Weeks have flown by since the marathon and I am only getting around to posting anything now. I do apologize for taking so long.
The day of the run could not have been better, although in my memory the event has a bit of a fuzzy dream like quality to it. The night before involved a restless slumber, nervous with worries about what the next day would bring. The 8 am start was freezing, but once underway garments, gloves and hat were shed. Invigorated by the chilled morning air, my worries were soon replaced by a resolve to do the best that I could. I don't have any profound reflections to offer about the run. There were points where it seemed easy and then points were it took a lot of effort to go another step.
It was a beautiful autumn day and all along the route there were crowds of people cheering the runners on. This was the type of cheering that made you feel like you were a part of something big, and I guess when there are this many people all out and having a good time it is something big afterall. So I would recomend that if you are ever in the vicinity of a marathon, you should check it out and route the runners on. Bring some noise makers, pots and pans and perhaps some jelly beans. I'm not particularly big on sweets but there was one person handing out the best jelly beans I’ve ever tasted. Your efforts won't go unappreciated and I bet you'll have a great time too. There were many moments particularly toward the end where a simple "way to go" a cheer, cowbell ringing or a rock band playing Run Now on someones front lawn put an extra bounce in my step.
My personal cheering section for this trip consisted of course of my Mom, Cari-anne and Aidan and Ryan. Here is a picture of us in Bar Harbor the day after the run. Many thanks to LuAnn and Mike for making the trip up from Massachusetts to see me off on the chilly, chilly morning of the run. How is it that I didn't get a picture of you guys too?!I’m proud to say that I jogged (some might call it speed walked) the entire course only taking breaks at the water stations. I did finish a bit ahead of my secret 6 hour prediction, Crossing the finish line at about 1:45 pm. It didn’t matter to me that 545 people finished ahead of me or if I had come in last. My congratulations to the swiftest runners but let’s not forget those that were on their feet 6, 7 or 8+ hours. Congratualtions to All!
Here I am at 26.2 miles, crossing with some little hitchhiker that greeted me just before the finish line.
The first few hours afterward I was as sore as well...as if I had been in a marathon. I recovered quick though and the next day I was chasing the kids to the top of the biggest McDonalds playland I've ever chased kids to the top of. Since then I have been at best a weekend runner, but I have not given up the habit and have not ruled out the posibility of doing this again.
Thanks Again!
Best wishes to all during the Holiday Season!
