Houston Marathon

"26.2 miles...because 26.3 would be crazy!"

-One of my favorite spectator signs

I DID IT! Chevron Houston Marathon complete and words can't describe how amazing it felt! I took off work today to sleep, relax and get a massage but was up at 3 so hopefully a nap is in store for this afternoon!!

"Sometimes it's surreal out there, while you're running a marathon. People just standing in the cold, even the rain, cheering for you, blasting music for you. It's an awesome show of camaraderie and community"

-John Roberts

Well God is faithful and provided with great weather! I know many prayers were lifted due to all the reports of thunderstorms. We were receiving emails saying the start may be delayed or the race even cancelled and I began to freak! Thankfully, there was a pretty steady sprinkle throughout the day that was just enough to keep us cool without any signs of lightning!! Clearly it was overcast so the sun wasn't in our eyes and a light breeze that helped ease some of the intense sweating that normally occurs! Perfect for runners...spectators on the other hand did not feel the same but how encouraging to have a quarter of a million people standing on the side cheering (especially the lime green "Team Megan" shirts!!) Our bibs had our names so many people specifically cheered for you, what a motivator!

"Marathoning provides you with a unique challenge. It pushes your body to its limits, but above all, it challenges you to come to terms with yourself, your fears and your strengths. Through the process you gain a deeper knowledge of yourself, if you are prepared to look"

-Gary Elliott

I actually ran the opposite race of most. The first 13 miles were brutal-I thought it would be less painful to remove my own knee with a spoon-but after popping one too many Aleve they pretty much went numb and the half-marathon check was a turning point! I started feeling great and was pushing my self faster each mile. I started slow (freaking out because I was logging 11:30) but was at a 10 minute pace by mile 20 and finished the last 2 at 7:30!! While everyone hit there wall at mile 20, I got a second wind, passed 150 people and had 0 pass me!! Great feeling :)

"There are few experiences in life in which my physical and psychological abilities are as sharply defined as they are during a marathon training and racing...The training and racing experiences have shown me sides of myself that I never knew existed. I've found perseverance, an ability to focus, stubbornness, compulsiveness, bravery, organization, a sense of humor, and a capacity for unbridled joy"

Words can't describe the feeling of pushing your body past what you thought was possible and crossing that finish line. I couldn't stop smiling and actually walked away dancing from the excitement and adrenaline. I could not have done it without my family's support! My brother asked me 5 minutes after if I was up for another and without 2 second thought I had a sure-fire "YES". Woodlands Marathon, March 2012 :)

Megan