1/2 Marathon PR and last 20 miles

What a wild ride this training has been! I have pushed myself to places I never knew it could go! Two weeks ago I ran a half marathon, I was not sure how I would do. My hope was to PR, that would have been anything under 2:08...the course was pretty hilly and I am in the midst of marathon training. I felt great that morning and surprised myself. When I saw the finish line I realized that I was about to break the 2 hour mark....I started sprinting and was praying I could cross that line before the clock said 2 hours.  I was able to finish my half in 159:25 :-) Shoot I has 35 seconds to spare! I could not have run this race without Jessica! Below is a group shot from after the race!

Last Saturday, I ran my last long run before the marathon. Only 20 miles....right only 20! I have to say,  it was a much better than my 21 mile run a few weeks prior. After this run I can finally say that I am ready for the Chicago Marathon. I have done everything I can to be a prepared as possible. I have put my all into this training. I could not have done this without the amazing friends that I have. They have helped me through the self doubt, tears, sweat, blisters, and fun! Thanks to all of you!! 

21 miles.....YES I DID!

This marathon training business is the hardest thing I have ever done! It takes more time, energy, and emotion than I ever realized! This is something that I am 100% positive I could not be doing alone. I have so many people who have believed in me when I have wanted to give up! Last week a huge group of us decided to run the county line here in Kankakee. We ran from Iroquois county to Will county. This was the hardest run to date. I was only able to conquer this because I had the best group of people cheering me on. Running is such an individual sport in so many ways but in other ways it is a group sport. The encouragement and support you receive from others with the same passion have changed my life. I have life long friends that have been with me for my greatest moments and push me at my worst!
Here are some pictures from the run. By mile 19.25 I wanted to die and had a few tears...but thank goodness for some great people pushing me and following me with the car so I could see. The hardest part of this run was going from the road to gravel. This pushed my body more than I every thought was possible! 21 miles in the books!!!