As I sit on my couch eating a bag of candy corn (must eat ALL the food), it’s time for the recap. All in all, it was an amazing day for a run around our nation’s capital. I picked up two Marine hugs and more than 50 Marines high-fives (and approximately the same number from random children along the course). I was hit in the face by a licorice stick, well the guy was trying to be nice but it’s hard to steer when you’re tired from running the previous 23 miles. I unfortunately sacrificed at least 2 toenails to the marathon gods and I knew it since mile 13 (ouch)…note to self- tie your shoes tighter next time, Alison. I also have a bone to pick with the folks who measured that course because as you can see in the photo, my gps watch said it was 26.83 miles…hmmm.
It never ceases to amaze me how many people come out to cheer for total strangers on a cold October morning. These people, who I will never meet and therefore will never get to thank, kept my engine going especially in the last 2 miles when my IT band and foot blisters were screaming “for the love of God stop!” If it wasn’t for that bathroom break at mile 7, I surely would have broken 4 hours but I couldn’t be prouder of my 4:02 time.
Then, after I finished, I pulled out my phone to double-digit Facebook notifications and texts from many friends and my family wishing me luck and offering words of encouragement. I am truly grateful for each and every one of you.
Now if you’ll excuse me it’s time to eat lunch (again).
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