After all of the fund-raising, training and hardwork of the last few months, I have completed what not so long ago I thought was impossible. I ran my first marathon!!!
It was the most amazing, challenging thing I have done my whole life and I could not be happier. ?
Last night I had the typical before race nightmares that had me tossing and turning all night. When the alarm went off at 3:45 I practically bounced out of bed and started getting ready.
Once I was put together, I was able to enjoy my pre-race breakfast.
I had a Whole Wheat Bagel with Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter & an Apple.
It was the prefect meal as always, that kept me going all morning.
At 4:30am we met the rest of our Team in Training group downstairs for a group picture.
I was all prepared and ready for my marathon.
And then we stepped outside to wait for the bus and was great with cold, wet mist.
It was FREEZING! I pulled my jacket out of my grab bag and was wishing I had something warmer to wear on my run. The more I thought about it, the more I knew it would feel great while I was running and to just suck it up.
I ended up turning the jacket in with my grab bag and was happy with the decision. I had just been planning on running with my cellphone and Flip Camcorder, but I didn’t feel quite finished taking pictures with my camera. I made the last minute decision to bring my camera with me, which ended up being a great documenting idea. I met up with Bobbi by the grab bag area and we made our way to the start.
Along the way we discovered free samples of Peanut Butter Puffins being handed out! We were sad when they said they would not be offered at the end of the race and didn’t want to eat them before the race.
Luckily later we discovered they were at the end and were able to stock up. ?
We were placed in Corral #13 for the start. We were smack dap in the middle.
There were thousands, upon thousands of people ahead of us…
And thousands, upon thousands behind us!
As the time ticked closer and closer the excitement inside of me was about to explode!
Finally the gun shot rang through the crowds and 35,000 runners from around the country made their way to the start line. Right when we started walking I got a text from my twin bro asking me to call him when I woke up. I started laughing and texted back I was running a marathon at the moment. Come to think of it, I never ended up calling him.
We finally crossed the start line a little over 5 minutes after the start and I was pleased to see the corral system had worked and everyone was taking off at a decent pace and there was not bottle necking at all.
The first 5 miles literally flew by! Bobbi and I held a strong 10:00 minute pace and gabbed the whole time. I honestly could not believe it when 5 miles had passed!
After exploring San Diego the past couple of days, I recognized most of the areas we ran by. I saw the Zoo, the Trader Joes, my hotel and we eventually circled back to where Derek and Bobbi’s friend were waiting for us around mile 7 in downtown.
My phone had drowned in my sports bra, so I gave him my cell, a quick kiss and continued on our way. It felt great to see a friend face cheering me along the way.
The Rock n’ Roll courses are known for their large selection of bands along the course.
At first it was great and there was literally a band every few blocks. However once we got into the higher numbers, when we really needed the bands I was sad to see none in sight!
As the miles started to tick by, I realized how great running with Bobbie really was. She is a ball of energy, that was always up for a laugh along the way.
And kept me up to date with her Twitter updates! I need an Iphone!
Did I mention we were able to take pics at the start line with her Iphone and upload them to Facebook before we even started! How cool is that?
When we passed the half mark I was still feeling fine. Everything was in tact, but the idea of still the same distance to finish really had be thinking. Luckily, along the race we had great luck running into people we knew to keep us entertained. I saw my TnT Coaches, a fellow teammate, Bobbi found a friend and we even ran into Amanda from Run to Finish.
She was running through an injury and unfortunately it started to really act up around mile 12. She ended up power walking to the finish and still ended up finishing in a great time.
As far as fueling for the race, I have to say I took everyone’s advice on what I needed to eat and thought I was all set listening to those. I was packed with Shot Bloks, Sports Beans and promises of free Gu on the course. But, when it came down to it, that is not what I wanted.
I started by taking Shot Bloks. I had a single shot blok three separate times up until the half. At the point we started running through the neighborhoods and I started leaning on strangers for some proper fuel. Along the way I had 2 orange slices, an ice pop and some watermelon.
I think the ice pop was honestly the best thing I have ever taken from someone in a race. It was cold, tasty and the prefect amount of simple sugars. I was pretty sad there was no other ice pops provided along the course. ? The fruit I took was also refreshing and I felt helped me way better then any enhanced shot blok or sports bean would do.
