. We sat on the hood of our car and cheered for them, some would talk and wave back too! A lady even ran up to us and said, "I'm gonna be gross and pee behind your car." We were glad to be there for her! After my dad ran by we drove to mile 8 so we could give him his chomps. After a quick stop for our own energy fuel-- coffee (it's hard work cheering!!) -- we met him again just across the bridge where my mom and brother and Josie were too and we traded the car for bikes. It was fun to bike along the rest of the way and cheer him and everyone on!! I'm so proud of him!! He did so great!! We thought it would be a lofty goal to make it in 4 hours. He finished in 3 hours and 48 minutes!! And he seemed just as strong and healthy after! He's made for this! Next year I plan on running with him!