5 hours 11 Minutes

Okay, so my goal of finishing in 4 hours and 30 minutes did not happen but I RAN 26.2 MILES in 5 hours and 11 minutes!

I like to break my runs into segments because it helps break the long runs down into small runs so the marathon consisted of 3 segments: downtown, 163/Fashion Valley, and Mission Bay.

* The downtown part was great and more so because our families were cheering us on at mile 6. Aaron had a bull horn so it was easy to locate my awesome family with tons of signs.

* Somewhere around mile 11 on the 163 my knees started hurting and my little toe on my left foot was aching. At this point, Jarod and I are still together running and we decide to slow down our pace a little.

* Right before segment 3/Mission Bay my knees are throbbing but the vibe from the fans was energizing. I liked the neighborhood feel and the view kept me distracted. Also, I tried a few new things which gave me a burst of energy such as chewing on ice cubes and bubble gum. This was around mile 18 and at this time Jarod was going faster so we split.

* Around mile 21 I was HURTING beyond words and I began getting emotional - way emotional. I cut out a picture of Ashby the size of my ipod and had it taped to the back. It helped me to see my daughter however it almost brought a wave of unexpected emotion during this mile. I got it together and just focused on putting one foot in front of the other. Luckily, when I passed the corner I could see the end point way in the distance which gave me energy.

* At Mile 23 I realize I passed my buddy Jarod somehow and my competitiveness creeped in (in a good way) which pushed me to the end.

* At Mile 24 I walked a few steps, collected my thoughts, and pushed all pain out the door. I ran strong till Mile 25 and at that time I experienced the "runners high." I wish I could find out how fast I ran the last mile because I would not be surprised to find out that I did it in under 8 minutes. When I made the decision to "haul ass" I looked down and I had goosebumps everywhere and I did not feel any pain whatsoever. I literally hauled ass to the finish line. I heard Aaron's bull horn and saw the finish line all at the same time. I saw my mom and Aaron and I began crying because I was so happy to see them and to be finished.

I finished with a smile and both hands in the air.

Questions I have asked myself:

Will I do it again? Most definitely.

How soon? In the next year.

What will I do differently? I will build up my quadriceps because I believe my knees hurt so much in the long runs because my thighs are not as strong as they should be to support the knees. (my dad's advice) :)

Also, I will buy a Garmin watch to train with. I know I can get faster and I will because I am going to know my pace on all runs and improve.

Will I rejoin with my running group? Yes, July 5th.

What is my goal? To get faster, stronger, and to finish the next marathon in 4 hours and 30 minutes.

4:50 am (my mom was up with me at 4:00 AM) :)



6 Mile Marker



Finish Line - weeping



Relief



Proud Daughter



Proud Husband (mom too but she was taking photos)



My Buds







Dressed for After Celebration at Jarod's house - going through posters

Ashby's Poster



Aaron's Poster



Poppa and Mimi's Poster



The Day After - very stiff but itching to jog on Thursday morning :)



Once again, I would never have been able to accomplish this personal goal I have always had without my ENTIRE family. From the Saturday phone calls with my parents, to Aaron watching Ashby on my LONG Saturday runs, to my friends and family encouraging me along the way. THANK YOU and I LOVE YOU!