This is the picture I took of myself before my marathon at approximately 3:15 AM. (That's right, 3 in the morning!) I had to take it just in case I died during the race.
The majority of the course was in a canyon and they discouraged any spectators from being in the canyon. That meant that I didn't see get to see my support network (aka my awesome family) until mile 21. I slowed down long enough to give each of my adorable children a kiss. :) Seeing them there was great!
Much to my delight, my big brother joined me right at mile 21 and finished the race with me. Talk about my hero! We were even wearing matching shirts from a half marathon we did together a couple years previous.
Crash! Getting to the finish line was awesome! The clock marked me right about at 4:35, a time I thought I could only hope for. I think I would have cried. . . but I don't think I had anything in me to cry. How I looked forward to sitting though!There is a picture missing that, unfortunately, was never taken. I really wish I had gotten a picture with all of my family who were there. Besides my cute kiddos and wonderful husband were my parents, and my brother and his family. It wouldn't have been as a great of an experience without someone there to share it with. I also got so much support from friends and family who weren't there. Thank you everyone for your encouragement, love, excitement, and support. It was such an awesome experience because of you.
Everyone asks now if I plan to do another. My answer is usually. . . we'll see. But, probably. I'm not exactly sure why but I already want to give it another go. That probably won't happen for a couple years though. Are you going to do one with me? :)
I think you're AMAZING! I wish I had the desire to run a marathon, or even a mile! I seriously can't imagine running for 4 1/2 hours straight!! That blows me away! Good job!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I think it's really sweet you took the time to stop and give your kids a hug! :D
Way to go Kristen! You are awesome and I'm impressed. I bet you will do another, I've heard they are addictive.
ReplyDeleteA.MAZ.ING!!
ReplyDeleteI think Mike secretly wishes he had a wife who could run like you can :)
I totally agree with everyone else!!!! You are amzaing. I am so impressed by your strength. Way to go!! i wish I could have been there to watch you.
ReplyDeleteWell done! Someone has said that running a marathon is like having a baby. At the time the only thought is: I'll never do this again but . . . how many kids do you have?
ReplyDeleteLoved seeing the pictures! So awesome!
ReplyDeleteI agree about the baby comparison. That's the only thing that I've experienced that compares to it in such all-encompassing intensity of body, mind, and spirit. But I guess running a marathon must be harder for me, because I've only run 1 marathon, but I've had 5 kids. :)
About the crying thing....I was like you. It was such an exhausting experience, that I also didn't cry at the finish. However, I had a sister who had been having knee trouble who had fallen behind and was still out on the course. I didn't know where, and it ended up being a long and anxious 30 minutes waiting for her to cross and worrying about if she was okay. Then, when she did cross, I totally started crying! I don't know what the difference was between crossing the finish myself and seeing her cross (maybe it was just that I didn't have anything extra to give until I had rested for a few minutes), but it totally surprised me!
Congrats again! Someday we're doing one together! :)
Thank you everyone!
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