26.2

i've learned enough in my life to know that it doesn't really pay to plan out the rest of your life. that being said, there are a handful of things that i want to do before i die. and running 26.2 miles with 45,000 others was one of them. CHECK.
i've spent the past few months very much devoted to the training program. i didn't go overboard, but i did spend hours and hours a week running longish distances. it was definitely rewarding to even complete the training process, but nothing compared to the actual race, where i ran a whole 6.2 miles longer than i ever had in my life.
here are the facts:
more importantly, i went with 3 other girls, and we all finished! my stated goal was 5 hours, my REAL goal (that i didn't dare tell many others) was 4:45, and my "best case possible scenario" was anything under 4:40. i ran the race in 4:44, so i was under my goal and not too far from what i thought was physically possible for me in the best of circustances. and it wasn't exactly best circumstances: it was in the 30's all day, and at mile 18 or so my knee started to hurt unlike it ever has before. given all that, i was happy to finish under 4:45 and 22,150th place of 45,000. (BEing in the top 50% is always my goal in any race)
at any rate, i am glad to have it behind me, and have truly been overwhlemed at how encouraging my friends and family members have been. many have called or written to say good luck or congratulations and that means so much to me.


in other news, while in chicago i also visited (for the first time) the bean in millenium park. i've been to the city more times than i can count, and had never been. so, we'll check that one off the list as well. it was a preeeetty big deal.