There were also 17 water stops along the way and I ended up taking water at all of them!
I think the excessive amount of water also filled my belly up and pushed me along. I felt great when I finished. I was not shaky, hungry or funny feeling. I guess in the end, what I did worked best for me.
All the essays I have been reading have stated that the marathon truly begins at mile 20 and they weren’t kidding! When I got to Mile 20 I couldn’t even begin to tell you how great I felt to come this far, but also how sick I felt that I still had so far to go. This was the time that a familiar face was needed and luckily Bobbi’s husband, aunt and uncle were waiting for us at the bottom of a particularly tough bridge to cross. We said our Hellos, gave a hug and were off again.
All of a sudden the race became a mental game. I walked a little bit and had to stop and stretch my legs quickly at one point. I felt my body start to tighten and want to break down. By now, time ceased to matter. I did not care when I finished, as long as I finished!
I won’t go into detail how torturous miles 23 and up were, but I have to say they were the toughest miles I had ever run. I just kept pushing, drawing into myself and zoning everything else out. When we turned into the Marine base I knew we were almost there. It took every bit of energy inside of my complete the last half mile. I thought of you guys, I thought of my sister and I thought of everyone else running the race. I could do this, I could finish!! I was a machine and I was not giving up!!
I looked for Derek who had missed us at the halfway mark and with all the people along the barrier I knew I was going to miss him again. Luckily at the last minute I saw him and managed to wave to the camera.
Bobbi had run up ahead to film my finish with the Flip camera (Video to come!) so I was completely on my own for the finish. I held strong and crossed the finish line with my arms up and pride in my eyes.
I did it! I really did it!!! I RAN A WHOLE MARATHON!! OMG! OMG! OMG!! And I am happy to say I finished it just under goal!
Official finish time: 4:29:46!
I felt great! But, I don’t think anyone warned me how much pain I would be in almost immediately upon crossing the finish line. As soon as my legs stopped, they became heavy and almost immobile. It was honestly the worst pain I had ever felt before! I literally stumbled my way out the shoot and loaded up on all the goodies they were handing to the finishers.
I grabbed a Forze Bar I tried yesterday and even though I was not hungry AT ALL, I ripped it open and had started chewing. Halfway through my stomach started to turn and I had to put it away. My body was no where near ready for whole foods at this point.
Since, my phone was now dead and gone, I was really afraid on meeting up with Derek after the race. Luckily, when I went to pick up my bag up, Derek was waiting for me next to the truck.
I wanted to collapse into his arms. I was tired, in pain and all I wanted to do was cry.
Bobbi’s wonderful husband was waiting for us as well in the family reunion area.
I only briefly met him o the course, it was great to actually be able to say more then two words without huffing and puffing.
I hobbled my way around the finishline and had to sit down to try to stretch it out. Let me tell you that was a very difficult position to get in and out of!
On the way back to the car, we discovered just how small the world it when Aron came running up behind me. She had ran with friends and randomly spotted us leaving the area.
Aron has such a happy, healthy attitude toward this blog and it was great to get to meet her one more time while we were in the same area.
My stomach started to feel back to normal at this point, so I dug into an Apple on the walk…
And a sample bag of Puffins back in the room.
After a quick hot shower and change of clothes, Derek and I went for a late lunch with Bobbi, her husband, aunt and uncle at the Old Town Mexican Café.
The place had a bit of a wait so we walked next door to buy some fresh warm tortillats for a $1.
I had one wonderful tortilla. It was warm, doughy and AMAZING!
In celebration of the marathon I began my meal with a Pacifico Cerveza.
A beautiful cold, refreshing beer! It was just what I needed! During the beginning of races I always crave a cold beer, but know if I were to have the ones offered along the course I would never make it. Having one at the end is always so satisfying. 🙂
I could decide what to eat so I ordered two items a-la cart.
I had 1 Spinach Enchilada A-La Carte with no Sour Cream
And the Grilled Mahi Mahi Taco with out the special white sauce.
They were both delish and I happily cleaned my plates! ?
To help push me through the race Bobbi reminded my of the Frozen Yogurt I could have afterwards. Trust me it helped! We met up with Amanda at Yogurtland in Little Italy so I could discover my first builf your own yogurt experience.
