10.12.2009

We Did It



We crossed the finish line TOGETHER, with 44,998 other runners and 1.4 million spectators, with smiles on our faces, and a few tears rolling down my cheeks.

So many emotions.. a day I will remember for the rest of my life.. one of the best days of my life.

3 years ago if you would've asked me if I would ever run a marathon I would've answered with a resounding "NO." I still have to pinch myself to realize that I can now say I've run 26.2 miles.

Seriously, I've never been on such a high in my life as when I was running. It was almost surreal. My mom, sister-in-law, friends, and family all came out to the race. I think they probably ran a half marathon by the time it was all said and done just trying to meet us at different points along the way!

Brian, I would not have wanted to share this experience with anyone else. I look up to you in more ways than you will ever know. If I marry someone who is half the man of you, I will be the luckiest girl in the world. Mom, you are my hero. Each time I write you I try to express my love and gratitude to you, but I never feel like it's even close. You are my rock. Luci, you are the woman behind it all. Thank you for your support, your encouragement.. you made this possible by sacrificing so much! Thank you for believing in us! Seeing you right before the finish line was one of my favorite parts of the race! Sara and Noodle, I felt like you were there the whole time. You were missed, but it was fun hearing Brian talking to you during the race =) To the Bunnies... you guys are so fun! I'm so glad you were there this weekend. Thanks for loving Brian and Luci so well. So many others came out to support us. We could not have done
it without you all. Coming out to the race meant so much to me. I can never thank you enough... Darryl and Kelly, Kimmy G, Aunt Tricia, and of course Grandmoo. Jerry and Priscilla, thank you for your support and letting me take a day off of work =) You guys were such a huge part of this!

And last but not least, Dad.. i felt like you were there running with me the whole time. I could hear you telling me to keep going and not slow down. In some ways I felt like you were my biggest fan there. I did this for you. I hope you were able to see Brian and I cross the finish line. We miss you greatly.

Am I sore? YES! I can barely walk up/down the stairs. Was it worth 6 months of training? YES! I recommend the program we did if you are thinking about running a marathon. I felt so prepared! Will I do it again? ask me in a week =) As for now, I'm going to attempt to do some recuperating so I can walk normal again.



(they had a painting outside of Niketown and had all of the runners names on the wall. it was so fun to see your name on it. you can't see mine, but yes, it is spelled correctly)


(this is my post-race outfit. didn't have my pants so I had to wrap the blanket they give you after the race around my legs b/c it was freeeeezing. surprisingly, it worked fantastically)


7 comments:

Unknown said...

WOW! So amazing Linnae!

Martha said...

you are inspiring me! we'll see how this half goes this year.. :)

Mollie said...

Congratulations Linnae!! So proud and so inspirational. Your blog is amazing. Congrats again!!

sanfojc said...

What an amazing experience!! I want to run in one so badly, but every time i hit 9 or so miles, I get tendonitis!!

When you get a chance, send me your training schedule at sanfojc@gmail.com.

I hope you are doing well, Linnae! I miss you! Congratulations on such an awesome accomplishment!!

Jessica

Margie said...

you have done it!!! i love the pics you sent me! i just can't believe all the people! awesome! i'm soooo proud of you!

Anonymous said...

what an accomplishment, linnae. congratulations!!

Unknown said...

Linnae, Congrats!! I'm just now reading this post and am inspired by how much you loved the Marathon. I was on a program, fell off when we moved to El Paso, and am starting up again with hopes of doing the Chicago Marathon next year. I'm nervous to commit and sign up! Maybe you'll be there again and can coach me through it. Hope all is well!