I am a Marathoner!!!

I don't even know how to approach this post so hang on for the ride.

First I have to say this: Getting across the finish line was approximately 80% my effort and about 20% supporters effort. Here is the story of the day!

For starters I had a very large crowd of supporters cheering me on. It consisted of my mom, Ms. Watts, Janell, Chris, Jorge, Ericc, Ryan, Tobs, Frances, Jen, Ethan, Tara and did I mention Dukie?

Ericc waiting for me at mile 13

I ran the first eight miles of my marathon solo. I ran my little heart out and felt great. At mile 8 I encountered my supporters, all together, for the first time. I asked for someone to run with me. My amazing boyfriend, Ryan, jumped in and ran miles 8 to 13 with me. We chatted about his marathon, my marathon, saw an Antelope sign and admittedly had a great time running together. Oh and did I mention, had this been a half marathon, the first half would have been a PR for me? Yep that is true!!!

Me at mile 13

At mile 13 Ryan and Ericc swapped places and Ericc provided me with some company along the very barren next five miles. We ran past the finish line for the half marathoners, through the short north, university district, past the oval and up a few torturous hills to mile 18 where I again encountered the most enthusiastic supporters.

This is where the breakdown began!

Ryan and Ericc swapped places again at mile 18 and Ryan began running with me which was, quite possibly, the place I needed him the most. Ryan and I ran uphill and surprisingly encountered Chris and Jorge at mile 19 1/2. Chris was shouting and cheering, she asked me how I was doing and I promptly responded "I'm doing shitty." This is where the breakdown went from bad to worse. I cried, I doubted, I couldn't get enough water, I had cramps... You name it I had it. I also had the best gift you could have while running a marathon. I had Ryan there supporting me through my three mile meltdown. Every time I became doubtful he reminded me that I had done the work and could get through it. Again this was the most amazing gift anyone could have given me. I honestly could have walked away from the race at this point but knew this breakdown would only make me stronger in the end...

Ryan supporting me til the end. Look at my smile at mile 25!!!

At mile 22 Janell hopped in with me and Ryan, while the remainder of my supporters screamed their heads off (including Dukie) as we ran by. Janell, Ryan and I ran through Grandview and the amazement, wonderment began to set in. I was about to finish a freaking marathon!!! Janell and Ryan ran with me until the end. My supporters were there to scream for me as I turned down Nationwide Blvd. and saw the finish line.

I ran my little heart out and accomplished something that I never knew possible until this year. I have many people to thank for this amazing day. They include the list of supporters I mentioned earlier, my friend (Ericc) who ran 5.5 with me, my sister (Janell) who ran 5 with me and my boyfriend (Ryan) who ran 13 with me. I know I could have crossed the finish line without all of the people there cheering me on but I also know it would have not been as rewarding, enjoyable, amazing, etc...

My supporters

My supporters told me that they were amazed at how smiley I was throughout the race. They kept telling me that I looked great the entire time and asked me how I was able to keep smiling. Now that I have had time to reflect, my response to them is this: Wouldn't you smile every time you saw grass skirts, leis and a big ole sign that said "Got Runs???" I know I did!!!

Crossing the finish line!!!