I did it #Marathon

Finally a chance to catch my breathe and post about the Carlsbad Marathon!

I did it. I ran it. I finished. 4 hours and 42 min. Under 5 hours. PR’d my 10K and Half marathon splits. So I not only did it I rocked it for me!

I still can’t believe it.

All the week before I was worried about what the wear as the weather was just off. I was worried about what to eat- I don’t eat many carbs anymore in fact I haven’t had bread or pasta in months. So carb loading had me freaked. But it all worked out.

When we arrived in Carlsbad it was crazy weather. Rainy and heavy fog. In fact the airport was closed for awhile due to the fog.

We went out for pasta and ate through 2 loaves of bread at Marconi Grill. Oh my was that delicious!

I went out shopping and got another layer to wear on my run. I was ready. Early to bed. Early alarm.

The morning of the race it was cold and wet. The fog had cleared but no sun. The rain finally stopped about an hour in but the sun never shown. It might have been the most perfect running weather. I was dressed right. Smelling the sea as I ran along the Pacific Coast Highway…just gorgeous.

The only problem I can’t read elevation maps.

I was worried about mile 9…but what I didn’t realize is that the entire race was hills. Up and down. Up and down. My girlfriend who ran the race (3:35) with me said this was her 2nd toughest course and she has done 17 marathons! I have to admit the last few uphill miles were killers…

My lovebugs were in my ears the entire race…I love that my runtastic app lets them send me cheers and little messages from their computer back in AZ. So I had my fans with me the entire race.

When I saw the finish line the tears started flowing…yes no finish line photos for me. I was just overwhelmed. I did it.

A little over 3 years ago when we made the move to Arizona I started the couch to 5K program. Yes before that I was never a running. I would only consider running if I was being chased. 3 years later I have run my share of 5Ks, 10Ks, did 7 half marathons and 4 tris, and now a full marathon.  Never in a million years did I think this would be something I would want to do or accomplish. That is how far I have come. This is who I have become. I challenge myself. I have a family that loves and supports me in those challenges. I cross finish lines that were never in my thoughts. I cross finish lines hand in hand with my little lovebug. I love every single moment.

The icing on the cake was the next day when I got the results. Top 50% for my first marathon…I was proud enough but to know that I finished in the top 50 made me smile!

Never say never!