We don’t have build your own yogurt places in Florida, so this was a fun first for me. Basically you grab a cup and fill it with a mix of any yogurt and topping you want and then pay for the ounce.
This sounded like heaven to me! I had a mix of Vanilla Wafer Cookies n Cream &Peanut Butter fro-yo with Almond Slivers, Strawberries, Cheesecake Bites, and Chocolate Sprinkles toppings.
The only bad part was it went to fast. 🙁
After the Fro-Yo it was sadly time to say our good byes to Bobby and Amanda.
It was so great getting to know both of these girls in real life this weekend. I had an awesome time and just sad to see it come to an end. Both of these girls are just as amazing and easy to get along with as the appear on their blogs!
In the last 2 hours it has taken me to write up this blog post I have done absolutely nothing. In fact all I want to do is sleep! Tomorrow is going to an interesting full day of traveling that has me leaving here early in the morning and arriving back in Orlando in the evening. Booo…
On the plane I plan to work on the video Bobbi and I filmed during the race, so I hope to have it up s
It was a great weekend while it lasted and I want to Thank everyone again for their constant support during my marathon journey. I am a little sad to see that it’s over! Now I just have to find new adventures to go on!!
Good Night!!
{ 145 comments… read them below or add one }
WOW! Best post ever! I was enthralled by your descriptions and the pictures were great (especially the first one). Congrats on a great time! When’s your next marathon? (heh just kidding….kind of maybe)
That first picture is so great, Congrats on all your accomplishments!
That first picture!!! Best picture I’ve seen in a LONG TIME! Congrats again, Meghann!
great race, and amazing recap. I remember how painful my marthon was from 23-26! I remember fighting back tears!
PS LOVE YOUGURTLAND!
You’re seriously awesome, so glad it went well! I’m struggling to train for a 5K at the moment, but for some crazy reason your post has totally inspired me to run a marathon! Who knows, maybe one day? Congrats again!
OMG CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!! That is so exciting. It looked like a great trip. I LOVE reading first marathon stories that will be me in October. I am so proud of you guys and that is awesome you had Bobbi to run with. Looks like you had fun and congrats on finishing any plans to do another 😉
Amazing! Great job 🙂
Congratulations! You did an awesome job and appeared to have a lot of fun too! Running a marathon is a HUGE achievement!
OMG What an inspiring post. I am fighting back tears while sitting at my desk. CONGRATULATIONS!
whooohooo! Congrats!
Congratulations and welcome to the Marathon club!!!Miles 20-26 are always so mentally challenging and physically painful. During my last marathon I remember thinking – “Childbirth can’t hurt anymore than this.” Hehe. But the feeling of finishing makes it all worth it 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!
Congratulations!!! I can only imagine how great it felt to finally cross that finish line! What an achievement!!!!
This was so exciting to read! I linked to it the second you put it up on Facebook. haha
CONGRATULATIONS!
Awesome job!! Be so proud of yourself. Rest up and enjoy the marathon glow.
I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!! You did so good!!! I was thinking of you all day yesterday and keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Congratulations! I am SO proud of you!
congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you are amazing!!!!!! the pic of you and derek is so beautiful – you look accomplished!
OH MY GOSH! Congrats Meghann! That is so freaking exciting! You looked adorable. Glad you enjoyed it. You rock and are such an inspiration
Wow, how inspiring! I am planning to run my first marathon this December and seeing how far you have come since you first started running has really inspired me! I know if you can do it, I can too! Congratulations. 🙂
You went to Yogurtland! YES!!!! I went to a different one later that night. I’m officially obsessed.
And congrats on the run!!
your marathon recap is AWESOME! i can only imagine the feelings you felt once you crossed that finish line.
to see how far you have come with running and fitness is truly remarkable!
you are such an inspiration 🙂
Congrats Meghann!!!!! You did a phenomenal thing and for such a wonderful cause! I’m so incredibly excited for you… I can only hope one day to run a marathon.. lol after two half marathons the furthest thing from my mind is running another 13 miles… you are such a motivation and inspiration 😀
congrats cant wait to see the video, safe flight home!
Congrats! I hope your legs are doing okay today, I heard the day after is even worse. I was trying to watch the finish line live on the internet, and i think I saw you come through but I wasn’t sure, I just saw the turquoise skirt. Congrats on finishing strong!
Congratulations!! I knew you could do it! 🙂 I can’t wait to see the video!
CONGRATULATIONS! What an awesome time and an amazing race!!
Congrats!! Can’t wait to see the video. Safe travels.
CONGRATULATIONS! you are a true inspiration and makes me want to run a marathon one day. You’re amazing!
Wow…def got the knot in my throat after reading this one. I was at the finish line handing out the wet towels, and I was looking for your and Bobbi around the time I thought you would finish but it was so crazy. I am SO happy for you…after seeing all the runners cross the finish, I decided, “these people are nuts” but then again you know that better than most!
For the rest of your life, you are going to be able to say, “I ran a marathon” and that’s really, really cool. I’m really glad I got to hang out with you a little on your special weekend 🙂
CONGRATS, MEGHANN! 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS!!! This is something you will remember for the rest of your life – GREAT re-cap!!!
you did outstanding for your first marathon – congrats to you – you have to feel SO proud. and great recap – really enjoyed reading it!!! 🙂
Congratulations!!! I’ve been looking forward to this post all weekend! Glad you had such a great time! Safe travels!
Congratulations!
Congrats Meghann! You are such an inspiration, you have no idea! Thank you for being so honest in your post about how challenging the race really was. I can’t wait to see the video!
Also, you hair is getting looooong, Miss Lady!
Congratulations again!
congratulations megan 🙂 you ran a full marathon…wow, not many people can say they have accomplished that! your an inspiration 🙂 have a safe trip home!
CONGRATS!! i loved reading this… it made me so excited for the day when i’ll do that 😀
so proud of you and so happy for you… what an amazing accomplishment
xoxo
I knew you would do it! I followed you throughout the morning yesterday, all while wearing my jammies!
Congratulations and have a safe trip back home. 😀
CONGRATS MEGHANN! you did such an amazing job, I am so very proud of you – you are a great inspiration to the blogging world! LOVED all the pictures, and i can’t WAIT for the video! 😀
Great post, Meghann and GREAT JOB on the marathon! It was great to read about your adventure.
Congratulations to the nth degree!! I cannot even tell you how much I enjoyed this post. I even started tearing up at one point. God I’m such a woman, haha.
congratulations!!!!
CONGRATS! Granted I don’t know you in “real life” but I have to say I am so proud and inspired by your marathon experience! i have been considering doing Team-in-Training for the Women’s Nike marathon, and reading this post has helped me make my decision.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that’s SO amazing 🙂 I recently signed up to run the Disney marathon in January! So I’m gonna need ALL the help I can get with training 🙂
Congrats! You are such an inspiration and you did SUCH an amazing job! 🙂
I loved this recap. Makes me want to get out of bed in the morning and run run run!
Congrats! You are such and inspiration!
OH MY GOD!!!! Did I choose the right day to FINALLY check in or what/!?!? I’ve missed blogging & checking in on my fav blog-yours:) It obviously looks like you’re doing fab so I’m not even going to ask. Happy june! I hope you are resting like no other today & eating carby goodness rewards;)
Congrats!!!!
Congratulations! Are you ever going to do another one??
Delurking here to say Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off. You are so encouraging to would-be runners and a real inspiration to everyone! Thanks for bringing your readers on this journey with you!
Aww, you did so awesome!! Congratulations, you ARE a machine!
Such a fun race report! You did a great job, I’m happy that everything went so well!
A-MAZING! The pictures were great! How awesome was it to have a friend to run with?!
YAAAAYYY!!! I love your recap! I feel so inspired 🙂 Congrats, you did awesome!!
that is an awesome recap – thank you for putting your time into this! Congratulations on finishing and meeting your goal!!! Amazing 🙂
Meghann,
I just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS on your first marathon. (I know I’m the last person you’d expect to be writing you right now) but I’m currently training for my first as well and welcome any advice, tips, or info. I have been reading the Eat, Live, Run blog for about 1 year now and I decided to check out some other blogs that Jenna recommends and was surprised when I stumbled upon yours. I just want to tell you that what you are doing is a wonderful things and that I hope you know you are an inspiration to many people out there who follow your postings. Congrats on everything that you’ve accomplished! Keep up the good work!
All the best,
Jennifer Owens-Lea
Love the first picture! Congrats on an awesome experience!
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this recap post! You did a wonderful job covering your journey – and of course, actually running the marathon!! Hope you are feeling ok today – take it easy on yourself and make sure to get up and walk around on your flight home!!!
awesome recap! amazing job!
maybe one day I will be able to do a full marathon. my half this weekend was tough for me, but you inspire me to maybe one day go for the gold!!
be so proud of yourself! congratulations!
Wow – what an accomplishment! Congrats!! 😀
I had such an amazing time with you this weekend, I wished you lived closer!!! I guess its my turn to come out to Florida in do a marathon in your neck of the woods, love the recap, stole a couple pics 😉 posting mine right now!!! Safe travels dear 🙂
That is a serious accomplisment – running a whole marathon?? CONGRATS Meghann!!!! Hope the plane ride back isn’t too painful on your muscles.
So…when’s the next one? 😛
Meghann,
Wonderful documentation of the race. Again, I’m so proud of you, and it looks like you totally enjoyed every minute of the race!
So, will run another one? 🙂
An embarrassing side-note…last time my husband and I went to our local build-your-own yogurt place, it costs us over $15. We are fro-yo pigs! 🙂
Meghann,
Wonderful documentation of the race. Again, I’m so proud of you, and it looks like you totally enjoyed every minute of the race.
So, will run another one? 🙂
An embarrassing side-note…last time my husband and I went to our local build-your-own yogurt place, it costs us over $15. We are fro-yo pigs. 🙂
Congratulations, Meghann! What a huge achievement. Your progress is an inspiration – it makes me want to be a runner (I am a steep hill walker). In fact, I am beginning to formulate a build-up on elliptical to work knees up to running plan… Thanks for the inspiration – in the kitchen and on the road. 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS Meghann! I was cheering for you all of Sunday! You did an amazing job, and it sound like you had fun while doing it. What a great marathon experience!
seriously how small is the world? I cannot believe we ran into you guys!!! I need to update mine with that pic 🙂
CONGRATS again!!! you did amazing and I hope you enjoy all your post marathon soreness today 🙂 I think its like a medal in itself. have a safe trip home and I hope we can run into each other again sometime!!!
CONGRATULATIONS Meghann! You should be soooo proud of yourself – you did it, you really did! That was an amazing recap and post. I can’t wait to see the video.
You are amazing and so inspirational!!!
Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment!!! Your blog is inspiring. I am ready to kick in to gear my training for my first 1/2 in SF at the end of July. I never thought I would do more than a 5K.
congrats on your first marathon!!!!
you did great!!!!
You are so adorable! this is the first entry ive read!
Thanks for the awesome race report and sharing all of your pics 🙂
Can’t wait to catch up on some of your past posts!
I have been reading your blog for a long time now and just wanted you to know that I followed you the WHOLE WAY during the marathon. Except for when I was out on my run. 🙂 Congrats and you did and amazing job!
Steph from Buff-Bride
CONGRATULATIONS! I am so glad that you had such a wonderful experience!
Thank you for sharing so much of your wonderful (and inspiring!) journey with us!!!
Your journey has been so inspiring! Right after reading your post I contact the local TNT group and am attending an info session tomorrow!
You did such an amazing job! That really is an outstanding time, especially for your first.
And I agree with you, the bands would have been MUCH more helpful towards the end, than all concentrated at the beginning.
CONGRATULATIONS! I am so glad that you had such a wonderful experience!
Thank you for sharing so much of your wonderful (and inspiring!) journey with us!!!
Beautiful recap, Meghann! I got all teary as you entered the higher miles. We are all so proud of you and what you’ve done for this cause!
You are STRONG!
Rest up!
Congrats on your first marathon! I really enjoyed reading the recaps from you & Bobbi. It took me back to my race days! Kudos!
Call me crazy but I would love to hear the “details” that you left out past mile 20!! As someone who is training for their first half, and hopefully someday a full marathon I would LOVE to know what i’m in for lol…
Congrats! Love this post!
i love this recap!! i’m so glad that you guys actually had fun during the race, too! so great that it worked out to run with bobbi, and that giant froyo was such a perfect motivation tool. congratulations, meghann!!!! i hope your legs can get back to normal soon 🙂
CONGRATS!! It looks like you had a great race and a fun time running! I think it’s awesome that you were able to run with fellow bloggers and share the whole experience! Enjoy the post marathon rush!! 🙂
Call me crazy but I would love to hear the “details” that you left out past mile 20!! As someone who is training for their first half, and hopefully someday a full marathon I would LOVE to know what i’m in for lol…
Congrats! Love this post!
