A few months ago I completed my first full marathon!! It was one of the most phenominal experiences I have ever had. Everything was perfect about the race, my body felt great (especially after a little help from tylenol at 21 K), the weather was fantastic, I had a great playlist loaded with a mix of hip hop, old school tunes, dance, and Shania twain of course, "Man I feel like a Woman!"And to top it all off, I had my amazing parents on their bikes meeting me at various locations along the course.
The course was filled with tons of spectators cheering on the runners, my favorite was seeing young kids dishing out high fives, they made me feel famous! While all the spectators that I didn't know were encouraging, nothing is more motivational than seeing your family. It was so exciting seeing my parents and shouting out to them where to meet me next! My dad had his camera of course, snapping some of the most unflattering shots of me, but nonetheless, amazing photos! And when I needed support the most at 41 K, my mom (an inside gal, looking stylish on her bike) came up behind me and cycled me into the final gates, saying to me, "this is the final stretch, you can do it!" and "keep going sweetie, you're doing amazing!" Looking back I can't believe I never said, "Must be nice on your wheels there!" But I loved having her there for that final Kilometer, it was very special to me!
After crossing the finish line with my hands reaching to the sky, my pulse was racing and it felt as though my heart was going to pump out of my chest. Not only was this the greatest adrenalin rush I have ever had, it was also the proudest moment of my life!! This is a moment I will never forget.
Now that I have taken three and a half months off long distance running, I have started to get back into training mode and am trying to decide what race I want to run next! In the mean time I will be spending sunday mornings running with my friends from :: Running Room :: and freezing my butt off in this wretched -20 degree weather! Brrrrr!!
Happy Trails,
Road Runner
