Portland Marathon.....

Wow what a journey! It started 9 months ago, I started training for the marathon. Not sure if I could actually complete it. Then probably 4 months ago, I knew I could complete the marathon, I just had to continue all the hard work... 600+ miles later in training I have accomplished my goal, I ran the Portland Marathon! My time was 6 hours 20 minutes and 18 seconds. I am thrilled with the time! I was on track for my six hour goal, then I felt it slipping away and I had to readjust my attitude, no matter my time, I still completed a marathon. Something that a small percentage of people can say they have done! I might go through my full journey at a later time, but I felt great up until I hit mile 22... I struggled the last four miles. I think that is the whole lure of the marathon, is the wondering when the wall may hit. For me that was mile 22!



To say the day was emotional well, that is an understatement. Running a marathon is emotional in itself, then to add on the reason that I started the journey in the first place (to honor my friend Liz that passed away) and it was quite an emotional journey. But in a great way.



Derrick and Foster were great! They were wonderful spectators.... Apperantly spectating is as hard as running the marathon itself! (sure guys I believe you!) So thank you to both of them for being there to see me cross the line.



When Liz and I did our half marathon together, Liz had finished before me and when she saw me come into the the last .1 miles of the half, she ran with me along the sidelines and met me at the finish. When I hit the 26 mile marker Foster and Derrick were there waving and taking pictures. I then watched Foster run along the sideline all the way in with me. As I rounded the corner I watched Foster running, and I also saw Angela cheering me on. I think I cried the whole way in on the .2 miles.

More on the journey later - and ofcourse pics!!