The Marathon (2:10) ---

I ran the DSM half-marathon this past Sunday and thought I would post a couple of reflections from the day. First off, it was a totally different feel than running a 5K. The amount of people and the level of excitement was something I will never forget. I felt really good when the race started and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. Around mile 7, I was starting to feel a little tired and I think my pace was probably too fast ---- Jeremy and the kids were waiting for me and cheering me on at this point, so that was great as I had some good encouragement to keep going!

I was still feeling good until right around mile 10 and then I started to have some major pain in my quads, although my breathing was pretty much fine, so I was irritated that my main problem was my legs. Cardio-wise, I felt good, so I wanted to move quicker, but my legs weren't allowing it. My goal was to run the whole thing so I kept on and watched several people step off to the side of the course, walking, sitting down, stretching, etc...and I knew I couldn't pay attention to that or I would be too tempted to start walking. As I got up to the last mile there were huge crowds of people lined up to cheer the runners on. What an awesome feeling and at this point there was no stopping as the race was coming to an end.

I will never forget that feeling of accomplishment as I ran the last 2 blocks to the finish line -- when I knew that I was finishing the race and my body made it through!! I guess the feeling is hard to even describe, but it was awesome!!! Of course, Jeremy was there with the kids when I was done and that made it so much better!!

The race has been on my mind all week (just ask Jeremy; I've been looking up stats, race times, other races, etc...:-)) and I can now see why so many people train for and run these challenging races --- the feelings of accomplishment and strength are amazing!! (Of course the next 2-3 days after of being sore and sick to my stomach will be hard to forget as well -- but, hey, no big feat comes w/out it's challenges, right???)

After the race:


My biggest fan: