Race weekend update! I did it!!!

October 17th - I was getting a little nervous and convinced that I was going to forget something important like my running shoes... No sleep happening tonight.

October 18th - I only managed 30 minutes of sleep and then I was up being frantic again. The ride into SF was great and there was no traffic. We found the hotel first try and were in great shape to get to Union Square to get our race packets. It was an overwhelming experience just to see the city rally around a race for such a great cause. We had lunch and I went back to the hotel to rest. The evening event was a Team in Training Pasta Party at the Moscone Center and was AMAZING. From the moment we entered the building I felt like I was being honored by all the TNT coaches, mentors, staff and others. It is hard to describe and do justice to the experience. We walked back to the hotel.

October 19th Race Day - So the butterflies set in at about 5am this morning and I was doubting my ability to get through this race because of the lack of training at the end of the season, but I at least need to give it an honest effort. WOW! It is pretty impressive to line up with 20,000 people. The sights were amazing, the course was grueling (especially the 7 hills), and the TNT cheer stations along the course were just what I needed at just the time they all popped up. My mentor, Lisa, was walking the marathon with me and at mile 4 my back started to ache a bit and she offered to carry my pack and hers. She was SOOO amazing. As we got to the longest hill on the course,(1.5 miles up this one) we were joined by our winter coach Laura. It felt good to know I had so many people looking out for me and making sure I was taken care of. Mile 9 added my walk coach to this ever growing support team rooting me along every step of the way and doing it with me. I was able to jog a little on some of the downhills because it was less painful on my feet and ankes. From the bottom of that hill, the finish line was in sight, however they play a dirty trick on you and send you through Golden Gate Park for a nice 2.1 mile stroll into the finish. At this point I was incredibly emotional KNOWING that I WAS going to finish. I jogged in the last half-mile, my entire support group right by my side and other teammates cheering from the sidelines. It was such an amazing feeling to jog across the finish line! One step closer to the cure! Thank you to everyone that has made this journey possible in every way and I could not have made it without ALL of you! I finished in 5 hours and 8 minutes and proceeded to attend the victory party that same evening back at the Moscone center and dance to fast paced music for at least 2 hours. Again, thank you everyone.