Pictures of 'The Race'

I did it. I ran 13.1 miles and didn't die. I even did it in my goal time (2 hours 30 minutes) which wasn't a sure thing, because when we ran 11 miles it took us 2 hours and 16 minutes, and when I ran 12 miles last Saturday I made up some time, but still 'only' finished in 2 hours 22 minutes. So, I'm pleased to have reached my goal in regards to time. My goal in weight loss hasn't been reached whatsoever, though. I haven't lost a single pound since training for the half-marathon. My conclusion: my body likes being fat. Period. It's the same old story. But, it has always been incredibly hard for me to lose any weight - even when I work out tons, eat less, eat healthy...nothing happens. I seriously have to go to extremes. I guess I should have tried a marathon instead. Anyway, I digress.

Soooo, we finished, and I was pleased, even though I wasn't in as good shape as I was last Saturday. But, considering that I've been working out pretty hard on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and that yesterday was crazy, and that we got up at 4.00 am etc. it's probably not half-bad. It was fun seeing a little of Indianapolis and having people cheer you on and think you're doing something hard. The weather was also just perfect, with no cloud in the sky and mild temperatures. And it was particularly nice to have Henry and Sophia wait for me at the 12.2 mile mark, when I was definitely in need of someone to cheer me on. I'm proud to say that even though I thought I may have to walk (like a lot of people did the last few miles, except for the crazy marathon freaks who sprinted past all the half-marathoners and finished before us all...) I sprinted the last hundred feet or so. I hope they caught that on camera. Henry wasn't fast enough. :) Hence, no pictures of me crossing the finish line. Really though, it was a fun and cool experience, and I'm pleased that I achieved this and really grateful to Henry and Sophia to have been such fantastic support. My only regret is that I didn't order my t-shirt one size bigger. Large ended up not fitting me, and that's sad because they actually gave you a really cool, fitted, Puma T-shirt. :( So sad... I basically paid $60 for that thing.

Well, here are the pictures now. I also included one extremely horrible picture of me - just for all of you who think I'm just sooo exaggerating on some of my freakish appearances. Let this convince you that it's not all pulled out of thin air. I've beheld some very hideous appearances of myself. See for yourself though.

Minutes before the race started

Walking towards the starting line

And we're off...

Part of the monument after which the Marathon is named, and some of the kids

all the babies, waiting for their running mommies

Here is one running mommy (and yes, I certainly outran that granny)

Right after the finish line. I had to rest for a second because I sprinted so hard I was dizzy when I stopped running

Sure glad all that running is over!

All of us girls after the race

Relaxing a bit...this is the hideous picture I mentioned... I mean, a picture is worth a 1000 words, right?

Why running a marathon may be worth it at all - free massages afterwards!