The End

And so this is the end.....



Six months of training.


250 miles run.


Almost 200 posts to this blog.


$4,536 raised for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.


One marathon completed.

I achieved all of the goals that I set for myself when I began this journey:
1. FINISH the marathon. Check.
2. Raise money and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Check.
3. Remember and honor my Daddy. Check.

And now this amazing journey has come to an end.

So, what's next? I've been asked that many times. There is a part of me that would love to try another marathon. But a larger part of me that doesn't. For several reasons. I don't want to train for it. To put in all the time that is really required -- the time commitment is just so major. Not just for me, but it was a sacrifice for my family too. (HUGE THANKS to Jodi for flying solo every Saturday for the last six months.) No training equals no marathon. The distance running really took a toll on my body. I didn't make it through this without injury. It wasn't anything major, but it wasn't pain-free either. I just don't think that long distance is what my body is meant to do. And, even if I did another marathon, there would never, ever be another experience like the experience I had on June 1. Never.

However, I think do see some running still in my future.

I would like to focus on some 5ks. What a great distance that might be for me. JUST three miles! I would like to work on my speed a little bit. While we were training for the marathon, we really didn't focus on time or pace. We just focused on distance, just completing the miles. So maybe now I can get a bit stronger and increase my pace.

I also see some half marathons in my future. I'm seriously thinking about the St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon in December. Or maybe the Germantown Half Marathon again in March. I'm pretty sure I can talk Jodi and my brother-in-law to run one of them too. The St. Jude Half is much larger; they are capping registrants at 8,000. Last year almost 6,000 ran the half and the final time was just under 5 hours. Kind of appealing to think that I would be at the front of the back of the pack.... I was thinking about the fact that after the Germantown Half in March, we practically ran a half marathon every weekend until the week before the marathon. So, a half marathon is pretty doable for me. I would like, one day, to achieve a sub-three hour marathon. That is shaving off quite a bit of time for me, but maybe after I build up some strength and speed and conquer a 13 minute mile on a regular basis, this would be feasible.

What have I been doing since June 1? NOTHING. I have taken these last two weeks off. Completely off. No activity. The week of the marathon, I was still so stiff and sore. And just TIRED. I felt like I needed so much sleep. This last week was much better. I still have a tight hamstring, but nothing major. And there is some occasional shin pain - I think it's just some leftover 'itis' that is continuing to rear its ugly head. My toenail is not looking very promising, but, like Tom said, if that's the extent of my marathon injury, I'm doing pretty good!

I do want to say that if anybody is ever interested in running or walking a full or half marathon, please consider doing it through the Team in Training. There is NO WAY I could have done any of this alone. Just having the coaches, mentors, support and teammates along the way is what made it possible. Plus being surrounded by all the purple on race day. I can never explain it - just the whole scope of it. But it was definitely a TEAM - from beginning to end.

I have developed a huge respect for the role of spectator. I *know* that is something I can do during a race!! Just stand on the side of the road and cheer. Maybe I can do that at one of the half marathons that I don't run in. During my runs at Shelby Farms, whenever someone would say "Go Team!" or some other encouraging word, that would be just the extra push I needed to keep moving. And I can't even tell you what it was like at the marathon. Twenty-six miles of people cheering for ME! It was incredible encouragement. I have learned the true value and power of all of that.

I think I would compare the whole marathon thing to childbirth. It is quite painful while you are going through it. But when it's all over, you have this wonderful result, this amazing accomplishment. And you forget exactly just how painful it was.

We had been told that we would experience a 'low' after the marathon. Maybe like a wedding or Christmas or something. It's just this event that you have focused on for so long. All of your time and energy - all your thoughts - every bit of you - is constantly thinking about this upcoming event. And then it happens and it is wonderful. But then it is over. Maybe I've experienced some of that. OK, maybe more than I want to admit, considering it's taken me two weeks to drag out the story of my marathon. I have just wanted it to go on and on. And there is part of me that is sad that it's over. And I'm sad that I am going to end this blog. I admit, I'm a little teary now as I write this last post....