I love this post! That first picture of you is priceless.
congratulations! you’re seriously such an inspiration. I want to run one now lol. awesome job!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! How many ounces at Yogurtland did you have?
congrats girlie :)!
free pb puffins?! sign me up!
congrats girlie :)!
free pb puffins?! sign me up!
Wow Meghann, congrats!! You did a great job and I am so glad you had a great time & finished under your goal! Seriously so inspiring! Glad you got to enjoy serve yourself yogurt while you were in CA- those are my absolute favorite!! Great job again & you should feel super proud!!
CONGRATS!!!!!!! 😀
Congratulations! You are so inspiring, I can’t believe you ran for 4 and a half hours! That seems crazy to me, when I can’t even run a few minutes without stopping! lol it was lovely to read about your running journey the other day though and to see how you progressed. Well done, and this was lovely to read, you look so happy in all the pictures 🙂
Congratulations! What an accomplishment! This was such an inspiration to read, along with the previous post about your running story.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! So happy for you 🙂
CONGRATS!! This was an amazing post and YOU are amazing! Looks like you had an great time as well so glad you enjoyed yourself! I am training to do a 10K I cannot imagine running a marathon! You are truly inspiring! Looking forward to your finishing video!
Wow-congrats!
Love the recap. Congrats!!!!
CONGRATS!!! You are seriously amazing! After a half marathon, I know how tough running 26.2 probably is! I’m so psyched for you!!! 🙂
How exciting! Congrats on your first marathon!
congrats!! that must have been so exciting. and that is so nice of bobbi to run with you the entire time! i read her recap too, sounds like she did a great job “coaching” you!
so impressed with your accomplishment. great job!
Great job Meghann! Take some time to relax and soak up this amazing accomplishment!
Fantastic recap and congratulations on your very first marathon! I’m running a half in September so you are truly inspiring!
Get some R&R!
Congrats! You did such a great job! Your post really reminded me of my experience running a marathon, the last 6 miles are KILLER and it is nice to know that you and all other marathoners know how difficult it is. I almost started crying remembering how difficult it was and what a mental fight it is! I am signed up for my second one, the Twin Cities Marathon Oct 4 and I am beginning to get a little nervous (already for those last 6 miles!)
However the feeling at the end makes it all worth it and now you can tell everyone the YOU RAN A MARATHON!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations! What an amazing accomplishment! It is inspiring for sure. 🙂
Wow, Meghann – you have to be SO PROUD of yourself! It’s been so fun watching your running journey and seeing you acheive so many things. Congrats!!
HUGE congratulations!!!! You’re amazing!
Congratulations, Meghann!!!!!!!!! You are amazing! 😀
Yay! We are all so proud of you!!!! I was following your number by the hour 🙂
What a great accomplishment! Cheers
Meghann- To say I am proud of you is an understatement, you rock! You are such an inspiration to all of us and I am so excited as I push myself further with my own training. I hope to one day run a marathon like you! I even teared up a little bit with this post because I know just how far you have come and I am just so excited for you. You go girl!!
Congrats! I’m so glad you had a good time and were able to push through until the end. It’s great you got lots of pictures 🙂
Congrats on your finish!! : ) I am doing my first marathon in October and your blog is inspiring! Some days I ask myself…why am I doing this?? but looking back at this post Im sure will power me through! : )
Congrats girl! You are awesome and so inspiring!!
YaY Meghann!!! What a great accomplishment! You rocked that thing! 😀
congrats Meg!! what a journey this has been for you!! I bet that was an incredible experience, and thank you for all of the pictures along the way!! It was so fun to “feel” like we were on the race with you!! Can’t imagine doing that myself though!! Have a safe trip back home!
Congrats! I loved the recap! Hope to do it too one day, this is VERY inspiring!
Congrats on finishing the marathon and under goal Meghann! That’s so awesome and such a great accomplishment that not everyone that wants to can say they have done! It’s been great reading along and feeling your real emotions. Now what’s next to accomplish right?! 🙂
Oh Meghann I am so happy for you! I know you worked your bum off! I loved seeing you with the medal – classic! Also, I must say you looked awesome after running for 4.5 miles. Disney Marathon???
