It's finally here! Marathon Day in Mount Desert Island... Acadia National Park, Maine
See... I told you I'd run for a view. I think the smile really says it all. For me, getting back to marathon distance as a really big deal. I'd promised myself on Last-day-of-chemo-eve that I'd run another marathon and I did. It took me 18 months, but I got there.
For me, it was about being alive again. About feeling strong. About being my pre-cancer self.
Plus, LOOK AT THE VIEW! So worth it. I will admit, it was the hilliest 5 hours and11 minutes / 26.2 miles I've ever run. Still worth it. Miles 21 to 25 were a single hill non-stop, Still worth it. Mile 26 was downhill.
At the finish line, my two girls jumped onto the course and crossed holding my hands. Then I got a lobster claw medal. When I finally sat down I started to cry. I was tired. This was a big deal for me. My youngest daughter said, "Mommy, why are you crying? You won a medal! Here you can use my sleeve to wipe your tears."
Then we all went and ate SO MUCH FOOD! MMMMMMM chowda
Just keep swimming.