Sunday, November 02, 2008

First Marathon - Indianapolis Monumental

Wow, I can't tell you how amazing I feel to have finally accomplished this goal. It took MANY early mornings, very long Saturdays, and about 750 miles of training runs over the past 5 months. My feet hurt and my muscles are mush, but it was all worth it.


This past Saturday, Ryan and I got up at 4:30 am, picked up my friend R. and headed to Indy for my first marathon. The plan was to get their early, pick up my race packet, stretch and ice my foot, begin the race, at mile 16 call R. to see if she will meet me at mile 18, mile 19 meet up with R. (she paced me to mile 26), then cross the finish line at 26.2 miles. The weather and course were perfect. I ran a 10 minute mile average and finished 671 of 1109 runners. There were about 5220 runners there (there was a half-marathon too). It was such a challenge not only physically but mentally as well. I was just glad to know Ryan would be waiting for me and R. was there to help me through the toughest miles. I couldn't have asked for more. Enjoy the photos.


Here I am warming up in the state capitol building. They had set up tables and chairs for runners to register and hang out. My bib # was 392.
Okay I am a goof ball and such a poser. I don't know how Ryan can put up with me.

8 am. The sun is just beginning to rise over Indiana's state capitol. It is about 50 degrees . I some where in this crowd wearing a trash bag to keep warm.

Indianapolis Monument - Hence the race name "Monumental Marathon"

Finish Line

Yummy goodness for race finishers


Here I am crossing the finish...oh so tired.

Seriously...I need to catch my breath.

I was just a tad bit hungry. And yes that is a diet Dr. Pepper...possibly the worst thing to drink but I can't help but love it.

My awesome cute supporter

Blistered and bruised toes. I actually think the big toe nails will fall off...gross - I know
R. and Me.

Cool pavement and stretching the spine.
Poser

I can't believe I am actually standing here.
George stole my medal.

The crowd at the Start

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! Wow, wow, wow. I am so impressed, I can't even think of another word. Wow. You are my personal hero. Go Juls! What an awesome accomplishment! Every time I get tired of my own lame a** training, which is not nearly as hard core as yours I'm sure, I am going to think of this post and use it for inspiration.

Love you.

Jess

Hoosier Mama said...

So jealous, so incredibly jealous! Not only of the accomplishment of a Marathon, but of your skinny running bod. Congratulations!

Shelley said...

Ok, I got tired reading that! That is a LONG ways to run. Congrats on finishing - you look great too! (Probably all that running...go figure).

Anonymous said...

You are awesome, completley awesome!
You look amazing and congratulations! What an accomplishment! My cousins talked me into doing a 187 mile relay this next summer so Ill definitley be calling you for pointers, if you are going to be in Utah next summer you should do it too!

Dulcie said...

WOW! That is quite an accomplishment. I'm so proud of you. I can't believe anyone can run 26.2 miles at one time. Wow.

Bridget Beth said...

Juliana. I love you. I now believe there is nothing you cannot do. Seriously. You are one of the most well rounded, motivational, spirited, ambitious people I know. I am so blessed to call you friend.

Monica said...

I am so glad you did it! Gooo jewels!

Juliana said...

Thank you guys...

The G-Funk! said...

Congratulations! That is a great accomplishment.

Annessa said...

That is truly amazing! And, you looked great doing it!

Amina said...

congratulations! I am so impressed..i hate running..lol....congrats on finishing the marathon!
I loove the pictures :)