First marathon is in the books!

Well its official! My first Marathon is in the books! I could not have asked for a better race. The event was organized very well and the race volunteers and the community of Lafayette was very supportive! I shared this amazing experience with my fellow Team Infinite Force member Autumn, who ran the half marathon and did an great job! The race began at 7 am sharp. The first few miles were nice and smooth and I made it a point to take it easy and not start off fast. By mile 7 I was still staying with much of the half marathoners in front and started to slow myself down to conserve energy. Before I knew, the first loop was coming to an end. It was mile 13 and I started to feel my body begin to fatigue. I started to take advantage of almost every aid station to make sure I stayed Hydrated. I also grabbed some Guu and bananas as I continued forward. By mile 19 I was in bad shape. My calf muscles were cramping up on me and my legs tried to give out on me a few times. I almost face planted at one time, but luckily, I caught myself by the tips of my toes. The last six miles were like a dream to me. I kept moving and it seemed like the last few miles were slowly creeping by. But before I knew it, I saw the marker that said mile 25! I was almost there! I pushed myself to tackle this last mile and used whatever energy I had left that I had conserved. At last, I saw the finish line! I winced in pain and felt like I was running with a limp, but I got one last dose of adrenaline and ran to the finish line with everything I had! I was finished! I could not believe it! I had finished a marathon! After the race, we headed over to the post race party and grabbed some free food. Even after I got home later that night, I had to look at my medal and remind myself that this was real! I enjoyed this experience and it challenged me in ways that I was not prepared for. But I arose to the occasion and finished strong! Now I look toward the future to the next one...