run a marathon. check.

Remember this post?

Maybe not.  That's ok.  I'll fill you in.

I've always dreamed of being a runner.

On May 24, 2011, I wrote down that I wanted to one day run a marathon.  I will admit that at the time I thought the goal was lofty, and let's be honest, that it would never happen.

At one point in time I decided I was actually going to get a handle on running.  I was going to do this.  I was going to be a runner.  I figured I'd probably still never run a marathon, but a girl can dream, right?

I am horribly embarrassed to say that when I first started running I could not even run one mile without stopping.  Literally (a word that should only be used with careful consideration).

Eventually, it got easier.  I ran a few 5ks, 10ks and eventually worked my way up to a half marathon.  Then another.  Take note: do not sign up for races when you are still on the high of your most current race.  Or maybe do, sometimes we can all benefit from a little bit of delusion.

After my second half marathon I thought "You know what, why not?". And that was that.  Before I could worry and over analyze too much I went right to the SLC Marathon website and registered.  I registered for a freaking marathon.  #twentysixpointtwomiles

I had immediate buyers remorse and a pit of impending doom was slowly beginning to form in my stomach.

But I paid for it.  I had well over four months to train.  So I found a twenty week training program and got to work.

My training wasn't perfect.  I had slow days and fast days.  I had days that I made time for my runs and long runs that were skipped. I had friends that dropped me off at the top of canyons and awaited my phone call in case something happened.

Race Eve came.  I picked up my packet.  Wanted to cry.   Signed the mural for the victims of Boston.   Carb loaded with a friend and didn't fall asleep until the wee hours of Race Day.  I got to the start line, still entirely unaware of what I was actually getting myself into.

The start signal sounded and we were off.

Salt Lake graced us with rain.  The.  Entire.  Time.

But you know what?

I finished.

I had two of my best friends in SLC waiting to greet me at the finish line.