But wait! There's more!!! While this is the end of the Gonna Run A Marathon blog, I have decided to start a new blog. HOORAY! It won't be as exciting as this -there isn't a big goal I'm working towards. (And I won't beg you for donations to the Leukemia Society!). But I have just enjoyed the whole blogging experience and I want to continue to be able to have that outlet. So, feel free to check out my new blog: Me and My Good Life (http://www.meandmygoodlife.blogspot.com/). I will just ramble about whatever happens to be on my mind. Me, my good life, my family, sports, weather. Who knows....

I can't end this without thanking all of you who have been a part of this journey with me. There are so many of you and you all played so many different roles. For those who read my blog, made donations, encouraged me, ran with me, celebrated each little mile, waited for me, tolerated me, inhaled Icy Hot, remembered my dad, cheered for me, allowed me to whine, helped me heal, followed my progress, cared about my pitfalls, listened to me, rubbed my feet, shared in my victory. Thank you! I continue to be blown away by all of the support, love and encouragement I have received during this marathon quest. THANK YOU!!

It was amazing, unforgettable experience. I ran a marathon!!! And I think my Daddy would be real proud of me!!

Surprise!

Monday morning brought another fairly early wake up call for our shuttle to the airport. Many people checking in to their flights were wearing their RNR Marathon shirts. We were all moving fairly well, albeit a bit slow.

We arrived in Minneapolis a bit early and had time to grab some lunch. As we were heading back to our gate, they announced our flight overhead. Andrea said, "That's us ladies." The next thing we heard was "Passengers C., S., S., and W. please report to the gate for final boarding." OH DEAR!!! We moved faster than we actually thought we were able to and made it to the plane to head home.

Back in Memphis. The end of our marathon journey. We were all walking together, proudly wearing our medals, heading toward baggage claim. Laughing and talking about our experience - and how Nicole had RUN to claim an exit seat in the airport in San Diego! And then I had a great SURPRISE!!!

It was Jordan and Cooper!! With signs and balloons and flowers!!! My welcome home party!!! My mother-in-law had brought them to meet me at the airport. What a great surprise that was!! More tears from me.....

Cooper's sign says "MOMMY GO GO" and Jordan's says "Welcome home Mom. Thanks for runnin' with TNT and making us proud"

We definitely caused quite the commotion. I'm sure some travellers thought we were Olympiads what with our medals and all......

When the kids and I got home, Mom's car was in the driveway. "How sweet of her to come and fix my dinner," I thought. Well, she did come and fix my dinner. But they had invited tons of others to come eat too.

SURPRISE!!!!!!

It was a SURPRISE PARTY!!!! My kitchen was full of family and friends. I was so totally surprised I would just cover my eyes and scream. Then I would open my eyes and see somebody else and scream. And I would open my eyes and see somebody else. And scream. Some major emotion when I finally got to see and hug Jodi and Mom and Connie. And then again when I saw my uncle, Dad's brother. Here we are having a little moment and he's telling me that he knows Daddy was watching me and was so proud of me. It really just choked me up.

I think what started as a "let's meet her at the airport" turned into a "let's have a cake at home" which turned into "let's have a full blown surprise party"!!!! They had decorated the kitchen with balloons and streamers and posters. Connie and Anne were very sneaky and pulled all this together along with the help of my mom and my aunt. So, thanks to EVERYBODY for making this happen. It was so special. I had already told Sherrill and the kids at the airport that I would need to get everybody together soon so I could tell my whole marathon story. Jordan just said "Good idea Mom".

Look, I even had a congratulations cake!

So, I got to tell everybody all my stories about my marathon weekend. It was just a special, special, special night.

Oh no...

