Now you get to read aaaaall about my second marathon

I decided, this year, to follow wise advice.

In the first 6 miles I passed NO ONE.  (This doesn't count anyone walking.)  It drove me crazy.  Excitement was high and I just wanted to bust free of the crowd with impressive speed and swan-like grace.  ...That's right.  -I told myself, Lindsay, save it for the last 6 miles.  Save it.

I walked through the water stations.  Just about 30 feet every 2-3 miles.  I took long steps and stretched and drank and pottied occasionally.  (To the gal who took for.e.ver. in the bathroom- you owe me 4 minutes.)

I enjoyed it.  (Much easier this year with the temperature in the upper 50's.  Last year it reached a stupid 84 degrees.)  I took time to wave and smile and thank the volunteers.  I cheered and applauded the local high-school band, playing under the bridge.  I chatted a bit with fellow runners.  I leaped and flailed when I saw my mom waiting at the turnaround.  I made a couple phone calls to share my good time.  I even savored the 2 hours of drizzle.  (Hey, it wasn't downpour!  And waaaaay better than heat.)

In the last 6 miles I passed EVERYONE.  Well, not everyone but by mile 20 I decided it was time to see what I got.  One runner at a time, I would focus on the person ahead of me and steadily pass them.  Thanks to holding back in the beginning I had a nice reserve of spunky energy and I should have kept track of how many I passed.  It was lots.   

But that's not what it's about, is it?

Last year I finished in 5 hours and 2 minutes.

This year....

..

...

(drum roll)

....

.....

4:21!!!!!


So I'm feeling stiff and stupendous today!  I have a strong, healthy body that let's me do cool things.  I have two COOLER THAN WHIP friends who worried that they wouldn't even finish.  Man, did they ever!  No prob!!  I have a magnificent mom who, while at my beckon call with cheers, snacks, pain killers and ice-cream, also ran out to join me for the last few miles.

I am blessed.

And tired.

g'night friends!