I did it!!!

Getting ready to start the race.




20,000 runners!


Feeling great at mile 11!


Almost done.


Reaching the finish line.


So proud!!


On Sunday 10/19, I completed my 2nd (and final) marathon! It was the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco and it was amazing. There were 20,000 runners, and all the proceeds went to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I trained very hard for this event and it was worth it.

The first marathon I ran in 2000, was with a team for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. They provided coaches, mentors, training schedules and a wonderful support system, and in turn I raised $5,000 for this great cause. It was a wonderful experience that I will never forget. I made many friends, had a lot of fun, and did something amazing for a great cause.

This time it was just as incredible but for different reasons. This time it was all about me, and that may sound selfish but it was very necessary. I knew I needed to do something amazing for myself this year, and back in February when I read the description of the Nike Women's Marathon in Runner's World Magazine, I knew that was going to be my marathon! And I did it!!! I worked so hard and accomplished this incredible thing all on my own. I did research to come up with a running schedule that was right for me. I did my daily runs, and weekly long runs, I made sure I ate the right things, had the proper shoes and clothing, and did the right things for proper recovery after the long runs. I gained strength and fitness, and lost 13 pounds along the way, but the best thing I regained was self respect. During those many hours of running I had a lot of time to think and I used a lot of positive thoughts to get through it everyday. I would think to myself, "you are strong, you are amazing, you are a runner and an athlete." All of these thoughts made me stronger mentally and helped me get through the difficult long runs. Then one day I looked at my reflection as I ran by a window and thought, "Who is that runner?" I was changing on the outside as well as on the inside.

While I was running the 26.2 mile race I thought about why I was doing it and realized it was just as important for my family as it was for myself. I was running to set a good example for my kids about being a healthy and strong person. By accomplishing my goal I had become a better mother and wife. I am much stronger, healthier and happier than ever. It was an amazing experience and I'm so glad I pushed myself to do it.

Yesterday I decided to go for a little run. Just four miles, and it was a great run. It felt so good to be running again after a five day break since the marathon. This time when I saw that runner in the window's reflection I recognized her right away. She was strong, powerful and amazing and I was extremely proud of her! :-)