Mission Accomplished

In my head, several years ago, I created somewhat of a Bucket List. Now, it is not one I ever wrote down, but there are goals there none the less. Some are small, like finishing scrap booking projects and summer cleaning. Some are bigger, like writing a children's book (I really love children's literature) and running a marathon.

I got to check one off today:)

After running a half in November, I actually felt like I could keep training and then do a full. I originally signed up for OKC, but when Kinsey's ballet recital was planned the same day, I quickly changed my plans. Why Buffalo, NY? It was close to the same date as OKC and close to Niagara Falls and our friends in Canada, o it made sense as a race and family vacation!

We spent the last few days visiting the falls, visiting friends, and a little shopping. Went to bed early and, as Murphy's Law states, last night didn't go quite as planned. We awoke at midnight to Kimmie, in the bathroom, sick. It was not pretty. She was up for about an hour. Then, our oh so kind hotel neighbors decided to throw a kickin' party next door. I listened for about an hour and then Jimmy finally called the front desk. They took care of it promptly - yeah!

This morning went pretty quickly from breakfast to the start of the race. I felt good, weather was nice, and my pace was strong. I kept a little over a 10 minute mile for the first half, despite having to wait for a train - yes a train - at mile 8! It was a little amusing, but sad it cut into my time, and made me stop - I am not a "stopper." I was a little sad at mile 12 when the half marathoners left, too. That meant that I was really doing this thing! The next few miles were a little harder, but I made it through. Then, out of nowhere around mile 20, my knee gave out. Totally frustrating to say the least. I had just begun having problems with it a few weeks before the race, but it was mild and never kept me from running. Then, starting at mile 2, I felt the twinge and just kept running through it. Not until I stopped at mile 20 for a drink did it really get me. I kept trying to get going again, but it just wasn't happening. I watched my time get further and further away from my goal and finally settled on the fact that it just is what it is and there is nothing I can do about it. Except run another one:) Someday...

All in all, I am thankful to have run my first marathon. Do I wish it could have gone like it did in my head? Yes. But, I leave with no regrets. And I leave a marathon runner:)