CONGRATS Meghann, I am beyond proud of you! You are so fabulous and you are capable of ANYTHING. This shows it! Congrats, again 😀
Awesome job! I’ve loved reading about your training, fundraising, and now your actual race! Congrats on finishing it and in an awesome time! Hope you’re recovering well! 🙂
Congrats on your first marathon! You did wonderful and it was such a good cause as well. So amazing and inspirational!
You should be SO proud of yourself! You are amazing and an inspiration to me who is running her first 5k this coming weekend!
Is that how the burrito looked when it came out too?
Congratulations, Meghann! You are so amazing and truly an inspiration! You should be sooooooo proud of yourself!
AMAZING! CONGRATS!! HUZZAH!!! I can only imagine the feeling of accomplishment. May your high last for days to come. 🙂
OH MY GOD! Meghann, I’m so proud of you. You are proof that you can do anything you put your mind to. I can’t believe how determined you are and how far you’ve coming since you started your journey to weight loss and better health. Seriously amazing. High five baby!
enjoyed reading your race report and pics….great job on the race, you should be very proud…
A hearty congratulations on your first marathon, Meghann! I think it’s awesome that you’re smiling and looking so happy in all of your photos.
CONGRATS MEGHANN !!That is a phenomenal accomplishment! You’re such an inspiration 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS Meghann!!! I was in Florida this weekend and thinking of you on marathon day! I’m so impressed and proud…you rocked it!!! 🙂
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.
I don’t even know you in real life but I’m so proud!! 🙂 Way to go!
ugh this is amazing! you are truly so inspiring and beautiful!!!
congrats girl!
Congratulations, that is freaking amazing!!! Also, hubby and I went to Old Town Mexican Cafe on our honeymoon in SD, it was delicious 🙂
What a great post. Thanks so much for the detailed recap, you really put into words what running a marathon would feel like.
Congratulations! You’re amazing!
And that frozen yogurt place is the coolest thing – It sounds like heaven! Thoughts of that place would definitely help get me through a race!
Meghann,
This past week I’ve totally fallen off the wagon with my training for the Chicago Marathon. I was seriously doubting my decision to register for it.
This post was exactly the motivation I needed! Seeing how much fun you had and how rewarding it was for you to cross the finish line is definitely an inspiration for me to hit the trail again tomorrow. Congrats and thanks!
Alison
Congrats Meghann! This is an amazing accomplishment and I loved reading about it. I ran my first half marathon a week ago and now am so energized to get involved with more races (and possibly run a marathon). You have definitely inspired me!
Wow awesome and congrats! I have to thank you for posting these pictures. I was in the middle of training for this marathon when I got a knee injury and had to pull out about 1 1/2 months ago. Seeing those pictures made me smile and imagine what I have to look forward to in the future. It sounds like an amazing race…CONGRATS AGAIN!
Bazillion congratulations Meghann!!! You’re amazing!
Congrats!!! What an accomplishment…and good choices on the post-race food…I love mahi-mahi!!!
Wow! I loved your re-cap. Reading your blog has inspired me to take up running a few months ago. I just finished a 10K and plan on a half marathon in Sept/Oct. Thank you for continuing to inspire me. I am so proud of your accomplishment!
You did it! Congrats! After reading this post I really want to go for a run now (but its 90 degrees out so its more likely I’ll do yoga, haha). I don’t think I’ll ever run a marathon but you and Bobbi have really inspired me to keep running, she seems like a really neat girl 😉
OMG I’m so inspired by your running history.
CONGRATS!!!!
I totally tracked you and Bobbi all day!
CONGRATS MEGHANN! I am so proud of you! you are such a great inspiration to me!
Congratulations! You did awesome. I am so happy for you! (and thanks for posting you running story earlier; it’s very good to know you started with 2 mile runs…)
Congrats!!!! 26.2 is farrrrr!
Congratulations on doing something so fantastic and for such a wonderful cause too!!!!!!!
The blogosphere is proud of you! 😉
Hi! I just found your blog tonight through this post! I am attempting to train for my first marathon and this post was amazing, like I could live it with you! Great pics and story. Thanks for the inspiration!!