Toenails in Exchange for a Medal

For reason still unclear in my mind, several months ago I registered with Anna for the STG marathon. I started following a training program, ran a 1/2 marathon, and then I just kinda stopped... I got busy with school, and running 18 miles on a saturday just really didn't sound appealing. So I didn't do it.

 Not really the best idea if you're going to run 26.2. 

I decided to compensate for my lack of training by utilizing the "shorter the shorts, the faster you run" theory. My shorts were very short. But the girls at lululemon assured me they looked great. And if the girls at lululemon started a cult, I would join. No questions asked.

The marathon itself was quite the experience, it definitely exposed the depravity of man. At the start line, anna and I went to go get a cup of water at an aid table. I noticed jars of vaseline on the table when a man came up, got some and proceeded to go to town lubricating his "swimsuit area." I mean really, you can't walk a few feet away, turn your back to people, show some semblance of modesty? Not to mention the innumerable men using the side of the road as a bathroom.... Boys are gross.

{glitter headbands give you magical powers}
I'm not gonna lie, several miles were pretty much the worst experience of my life. Mile 16 for some reason had me questioning whether life was even worth living. Rather than getting in a rescue van, I thought about throwing myself in front of it. But I didn't. I ate another delicious GU and carried on.

The last 10k I kinda fell apart. The 4 hour pacer passed me, and I was not happy. I tried to catch back up, I really wanted a sub 4, but eventually decided to forget that and just focus on not dying. A worthy cause. 

Overall, I'm glad I did it. Anna  ran in 3:47, more than an hour faster than last year, and got 3rd in her division. I want to be her. 

Our family is awesome. They made jazzy posters, got us balloons, and cheered us on! 

Brandalee brought over a giant bag of peanut butter m&ms and a cafe rio gift card the night before. My fastest miles I can attribute to the motivation of being one step closer to a pork tostada and my mom's forehead kisses...

{proper recovery = (2) big gulps of diet coke + a really painful icebath}

I generally try to avoid shameless bragging, but I am proud of myself. My 4:08 time isn't quite what I had hoped for, but I pushed hard and didn't give up.
 Plus, there is always next year. Maybe.....