Thud, thud, thud.... my feet striking the pavement has been a familiar sound as of lately. Mile after mile...oh, so many miles of training. I have wanted to run a marathon for as long as I can remember. This year, Kirsten and I decided that this was going to be the best time for us to do it. We began training this summer and weekend after weekend we logged those miles. I have to admit, although we were running 16, 18, 20 miles a weekend, I loved our uninterrupted conversations. No kids, just two friends running.
We chose the Marine Corps Marathon because it was in DC and we had a free place to stay (thanks, mom, dad and Will!). Plus, it is the third largest marathon in the country with 30,000 runners. If I was going to do a marathon, it was going to be a BIG one.
After we signed up, we found out that 4 other women from Black Mountain had signed up as well. We had a gang to represent our small town.
The big day finally arrived and we were trained and ready to run. And run we did....all 26.2 miles. That was my goal. I wanted to say I "ran" a marathon, not "half walked" a marathon. We kept a steady pace and only stopped to grab water or Gatorade. The crowd was spectacular!! People lined the streets cheering and holding signs. What a show of support and it really helped us keep our spirits up. Kirsten and I stayed together the entire time. I couldn't have done it without her! We were a constant support to one another. It was funny, we chatted up until mile 18 or so. Then a silence set in....no more words, just our feet on the pavement. Both of us were in the zone. We both thought it was something like childbirth, where you have to go inside yourself to accomplish the goal. Amazing what the human body can do.
Anyway, we did it! My awesome brother was there at the finish line. He took pictures, helped us up and carried our things. Will, you are the best.
When we got back home, everyone kept asking if I was going to do another one. NO WAY! The time it took to train was ridiculous. I am a one and done kind of gal. It was an amazing experiences none the less. I can say I ran a marathon and check that off the bucket list. I will stick with half marathons from here on out.
The Black Mountain women. Six in the morning, before the race.
Kirsten and I, trying to stay warm.
In the corral, waiting for the cannon to sound. The red semi circles in the distance were the starting points. Look at all of the runners!! We were surrounded by groups of runners the entire 26 miles.
The Marines came in to start the race.
At the finish line. Kirsten has a teal shirt and I am in grey next to her.
At the end of the race. Medals and all.
We are still standing...barely
The ladies in the finishers area
Yes, I ate a plate of french fries and a coke for lunch. Did I feel guilty....NO. Not to mention I had a donut at mile 24....didn't feel guilty about that either. How cool that the were handing out donuts and beer at mile 24?? What an amazing race.
So proud of you!
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