2012 St George Marathon

The morning of the marathon, Meghan and Rob picked me up from my hotel and we headed to the bus pick up where we met up with Rob's dad and sister who were also running.  After a 45 minute long bus ride we were at the start.  The starting area is amazing.  There are rows and rows of bonfires and porta potties as far as the eye can see.  There was a DJ and loud dance music playing, tables of fruit, water and gatorade and other pre-race necessities.  We picked a fire and chatted and before we knew it, it was time to run!  Still dark, we shuffled along with the crowds.  Keep in mind it was me and my 7,399 closest running buddies.  Once the crowd spread out and the sun started coming up I felt magnificent.  Meghan, Rob, and I ran together for about the first ten miles.  Then we played chase for the next ten. They'd pass me, I'd pass them over and over. Then, at about mile 20 they were gone and I didn't see them again until the finish line.  

My family was waiting at mile 23 to cheer us on.  Meghan and Rob were about five minutes ahead of me.  Here they are.  Meghan was having a hard time, but was given a boost of energy at the site of my family cheering for them.  

 Where's Waldo?

 I was still feeling pretty good at mile 23 and was very happy to see my family.  I gave everyone a kiss and continued on my way.

 The energy from my family carried me about two more miles.  Then at about mile 24 I really started feeling it.  Keeping in mind that my longest training run was 20 miles, that's pretty darn good.  I didn't stop and never thought of quitting, but it was hard.  I didn't start to feel really very happy until I came into the shoot.  The finish just feet away!

 You can see how tired I am by the look on my face.

 Elation! I'm doing it!  I've done it!  Only steps away!

 2012 St. George Finisher!

 Walking Hobbling to the car afterward.  Too exhausted to be happy or even realize what I've just done.  Lila took these photos of some of my cheerleaders.

We headed to a restaurant where I lay lame in the car and moaned.  Every cell in my body aching with pain and wanting to throw up.  Luckily the nausea subsided and I was able to eat.  I had a giant old fashioned strawberry milkshake that may be the best thing I've ever eaten.  After that I started to feel better.  By the time we got to the motel I was so happy to shower and lay in the bed and watch TV.  

I did it!  I ran a marathon!  Can you believe it!?  I'm sure you all want to know how I felt the next day.  The answer, shockingly, is pretty damn good!  Aside from aching knees and swollen toes I was ready to go for a run!  Today, exactly one month later, I ran a 4.1 mile trail run and am plotting a training plan for my first ultramarathon, the Buffalo Run 50k.  Here I go again!