5:42:33

I did it!!! I ran a marathon. A very slow one, but a marathon just the same. What a fantastic experience. The weather was absolutely perfect, the course was gorgeous (and flat) and I felt strong the whole time.

 
(my very sweet and patient inlaws waited a looong time to cheer me at the finish line!)


10 things I learned from running a marathon:

1) The "wall" is definitely real (it really, really hurts)
2) Choosing the right underwear is one of the most important decisions you'll make (hint: no seams, lace or cotton)
3) Just because you're training for a marathon doesn't mean you can eat all the chocolate you want
4) Don't assume you'll lose any weight from training for a marathon (see #4). You might even gain a few pounds (ahem...)
5) The camaraderie among the "slowpokes" is fantastic
6) Race volunteers and cheering spectators will propel you through those tough miles (thank you!!!)
7) Funny signs rock (my favourite: "that's not sweat, it's just your fat cells crying" )
8) A cheesy, running-themed ipod playlist is surprisingly motivational
9) Having your loved ones cheering you on is even more motivational
10) You'll burst with pride crossing that finish line, and you won't care that you came in 955th out of 1058

Thank you for all your encouragement! It was really heartwarming to feel you guys cheering me on. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go lay down.

:)

The longest long run

Well, I'm as ready as I'm ever going to be.
 
And I'm pretty darn excited too.

(I think it's a good omen that my race number is the same as the amount of kilometres I have to run)

Music old and new

Thank you for your sweet comments and music suggestions. It's so lovely to discover new artists as well as revisit old friends.

Speaking of old friends, I've been listening to this non-stop for the last few days:



It just makes me feel so peaceful.