And I would walk 500 miles...

I counted up my mileage from my 18 week training program and found I was just shy of 500 miles! Wow. So after running almost 500 miles, getting X rays in both knees, an MRI of my right knee, a steroid shot in my right knee, the possibility of a scope in the future, and attending physical therapy a couple of times a week for the past few months where I was diagnosed with patellar femoral syndrome & IT band syndrome & a possible meniscus tear, I was finally told it was time to stop running about 3 weeks before the marathon. 3 weeks. So of course, being the stubborn girl that I am, I ran it anyways and it was AWESOME! I felt great! My only regret is that I took it too slow. I kept waiting for the proverbial "wall" to hit and leave me totally dead but the miles kept accumulating and I had energy to spare. I think my last few miles were surprisingly my fastest and I finished feeling great, like I could have kept running! I finished in 4 hrs and 27 min, just slightly over a 10 minute mile pace. So now that I have one under my belt and know what to expect, I can't wait to run another and improve my time! I think I am hooked on running; ironic since I was the one who moaned and complained about my rugby team's 5 mile run each Friday back in high school:)

I'd like to say thanks to all of you who helped me on the way whether you babysat Jackson during runs and appts., gave me encouragement when I was stressed about my injuries, or offered a prayer on my behalf, I really appreciate it. Thanks:)

Me and the boys. Story of my life;)