18 Miles

Alison, you were right. I had a great run this morning! For the first time I feel like I can do a marathon. I'm not going to lie, this was my longest run ever, and it was pretty hard. My brain was good to go. Having Gail and Chris by my side the entire time made the time pass so quickly. My knee felt ok. Towards the end, I would get some twinges of pain, but it was never severe pain in the least. It actually felt best when I was in my zone and going. Stopping anf starting wasn't as comfortable.

We did 18 miles in about 3 hours and 15 minutes. There were some bathroom and refreshment breaks, but overall, we were between a 9:45 and 10-min mile pace throughout. We stayed consistent, which was key. Gail and Chris are two of the most positive people I knew, so the conversation was light and happy even in the hardest moments (another hill on Forbidden Drive??). At about Mile 4, I was screaming quotes from "Wedding Crashers," (MOM! The meatloaf!) By Mile 13, we could hardly believe we ONLY had 5 miles to go and were congratulating ourselves on finishing a half-marathon. At around Mile 16.5, I was done. My mind just went, "Therese, for reals? This is ridonk. I'm outtie." So it left, and I zoned out. Following my two buddies was the only thing that got me through.

They ran up the Rocky steps at the end, but I chose not to. The steps up wouldn't have been a problem, but I have my worst pain when I go down stairs. I cheered them on, and yes, this is embarrassing, I started crying. Just a little. I had been so nervous about this run, and I could not believe we did it. As Gail ran down the steps to give me a hug, I felt and said that this is the happiest I've been in a long time. What a feeling.

I did an ice bath (seriously, I love them!) when I got home and took a nice nap. I'm definitely sore, but I think my old shoes are to blame. I was too superstitious to wear my new ones, but I think that was the last run with my old tried-and-trues. The best part is that all day, my wonderful husband keeps saying, "I'm so proud of you." I still don't think he gets that I do all of this for him, so hearing those words makes every step worth it.

Thanks for your love and prayers. We did it!