I’m going to post a full race recap when I have more time to sit and get all of my thoughts together, but wanted to let you all know that I did it — I finished and I’m officially a marathoner!
I didn’t hit either of my time goals, but I did finish and I feel really great about my race. I know I made a few mistakes early on that made the later miles more of a struggle than they should have been, but I’ll learn from it and I know what not to do next time!
I’m surprised at how good I feel too. I’m a little sore, but nothing crazy. I was able to chase Mackenzie down the hall at school this morning without hurting and I don’t hate the stairs anymore than usual. I’m pretty sure that means I didn’t push myself hard enough, particularly in the last 6.2 miles when I was feeling great. I’m okay with that though. I wanted to finish and not be miserable and that is exactly what I did!
I have to say a HUGE thank you to my wonderful husband and friends that waited around (some for hours) for me to finish and to Jessi and Mike for the awesome pep-talk at Mile 26 (they surprised me on course!). I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful support system. And thank you to my parents for watching Braden & Mackenzie this weekend so I could focus on the race and not being mommy for a day (although I did call my dad around mile 18 to check on them!). And also, thank you to all of your for your amazing support and encouragement! I couldn’t have done it without ALL of you!
Now to figure out a plan for my next one.. in just 6 weeks!
Congratulations, lady! You’re AMAZING! <3
devon @ the food bitch blog recently posted…Do Something December
Thank you, Devon!!
Congrats! I’m so proud of you for finishing! You looked great out there on the course! Wear your new title proudly because you earned it! You are a marathoner!
And so are you — congratulations to my marathon running, moon pie getting friend!
You looked great too, I’m bummed we didn’t get to chat but it was great seeing you on the course!
Are you running Disney in January?
CONGRATS!!!! Your finish line photo is great and that is an awesome time for 26.2!
Kristina @ Blog About Running recently posted…Who Stole My Early Morning Running Motivation? + a Funny Comic
Thank you, Kristina!!
Congratulations on a great first marathon. That wind was pretty brutal, so I know you were feeling it on that last 6 miles. glad to hear you are feeling good after too!
Haley @ Running with diapers recently posted…Week in Review 11/25 – 12/1
Thanks, Haley! The wind was brutal, headwinds are never fun, especially when they’re that strong!
Surprisingly, the thing that’s bugging me the most is my toes – they’re really sore and it looks like a few of my toenails will not be hanging around much longer. I’ve never had that happen before, makes me feel like a hardcore runner, haha!
Congratulations! You look so happy and strong at the finish.
Thanks so much, Victoria! I did feel great at the finish, I struggled with a few of the middle miles, but I’m glad I finished strong!
Congratulations, Marathoner! What a fantastic finish line photo that fabulous smile! I am so proud of you.
Thank you, Lisa!! I was just happy I did it, I was really worried that I wasn’t going to be able to finish!
Congrats! When I saw you out there, I was so proud and excited, you looked amazing!!!!!
Krissy @ Shiawase Life recently posted…Recap: Space Coast Marathon 2013.
Thanks, Krissy!! I wish I had seen you! We must have crossed paths early in the 2nd out and back before I was struggling! There were a few miles where I was just done, I even called my dad at one point and told him running a marathon was stupid and to smack me if I ever said I wanted to do another one! Perhaps there was a bit of a wall there??
Congrats on your first marathon! I cannot wait to read the full recap!
Wornout Soles recently posted…The Honeymoon Phase
Thank you so much!! The official pictures are posted so I’m going to try to get it written tonight or tomorrow night!
Congrats of a fine finish, AND being in good shape the next dayI think you have the right attitude about time goals for your first full…I had to “re-visit” my own goals due to some nagging injuries, and I now have my head wrapped around a strong, healthy finish – we can always learn from the experience and go faster next time!
Nick recently posted…CHM Training update: T-7 weeks – Can you say, “Thankful”?
Thanks so much, Nick! The fact that I finished a marathon is amazing to me — just a year and a half ago, I could barely run 30 seconds without losing my breath! I’m glad that my head was in a good place during the race and I was able to shift goals and really enjoy my first marathon without beating myself up. I’m definitely thinking about what to do differently next time!
Way to go Kristin!!! That medal is gorgeous; this race is going on my bucket list!
Kristen @ The Smith Summary recently posted…That Time I PRd in Fun
Thanks Kristen!! Pictures don’t do the medals justice – they’re SO pretty and sparkly! Definitely a bucket-list worthy one!
What a great finishers picture! Congrats on your first marathon!! Can’t wait to hear about it all.
BTW…..the woman behind you in that pic….what in the world is she holding?!? A raccoon??
Thank you, Megan!
I have no clue!! I didn’t notice it ’til after I posted it — I was running around the same group of 5 or so for the last two miles and I never saw her or whatever that critter is!
Congratulations! You are a marathoner!
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Step Up Story
Thanks Abby!! Calling myself a marathoner sounds so crazy — it’s so surreal! It doesn’t feel like it really happened!
Nice job! You’re hardcore now!!
Kiley @ DVF recently posted…Christmas & New Years virtual 5Ks – race info post
Thanks Kiley!! I feel a bit like an old lady, I’m sore today!
Congrats!!!!! That is just awesome. Can’t wait for the full recap!!!!
Carrie @Eight Crazy Soles recently posted…Family Turkey Trot & Thanksgiving Day
Thanks so much Carrie I’m working on it now!
Congrats!!! It is such an accomplishment! I cried when I crossed the finish line
Sami
Sami recently posted…Stop Eating Like Buddy the Elf and Get Some Nutrients in Your Diet!
Thanks, Sami
I really thought I’d cry at the finish line, but I didn’t. I did tear up a few times while I was running though, but I bit my lip to hold back the tears! Well, until mile 26. One of my friends surprised me on course and I definitely cried then.
YAY!!!! Congrats!!! Such a HUGE accomplishment! I can’t wait to read your full recap!! My first is THIS Saturday! AH!!!!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles recently posted…Franklin, TN Turkey Trot 5K 2013
Thanks so much, Sarah! I’m trying to write it, but it’s hard!!
Good luck on your first, I know you’re going to KILL it!!
Yay! So proud of you!
Andrea recently posted…Race #37– Miracle Miles 15k
Thank you!!