26.2 (barely)

Whew... Well I'm back in Raleigh after a crazy fun weekend in Ohio.  We saw lots of friends that I miss DEARLY and I absolutely loved getting to introduce the husband to "my Cedarville-world." My years at Cedarville were so formative and I had such a wonderful "Cedarville experience," so it was really important for him to meet the folks who had such an impact on my life! Loved every second of it. Definitely TOO short of a trip.

Race day was crazy. The weather at first was a little yucky, but it turned out to be decent running weather after about mile 8. Cool - not too hot or cold - and a little drizzle. Praise God for no thunderstorms!!!

Trashbags to keep us from getting soaked before the race...

Alicia and her husband Pat. Pat did the half and Alicia conquered her first full! WAY TO GO ALICIA!!!!!

This race was significantly more difficult for me in comparison to my first marathon in Raleigh. And if you think I'm just being modest, you can tell from my time alone. In raleigh, I finished in approx. 4 hrs. and 40 min. This time, I added an entire hour. Last time when I finished I was sore. This time, I'm in pain. Last time, I didn't walk except through water stations. This time, I walked at least 2 full miles after mile 21 and then when I did start running again, I was being passed by fast walkers. :) I even passed by a race medic and they asked if I wanted my leg wrapped (evidently I looked ridiculous while running/limping/gimping).

That's right. I was in the back of the pack, finishing with the elderly, injured, and the walkers.

But I finished.

This fella was such a good man... texting me... making sure I was ok... having friends shoot me texts. It was really encouraging to have family and friends communicating encouragement/prayers/support during those difficult miles. Especially when I was so disappointed with my time and race performance.

I'm thrilled that I finished, but what I'm MOST excited about is the $2500 that will go directly to water projects in Uganda through Samaritan's Purse. I loved being a part of Team Samaritan's Purse and am so excited about the work that they do! So THANK YOU to many of you who helped bring water to the Kihuura community. Your generosity far outweighs the joys of finishing a marathon. You made it worth every mile.

Tonight... the sweet Mister got me a deep tissue massage for some post-race body therapy and I can't wait!!!!!!!!! Seriously... I think I NEED it. And I'm fairly certain that if you saw me walking today you would agree. :)

Happy Monday!