I just took off my toenail polish. My big toenail looks like it's turning black. A quick email to Coach George about my condition garnered this response: Yaaahooo. Now you have passed the final initiation.

Sadly, I think he's actually quite proud of me.....

Strike a pose

Just what you all wanted to see....more pictures of me from the marathon. I felt very compelled, apparently, to throw both of my arms up and flash the peace sign to every cameraman. Except there was one picture where I must not have noticed the camera because I appear to be actually running and not striking some sort of pose......

Victory Party and Recovery

Meanwhile, back at the hotel.....







By this time, I was stiff and sore and starving. I ate something and was *dying* for a hot shower. However, Julie (my mentor and roomie) had other plans for me and my aching legs. Ice bath first. She said it would do wonders for my soreness. So she filled the hotel wastebasket with ice, told me to run a cold bath, pour in the ice and GET IN. EEEEE-YOOWWWWW! My goal was 10 minutes but I only made it 7 minutes before I was literally shivering and could hear the ice clinking around in the tub.

(I am really grateful for Julie and everything she did, not just during our training, but also the night before and the afternoon after the race. She really helped me out and took care of me. She's done several marathons and her experience was greatly needed and appreciated. Thanks Julie!)

The original plan was to meet in the lobby at 5 pm to head to the Victory Party. We had gotten back to the hotel at 3 pm maybe, something like that, and I told George and Dennese there was no way I would be able to make it by 5 pm. I could hardly walk for goodness sakes. But after my hot shower (Which followed the ice bath and was one of the greatest showers of my life.) and a little rest, I was up for the party.

OK, so we actually took a cab to the party. It was only a few blocks to the trolley stop and just several more to the Convention Center, but our dogs were really barking. So cab it was. The Victory Party was fun - everybody was proudly wearing their medals and limping around in flip-flops. There was some great music and later people actually danced. I have no idea how they were shaking their groove thing. It was all I could do to make it to the buffet table. The food was good and we all just ate like we hadn't eaten in six months. I was STARVING. They had big screens and were showing pictures taken throughout the weekend. It was a fun way to celebrate our accomplishment.

I heard from Jodi and Connie that my preacher had announced to the entire congregation that night before his sermon that I had completed a marathon for the Leukemia Society for Dad. I also got word that I had received 2 additional donations. Thanks to Glenda P. and Jennifer S. for making a donation to my fundraising efforts!

But soon, we were all ready to call it a night. We decided to take the trolley back. While we were waiting for the trolley, a Burlington Northern Railroad train came by. Jessica said "Oh that's where Jacob's dad works." Well, that was one of Dad's accounts but I knew it was a big place so it was doubtful that he would know my dad. Then I found out his dad worked in MAINTENANCE and PURCHASING. Jacob called his dad and he TOTALLY KNEW DAD!!! How about that!?!?! It just seemed like the perfect little end to my amazing day. After waiting *forevever*, we ended up limping all the way back to the hotel.

I had brought various forms of pain-relief and aid. They were all utilized and greatly enjoyed. With a hotel room reeking of Icy Hot, I crashed in my soft cozy bed, watched Password, and then conked out. Sweet dreams of my awesome day.

The Finish Line

The entrance to the Marine Base was at about Mile 25.5. There were Marines at the entrance in their camo fatigues. I think some of them were clapping maybe....

As we entered the base, the course went down a little drive and then turned to the left. People still cheering and clapping. "Just half a mile to go!". So we trotted on. Then the next person up ahead "Just half a mile to go!". Forward motion. And the next person "Just half a mile to go!" That was probably the longest half mile I've ever seen. I remember asking George several times "Where is it? Where is the finish line? Where is it?" - because I could just not see it or anything that even looked like it. But I knew we just had to be close. Just another half mile, right? The path made a major right turn at this yellow concrete building and we almost immediately went under the arch.




Looking back now at this picture, I can see the 26 mile mark sign. See it there on the right? I didn't see it that day. Because I saw something else.....I saw THE FINISH LINE!!!!! There it was up ahead.



