Marathon '09 Has Come & Gone!

We did it. We both finished the marathon!

I was more nervous for Paul than for myself - seeing that it was his first. But, he did fantastic! He was with the 3:20 pacers until about the 1/2 way point and then he slowed a bit. His knee gave him a few problems and then he hit the dreaded "wall" at mile 20, but he finished strong with a time of 3:49!! Amazing!

I had no idea what to expect this year. I hadn't trained as usual. I spent more time on my bike and running in relays, etc. So I only got in a couple of good long runs. On the other hand, I felt good. Like I hadn't over trained or peaked yet. So I didn't know what marathon day would hold for me.

We met our running friends outside Sat. morning at 4:45 and headed to the park - had a nice bus ride to the start line, got ready to go and at 6:45 we were on our way! It was beautiful! Weather was perfect, volunteers were amazing, spectators were everywhere... It couldn't have been much better. I felt really good. Started out easy, not too fast. Ran a pretty steady pace the entire way. I made it into town with just a couple miles to go when I realized there was a chance I might finish under 4 hours if I kept my pace up. I've never broken 4 hours before - so that got me kind of excited! I passed our family on Diagonal St. and more friends throughout the last mile. They kept me going! I was so excited when I crossed the finish line and realized I'd come in under 4:00. My official time was 3:56.

It was a great year - and I'm sure it won't be our last. Thanks for every one's help with our kids, and for all the support. We couldn't do things like this without our family and friends!

(Our support: My mom and dad, Paul's mom and dad, McKay, Sydney, Hailey, Lonnie and Lori, Anthony, and Nicole! Thanks guys!!)