Wow.
I just finished a Marathon.
I've been training for this since I moved to Arkansas and today I finished it.
Pretty amazing.
I learned a lot of things.
Like how to run without bending either knee.
Woke up at 6am after a night of dreams in which I missed the race due to various unbelievable events. Ate a pita pocket stuffed with peanut butter, bananas and honey and some coffee.
7am arrived at the race and walked around in the freezing.
Miles 1-6 pretty good. Very cold however, felt like 32 degrees according to the weatherman.
Bathroom stop- this was a mistake. This is when my right knee seized up and I began the hobble.
Mile 13 tried to fix a wedgie in another portapotty, discovered my underwear had ripped and I was essentially commando the rest of the race. Oh yea, and my left knee decided to call it quits here.
Mile 14- learned to run without bending my knees.
Mile 15- met Ingrid from California, on her 7th Marathon. She has 2 children and 4 grandchildren, the youngest of which is 15.
Mile 17- borrowed some aspirin from Ingrid.
Mile 20- Finally.
Mile 23- Saw one of the race vehicles drive by with two racers I had recently passed. Were they picking up stragglers?! Better pick it up!
Mile 25- Cheered on by a man in a kilt.
Mile 25.2- got some free lipstick
Mile 26- I could see John and Sarah
Mile 26.2- They ran out of medals and will mail one to me. Rats.
I practically have no blisters though and my knees feel ok until I try to use them. Nothing 5 days of naproxen can't fix!
Now I can finally get that 26.2 sticker for my car!
You are just plain awesome, Sam! What an inspiration -- dedication and perseverance and sheer excitement! I thought of you many times today and drove by a sport ute with a 26.2 sticker on the back. I told Matt, "Hey, Sam will get one of those now!" Ah, the things we will do for a sticker! But, man, how hard you worked for that sticker! Be proud, hero of mine! You rock!
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