Jennifer is a MARATHONER!

What a day! Today I completed the Dallas White Rock Marathon. It was a very difficult race - but I did it!

The first half of the race was awesome, even thought I didn't quite feel good the entire race. It just wasn't a good running day for me. Things quickly fell apart at mile 19, where my legs and hips just cramped up on me. But, Lindsey ran with me from mile 17 until the end and I really needed her support and encouragement. Shannon came out and cheered me on at various points throughout the route, and it meant the world to me. My final time was 4:56:57 - not my plan "A" time, but my plan "B" time; and I'll take it!

So, our journey ends with all 3 of us as MARATHONERS! Considering we all embarked on this journey barely being able to complete a mile, I'd say we did pretty good. This experience has strengthened me physically, emotionally and mentally. I will definitely run another marathon.

Lindsey and Shannon are MARATHONERS!!!

Lindsey and I completed the Las Vegas Marathon on Sunday, December 6th. I was incredibly nervous, but we both completed the race!

And - wow - Lindsey is AWESOME! That girl finished in 4:40. A full twenty minutes faster than her planned time! She had negative splits the whole way and definitely demonstrated speed and endurance throughout the race. All with a smile! And how cool that she ran the whole race with her Dad!?!

My race time was a lot slower, but I don't care because I finished!!!! And the best parts were seeing my Dad and brother Patrick out on the course to cheer me on. It was cold, so it couldn't have been comfortable for them.

What a sense of accomplishment. There's something sad that my first marathon is over. But I can't wait to figure out what's next! For now, some well deserved rest and recuperating time.

GOOD LUCK TO JENNIFER - WHITE ROCK MARATHON IN 3 DAYS!!!!!

Last Training Run for Lindsey and Shannon

Sigh. Today was the last training run for the Vegas Marathon. It was the last time I have to get up at 5:15 am to run for this race (I'll be getting up at that time in 2 weeks when I start my traning for the Dallas Rock N Roll Half, but for now it's a nice thought). It was the last time I'll run with my awesome coach, Barabara - at least until next time we are in the same group.

I can't believe we are here already! I was looking through the older posts on this blog (in July and August) and we've really come a long way. I think we are all ready for the marathon. I know that Jennifer and Lindsey are strong and are gonna kick their marathons' butts! I know I can do it, albeit a little slower than they will.

I can't wait to check it out and take it all in. For now, good bye training runs.