I've done marathons for time.  I've done marathons for a challenge (I'm looking at you, Double Chubb).    I've even done a marathon for free (thanks Fleet Feet and Nike!).  But this is the first marathon I've done for pure fun and joy.  I had no idea or care about finishing time.  My goal was to enjoy the scenery, take some fun pictures, laugh, and have a magical time.

The first half was all of the above.  I took some hilarious pictures.  I laughed and had a huge smile on my face.  I was the crazy girl singing loudly to her Pandora.  The second half I was slapped in the face with the reality that I was in fact doing a marathon and not out for a 5 mile run in the park.  With a major sunburn developing and the balls of my feet on fire, I was dehydrated, nauseous, and just plain miserable.  However, at mile 22, I looked back and saw the very back of the pack.  And, I realized that no matter how undertrained I was, I didn't come this far to finish last.  Or not at all.  Ignoring the fire under my feet, I kicked it into gear and took off into what felt like a fast tempo pace for the next mile, putting a nice cushion between me and the very back.  Around mile 24, a fellow woman runner came up alongside me and told me how I had inspired her to do the same at that mile 22.  She also didn't realize how far back we were.  This was one of the highlights of my race, and made me realize how we may inspire people everyday without even knowing it, in small ways or big ways.

But what I am most grateful for today is all the Facebook likes, comments, posts, and texts I received yesterday and this morning.  I felt like I had many people running with me.  So, thank you...I am lucky to have such inspiring, kind, and supportive people in my life.