Baltimore Marathon... Race of all Races!!!

All year long, well more like for the past 18 months of saying I would never do a marathon, here I am in Baltimore flipping my half marathon to a full... I could never have done it without the help of my team who stayed by my sided and pushed me along the long runs. And although I really would've loved to have them there with me, it was great to have Rich, Beth, Christin and Dave to celebrate with.  I was also happy to find Sid before the race to help calm my nerves before the start.

It's race time and I'm so excited. Dave said I should finish in 5:45 5:50, and I was ready for that, actually gave myself 6 hours to finish.

The race was a lot of fun. The first half was new to me and I found it quite interesting and not so challenging. Running thru the zoo was fun, and I had no choice but to stop and look at the polar bears or take a picture of the penguin.

Once out of the zoo, we hit Fall's Point, then off to Domino Sugar Plant and Under Armor Plant.  I was way ahead of schedule to meet Dave's predictions.  Once I hit the half way point I had PR'd on a half marathon. I couldn't believe it. But I didn't let it get to me because I remembered the second half was a challenging one... Rolling hills... YIKES.  It felt as hard as last year, but I made sure to have fun thru it all.  I found people to talk with, I smiled for the camera and I grunted when i saw a rolling hill... WOOHOO! I saw the colored overpass bridge and I knew the end was near.  Once I reached the gate of Camden Yard I knew I only had about a quarter mile to go... Time to smile for all the cameras and hoping Rich was at the finish to see me... Leaving Camden and running thru the parking lot of M&T Bank I saw the finish line, and just beyond it I saw RICH!!! WOOHOO!!! I couldn't wait to finish. Part of me wanted to cry part of me wanted to pass out... I did neither and finished strong.  I beat Dave's predictions by over 15 minutes... I did it!! I am now a Marathon Runner!!!

After getting my Medal's and food, I finally found Christin and Dave and there was my Guinness!!! Yes what a way to finish a race!!!

 

   

Official Time: 5:31:51