Wishin' I had a Rambler

The big day has come and gone. I did it--I did something I never thought I would or could do. I ran a marathon this past Saturday. After all my miles and miles of training, I finally did it. I was so nervous in the days leading up to it. I seriously questioned if I could really do it. I also worried about all the logistics--waking up on time (4:20 a.m.), catching the bus, remembering to pack my running shoes, etc. etc. etc. Well, I did wake up on time and of course I remembered my running shoes. I think I must have tied and re-tied my shoes about five times to make sure they were just right. Anyways, it ended up being a great experience. I proved to myself that I could do it. I remember after I had Braeden, JP bought a running stroller at D.I. for $7 (it was in good condition--what a great deal). I really wanted to lose baby weight and knew I needed to exercise. So, I went to a park that has a one mile running track around it. I couldn't even run a mile. So, I gave up on the idea of running pretty quickly and just figured that I wasn't cut out for it. Then, after I had Carter I tried again. I didn't even have real running shoes, just a pair of Sketchers. I stuck with it that time and every time I ran I just tried to go a little farther. One day I came home and told JP that I had run farther than I ever had in my whole life--5 miles. So, he told me that I should do a 10k. So, I did. Then, I realized that I loved this whole running thing. I found myself trying to calculate my pace and improve on it. Then, I got a great running buddy and that made it even funner. The whole time I was pregnant with my little Tan Tan, I was anxiously awaiting being able to run again (wasn't up for running through pregancy) so I could do a half marathon. After doing the half, I decided that seeming how I was half way there, I might as well go for the full. So, that's how I ended up doing a marathon. I felt like I did really good for the first 20 miles and was really happy with my pace, the last 6 about killed me! I was taking very frequent walk breaks and it was hard. But, when I came around the corner and saw the finish line, that was the best feeling ever. My friend DeAnn came and ran the last 12 miles with me. That was a huge help. My boys were there to support me too. JP was so good to "give me" Saturday mornings to do my long runs. He is such a huge support to me. What a guy! Anyways, I'm glad I did it, but right now I'm really glad it's over. My calves and quads are pretty sore. I am wishing we had a rambler instead of a two story with tons of stairs! Oh well. Oh, the main question that everyone asks is "what was your time". Well, I did it in 4:34! And, it actually went by pretty quick.