I'm a marathoner!

Welcome to.....

For those who don't know, I started running in February 2013 after having our little ornery Declan. It was just to try and jump start my post baby weight loss. 

Even though I lost some all my baby weight and gained some back I realized running helped me in more ways that just  maintaining weight. It was something I can do on my own. Just me, the road and my thoughts. Therapy if you will. 

All the best race registration deals are at the beginning of the year. So New Years Eve I toasted to registering for my FIRST FULL MARATHON. 

I debated between Indianapolis Monumental and the Chicago Marathon. I chose Indy because people had said it was a great "newbie" route, pretty flat plus I figured more people would come and cheer me on, and that they did!

I won't bore with all the training runs but I will say, when, and yes, I said when I do this again I will be training a lot harder the next time.

Life happens and other things come up but I got out there and did what could do this time. Now that I know what to expect and now know how my body reacted, I will do things a bit differently. I haven't been running that long and I'm still getting to know this 39 year old body.

So leading up to November 1st, the girls at work have showered me with inspiring messages, showered me with gifts and really got my pumped up when I needed it the most. They carbed me up on Thursday with a great meal and wished me luck. 

In most big races you need to pick up your packet the day before. Which includes your bib number and your tech shirt that you get. So Aaron and I headed down to Indy after dropping our boys off with G'ma & G'pa. Checked out the expo, got my bib and headed to one of our favorite places to eat, Bucco de Beppo. Yum! 

Checked in the hotel, downloaded some tunes to my iPod and tried to get some sleep. I have been battling a cough/cold and of course couldn't shake it before my run. 

I got up at 4:30am, took a shower, and ate & ate. I'm pretty sure I consumed 700+ calories for breakfast! They weather forecast was a bit grueling, 20° and windy!!

 So layered up, called my sister and sister in law to see how close they were and headed down for opening ceremonies. 

Aaron walked me to my corral, and was greatly surprised to have gotten to talk with my cousin, the Ironman himself, for last minute advice. He made sure I had everything I needed and I tried to give him and Aaron an estimated finish time. 

Aaron and I had a plan for him to meet me at miles 11,17,23, finish.....bless his heart he biked all over that route chasing me and making sure I was okay. 

So we are off, a little crowded, tripping over clothes that people are shedding. I tend to run on the right, so I found a spot and got comfortable. I warmed up by mile 2.5 and there was my fan club so I handed off my fleece and hollared see ya later.

I took my salt at mile 3 to get in my system to help with cramping and it worked like a charm. Took a potty break at the split and all I could think about was  I am going straight, I'm doing this! 

The first 13 miles were good, pretty much on my pace.

Halfway.....

Miles 14,15,16,17 were pretty tough. I saw Aaron at 17, refilled my bottles, kiss and a photo opt..,

I was starting to hurt by this time, I stopped and stretched. I just kept moving!! 

Then at mile 18-19 I had the surprise of the day. MY GIRLS! 

I absolutely lost it, bawling and hugging them and just in awe that they came down to help me, push and cheer me on!

That gave me a great boost and pushed through then next few miles. Aaron and Jeff came and found me at 22 and hung with me for a bit, Aaron went on ahead to the finish and Jeff stayed behind me which helped push me too. 

Then mile 25 there they were, 

The best friends anyone could ever ask for.

Dawn ran at least a 1/2 mile and then they turned and headed for the finish.

And to top it all off the girls gave me a necklace! 

Engraved with "Indy" and the date. 

After the race we headed to Ram Brewery for lunch and drink to celebrate. 

Official results! 

You can do it, believe in yourself and trust in God.

I just really want to thank my #1, Aaron and my boys for being so supportive through all this training and being there whenever I needed you Saturday afterwards.  Also for allowing me to recover and doing everything you did to help me. I love you more and more everyday!

Thank you to my family, Susan, Tracy and Jeff for being there. It meant the world to me for you all to be there, to push and encourage me. 

I need to thank all my girls I work with for everything they have done, food, gifts, spending their day off in Indy and in the wind and cold!

And to all my family and friends everywhere, including FB. You all had my phone exploding! Thanks for the texts, cards, gifts, posts, likes and comments! 

2015 holds lots of goals! I'm turning 40 and I'd like to run 40 races between Oct 2014 and Oct 2015 and end with this race next year. 

Thank you for sharing in my experience!

                           Libby