You can see from this picture how 'long' (or not long....) it was from the building arch to the finish line. I guess it was only .2 miles.......





People lined up everywhere - lined along the fence on that last little stretch. Cheering for me - BY NAME! And then I saw Jessica, Jacob & Dennese right there - cheering for me too!!! Jacob took this very flattering photo of me......Seriously though, I'm grateful he took this picture of me. And I'm so glad they were right there just rooting me to the finish line. (That was so sweet of them to even stick around for me because Speedy Jessica finished in 5:30:00 and hung around to see me finish! Thanks y'all!!) I wonder now how I ever even heard them or picked them out of the crowd. There were just TONS of people there.





There I go......another view of my best side.....




And then, I did it. I CROSSED THE FINISH LINE! I FINISHED THE MARATHON!!!!!!!!



It did get a little foggy right after that. I remember crossing the finish line and just continuing to walk on ahead. Then George came up behind me and was just smiling and laughing and really just seemed so darn proud and excited for me. Big hug and some tears. He brought me an ice cold towel and man oh man did that feel good. I hung on to that thing the rest of the afternoon.

Then I got my medal. There were several people lined up passing them out. A young girl - maybe 8 or 10 years old - put my medal on my neck. YEA FOR ME!!! A finishers medal!!! (Can you read the back? It says 'Finisher. I ROCKED!')






Then we headed to the spot where the 'official race finish photo' was taken. I was kind of crying and smiling at the same time.



Next on the finish line agenda was getting the chip cut off our shoe. They had a little metal step thing that couldn't have been more than 4 or 5 inches off the ground. It was all I could do to just lift my foot up there so the guy could cut it off.

We headed to a medic tent just to get in the shade for a minute. That's when I called Jodi. He answered the phone "7:00:53!!!". He and Jordan had been watching online and had just seen me cross the finish line. Major tears here when I talked to them. (Cooper was asleep.)

I picked up my gear - again, a little haul since 'W' was the VERY last truck...UGH. I had to "check out" at the TNT tent. Just so they could account for all the runners. Can't leave any bodies out on the course. I was presented my 26.2 TNT pin which I PROUDLY pinned to my ribbon on my medal.



We passed a few Marines and I said "I just ran a marathon!!!" and they said, very stiff and official, "Congratulations Ma'am" And I told them my daddy was a Marine and that was why I did it and thank you for serving our country and were they allowed to high five me or not..... And of course they were - so they did!

Then we found the rest of our team! Andrea, Dennese, Julie, Nicole & Jessica and their families were all there. More big hugs!!! Yea for us!!!

I managed to sit down on the grass and couldn't wait to get my shoes off. Aaaahhhh. That was much better. I was not hungry AT ALL. Nothing sounded good at all. I just wanted water. I saw George chowing down on a turkey sandwich and I thought I would just be sick right there on the spot.

I got a text from Connie: "you did it!!!!! i'm so proud of u!!! how do u feel?" and another from my friend Patti: "CONGRATS! U did great! Can't wait to hear about it".

I think then Connie called and we talked. Both of us bawling. Then I called Mom. Continued crying. I just remember saying "I did it." Over and over and over again.

And then, it all just hit me. The marathon. The finish. I had done it. I FINISHED. My dad. My accomplishment. MY DADDY. And I just wept. That's really the only way I can describe it. And I get a little teary right now just thinking it - just thinking about that moment and remembering the huge amount of emotion that I was experiencing. I will never forget that.

Slowly and painfully we made it to the bus for the shuttle back to the hotel. I never realized how steep bus steps are.... oh my.....Everybody on the bus was just high-fiving each other and congratulating each other. Because we had all just FINISHED THE MARATHON!!!


And yeah, we all just totally rocked it!!!!!

A funny thing happened on my way to the 8 mile marker.....