Cowtown Marathon 2009

So here it is, proof that I finally did my first marathon...even though all of our readers were there in person! I just want to thank all of my family for coming out to support me in this.
It was quite a weekend...we drove in on Friday, checked into the Navy Lodge at the joint reserve base, ran down to the Expo, then headed to IHOP. Breakfast for dinner was delicious! The next morning we got up about 5:00 to head downtown amidst bitterly cold winds. By the time we made it to the starting area, I was quite shaken and admit to having second thoughts and shedding a few tears. Matt cheered me up in time to join the crowd of 1100 marathoners and many more half marathoners at the starting line.
The race itself went unbelievably well, despite some lost time at crowded port-a-potties and a little bit of tendon pain in my foot. I felt great when I saw Matt at mile 16, and still felt pretty strong at about 21.5 when I saw my parents & the kids. Despite strong winds and hills late in the course, I was able to increase my pace over the last 6-7 miles for a strong finish.

Here I am waving as we being to surge forward...

I'm headed over to hand off my jacket at mile 16.

Getting very close to the finish now...

While he waves, I pass him!

Crossing the line...

...and breaking down.

At least I got this shiny space cape.