5:46:56

That was my time for the ENTIRE MS Blues Marathon. I sat on the fence between half and whole for a long time, and my butt got sore. But I kept feeling stronger with time after Chicago and decided to give it a shot. And I did it, with a whole lot of help from many directions. And they say marathon running is an individual sport. Hogwash!!! This is a team sport any way you look at it, whether you're an elite runner or an MMer. Family support, support from friends, God-given health, and a team of people just like you trying to make a difference in their own lives. It doesn't get any better than this.

I'm so glad I went for the whole. I knew I wasn't going to give up, even if I had to drag one leg. For awhile I thought I was going to have to drag one leg -- not even half way through my sciatica started acting up and I got worried, but it worked itself out. I had a few minutes of regret on Lakeland Drive, but got over it as soon as I turned onto Ridgewood. Funny how many phases one goes through during a marathon. I felt like my life was flashing (slowly) before my eyes, seeing friends and acquaintances I hadn't seen in years.

At the finish, my wonderful friend Margaret chased me up the last hill with Rusty, one of my canine running buddies. I hyperventilated at the actual finish because I kicked in with a sprint and was crying all at the same time. It was surreal. Must be like childbirth, as soon as you see the baby, you completely forget about all the pain you just went through. I still can't believe it, even with the sore quads and the medal.

This morning in the shower, I listened to a segment on Public Radio about the marathon this past weekend, and it had blues playing in the background. I started crying again in the shower, and am now concerned that every time I hear the Blues I'm going to weep all over again.

I thought it was a wonderful day, a great course (Lakeland Drive was monotonous), and well-organized event. I'm proud to have been a part of it, but even more proud to have been a part of Marathon Makeover 2007. I am already looking forward to next year, ready to improve on my time. I still had really tender feet at the end, and have decided that the only way to make that better is to spend less time out on the course. :-)

Thank you to everyone here who encouraged me, who came out and supported all of us running this past weekend, and who said prayers from home. You have no idea what a difference you made for all of us. You are the most incredible group of people I've ever been a part of. I'll see you in 3 weeks. :-)