Smiling for 26.2

I did it! I did this thing!

Pink socks and lobster rolls, 5 miles to the finish. Photo by Darren Stone

I truly can't believe I ran a marathon on Sunday. A full marathon, 26.2 miles, in the relentless pouring rain. It was fun, it got hard, I had an incredible support system of friends and a husband who ran from mile marker to mile marker (did I mention IN THE RAIN) to cheer me on.

I am so humbled and grateful for the whole experience: From the first training mile to the steps across the finish line.

It's strange, too, how you wake up the next day and life just goes on: You have your breakfast, you take a shower, you maybe notice a little creak in your hips but otherwise everything is just normal. You haven't transformed into some ancient Greek hero; you haven't suddenly dropped that pesky last 5 pounds you've been trying to lose; you can't wear your finisher's medal around without looking like a schmuck.

But yet, you're different. You did this thing: You set a goal for yourself, you worked toward it, and you accomplished it. You are officially a stronger person today than you were two days ago. That's kind of amazing.

Thanks to everyone who supported me with notes, cheers, high fives, patience, donations, and most of all love. I couldn't have done this without some truly awesome people behind me.

Now where should my second marathon be…