I MADE IT!!!!!!!!!!!

It's official—i made it! Obviously my main goal was to "beat the bridge" at mile 20—they opened the main bridge into DC back up after 5 hours—and I did it! Just barely though, I had to sprint the last half mile to make it there in time. But I made it!!! No loser bus for me! But then it took me 2 hours just to get through the last 6 miles because I was hurting so bad. I was literally limping the last 6 miles, and my mom walked the last 3 miles with me and Andy and Amy walked the last 0.3 miles or so with us. So apparently I didn't "officialy" finish, you have to do it in 7 hours and I came in around 7:05 or so. (Haven't checked the official time yet.) But I don't care—I did it!!! Woohoo!

I had some AWESOME support along the way... so many people encouraged me along the training and I received so many well wishes and "good luck"s. And I had a cheering squad today: at various times, I saw my mom and Andy, both of Andy's parents, Amy, and Galen and Kelly. It means SO much to me that you guys were there, and I really appreciate it! Especially since it took me so freaking long. :)

So after a painful walk to the Metro (yeah, more walking even after limping all that way!) we took the Metro (crowded, but eventually got to sit down—for the first time since 6am!!) and hobbled to the car. I came home and took a long, super hot bath, and then took a nap, and then ate Papa Johns for dinner. And sometime soon, wedding cake! Yay! Happy Anniversary to us!!!

And so now, I can barely walk around my house. I have so many aches and pains, it's ridiculous. Some of them I expected, but some of them—like the roof of my mouth being raw from breathing through my mouth too much—well that's just random. Got some blisters but not too bad, none on the arch thank goodness. I think I had my shoes tied too tight the entire time, because those ligaments or whatever in front of your ankle are sore on both feet, and my left Achilles tendon is busted. Not for real, but it feels like it is creaking every time I flex my foot. And, I'm sunburned. Totally forgot/didn't even consider it. I don't know who said marathons were addictive—I'm NEVER doing that again!

I have to say, I'm really proud of the fundraising too. Thanks to everyone who donated money—we raised over $2000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help eradicate blood cancers! That feels just as good as finishing the marathon.

So what's next? I want to start swimming again, and am considering triathlons. I'm not sure how long an "official" triathlon is, but I know that they are held in all lengths. All I know is, I'm going to keep running at least a little bit—at this point 5 miles is nothing, so if I can keep that in mind, it shouldn't be a problem to knock off 2 miles at the gym even on the worst workday. :)

I MADE IT!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :)