So I guess I need to play a little catch up?
Well for starters, I successfully finished the Kalamazoo Marathon -- I have the medal & photos to prove it.
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| Crossing the finish line. Chip time 4:49:08 |
It was a beautiful day with clear skies and highs in the 70s. The first 13 miles went by like a breeze, laughing and talking with my fellow runners. The crowd support was excellent for Gull Rd, on The Mall, on Stadium Dr, at the beginning of BTR park, but the neighborhood that wins best crowd support goes to Winchell, hands down. The race organizers made sure to have bands scattered throughout the course, but the folks in Winchell put together their own block party and let me tell you, that was my favorite part of the race (aside from finishing, I guess). After mile 16, our group began to separate until I was running only with Kate. We stuck it out miles 18 through 26.2. Mile 24 to 25 was a challenge for me with all the rolling hills through Kindelberger park, but the last hill about a half mile away from the finish I plowed through knowing that I was almost there. Two little girls tried to give me a popsicle, and boy did I want that ice cold treat, but I couldn't stop, I just kept going. I used all the energy I had left as a coasted down "runway" towards the finish line. Everyone was cheering and I couldn't figure out whether I should laugh or cry. I just accomplished 26.2 miles of road running. Over 4.5 hours of nonstop RUNNING. I was exhilarated. High on endorphins and so thankful I had the courage to complete what only 1% of the population can pull off.
I would like to thank the following: my hubby and constant inspiration to push myself past my comfort zone; my marathon running buddies Angela, Tonya, Kate, Angie, Jason, Annie for all the laughs and good times along the course; Julie for the super cute necklace & her "Running Widows" pit crew for the crucial Gatorade & cheering; my Mom, Aunt Tracey, Uncle Steve, & Grandma & Grandpa Gooch for coming out to support me during the run.
So now what? Well, the journey continues with more races this summer and another marathon in the fall!
