Dear Grandma,


I did it. 26.2 miles on foot. 4 hours 33 minutes and 28 seconds. Running all the while. It's an expericene I will never forget, one I will hold as a very proud moment forever, but also one I never plan to experience again. Don't get me wrong, it was a lot of fun and something I felt so proud to be a part of. 8 thousand people gathered to run, only 1300 of whom finished the full marathon. .. and I was one of those rare people. Although I prepared for 15 weeks for this day, there are definitely some factors that made it possible to complete. I didn't realize how important my family would be, it was my driving force to keep me going. As soon as I ran past them and their cheers faded away I would make a mental note of how far I would have to run before I would see them again. Every 2-3 miles we were given a break with water, ice or gatorade...or all three once I had gotten through 21 miles. And lastly, the NUMEROUS people over the age of 60 who were still making their way to the halway point as we were tackling our last six miles. I cheered on one man who told us he was 83 years old and was completing his 70th marathon. Even though the last 6 miles were a struggle I will never be able to explain, but people like this man gave me the encouragement to keep pushing forward.

Casey was the biggest help this weekend. My roomates were both having company, so he opened his house to my whole family. He made sure everyone got where they needed to be on time. He even helped my friend Blair so that she and her two little girls could come along, too. At the six mile point, he was running right beside me with a bag full of towels, back up music, and electrolytes. He knew how important this race was, how hard I had worked for it, and he was going to do whatever he could to make sure I made it to that 50 yard line. And. I. Did.

My vow to "never run another marathon" is already beginning to subside. It's amazing how quickly you forget the pain and remember only how fun it was or the way an accomplishment like this feels. I'll continue to run short races and half marathons for sure...they're just another day now, but if the day ever does come that I brave the "big one" again, it will likely be years down the road.



Miss Hannah turns two this weekend. My family is headed that way and although I want nothing more than to be there I am not able to get out of work on Friday and they are leaving Thursday. Once again, the real world gets in the way. You wouldn't believe the little character she has become. She definitely has figured out what it takes to melt the hearts of everyone and I would literally do anything for her.



Thank you for helping me live a dream ... for getting me through that finish line. It was so much more than making my legs move for 26.2 miles. It was keeping my head in the right place for 4 and a half hours. .. and for making me believe in myself to do something I never thought I was capable of doing, and now, I feel like I could fly!



I love you,

Kristen