Thank you

Suzieqtwa, that's where I was hanging off the rail. I wanted to run that hill but had thought ahead that I wouldn't because I didn't want to push it breathing-wise. That was also the point where I think a few race volunteers got concerned. A few of them talked to me and I got the impression that hanging on the guardrail coughing might've been frowned on. The dizziness and numb hands were probably not so good either 5 hours is a great time!!! That was about what I wanted to do. I trained for this for quite a while and the course was (I think) really easy except for that one hill.

Salsa, you would have done the same thing. Had I been at home (or not the first one) I would have thought about not doing it. Once you're out there, you're there. What other option is there??! And I really don't think people need to know my training trials and tribulations. Or even my goals, most of the time, because once I say them I have to do them. Expectations are evil.

lbtc, thank you!!! You know, it's not so bad. You've done distance on a bike, it's more of the same stuff but is on your feet instead.

michele, grog, ama, Yeah. I'm in bed today. DH went to work though he is living on cold medicine, kind of how I was the past few days. A twisted part of me is glad it was something contagious. It isn't like I wanted him to get it, far from it. I was feeling that the fates were conspiring to give me something and my body was wuss enough to accept it. I guess it's an ordinary (though harsher than most, I think) cold.

kacie, rain isn't THAT bad. The temperature was in the 60's, I think. I have trained in rain and snow and all sorts of stuff. The rain was pleasant while running (just don't wear cotton) but when I had to walk, it got a bit old. You'll be fine and if it does rain a bit it'll help cool you down

alpinerabbit, what I did was stupidity at its finest. I won't argue that!!! The run part was great but I kept going over the "rules" when you're sick and it was in my lungs. I should have never started. But then I would have always been irked at myself.

Jes, I definitely lowered my "pride" boundaries. I did what I had to do. My only criteria was NOT to do it in front of other people. While I was having to blow my nose on my hand and wipe the icky stuff under my shirt (I'm one of those "always use a new kleenex" kind of people so it started going downhill from there), it was a step. I kept waiting for a break in spectators or volunteers or runners so I could just bend over and cough for long enough for whatever that wanted to come out to come out. Instead I had to sneak away into a porta-pottie. Yes it was gross! At that point, my mind was all about what I had to do to finish. It's funny because I don't even like using porta-potties. I refuse to, mostly. My "ick" factor is high. I had to let all of that go. As it were!

I'm scared to look at pictures. During the walking parts, I was sick and miserable and angry. There was no "yay!" anything. I was as close to DNF as ever in my life so I'm not sure I need to relive it.

Today my legs are a bit sore. My ribs feel bruised. I didn't eat enough last night because I still feel kind of sick so my legs started twitching and stuff. I got up and ate cereal though I couldn't taste it.

I can't wait to do another marathon so I can actually enjoy it. Really, it is a lot of fun!!! There was no "wall" at mile 20. Not for me, at least, but I was going through other drama so maybe I ignored it. The volunteers are great, the rest stops are fantastic, and it is a really inspiring time.