26.2 Miles later...

It has been a full day and a half and it has still not quite fully sank in that I ran a marathon. Hell, there is still a little bit of me that feels like I was crashing a party I wasn't invited to all weekend. Everywhere I looked there were runners and they looked serious, prepared and ready to go. Me, I just felt excited to run in the same way people get excited when the amusement park ride lurches towards the dark entrance of the ride. What the hell was coming was still a mystery.

My folks got here on Fri and we hit the Expo at McCormick Place. That was actually a lot of fun, but it did not torment me in a desire to go buy a ton of things. You aren't supposed to run in anything you haven't run in before for the marathon, so there was less temptation. I was still able to find some odds and ends that made the marathon much easier.

In the spirit of Laurel's account last year, I thought I would break it down in incriments to retell the actual run.

4:40am; Alarm goes off and I am stunned that I was actually dead asleep. It took longer to put my gear together than I anticipated and try to choke down some food I did not want. Out the door at 5:10

5:45am: Cory picks me up at Clark and Belmont with my fellow runners Allie, Tanya, and Marie. I have now had 30 minutes to get accustomed to the 30 degree cold. It is unplessant.

6:10am: My fellow runners and I are at the open corral and pacing to stay in larger groups of people to stay warm. It is way too cold to be out in shorts. The sky over Buckingham Fountain is deep orange with the first hints daylight is coming.

7:00am: Allie and I are about the same pace, we figgure, so we are standing in our area when I think it's nerves but I should go hit the port-a-potty one last time.

7:02am: Realize this was a bad idea with 50 people in front of me, but too late to turn back. I make it back to the street as the starting time hits. It was too crowded to get onto the street for a few minutes anyway. I actually cross the starting line at 7:45am. The thrill was incredible, but I remember hearing several times, not to shoot out of the gate too quick or I would regret it. I am happy maintaining an easy tempo and waving everytime I hear someone read my name off the ubber cool shirt Tiff customized for me.

Miles 1-6: Utterly beautiful, running through downtown and heading north. Every mile marker shocked me, they were coming so fast. The crowd was fantastic. Given the tempature was still closer to freezing, I was so glad to have them there. Around 3 miles, I finally wasn't cold anymore.

Mile 7: This was a great point as it was at the east end of the street I live on. Tiff was there with her sign and I suprised here. I stopped breifly with her to fix some equipment. After standing with her a couple minutes adjusting a strap that came loose, it hit me suddenly I needed to get going. It felt normal to be talking to her at the end of the block and momentarily, I forgot there was a hell of a lot of running to still do. Great to actually see our plan was working thus far.

Mile 8: This was the west end of my block and I found my Dad easy enough (only Denver Broncos hat I saw all day). Once again though, I got to tap my support crew to help them see me. Dad was the only one I saw on that quick pass, but it was great to see him.

Miles 8-13: I knew I was on my own for a while. Tiff and the folks would not be around till just after 13 so I just settled in and enjoyed running. I moved a little more towards the center and enjoyed my easy tempo. At this point I was starting to wonder if this abundant energy would last much longer.

Miles 13-16: Sun had broken out and I was on unfamiliar course through the west side. I had missed my fam at 13.3 and was concerned they may have arrived at the spot after I had passed by. Such a strange new cut off feeling from staying connected.

Mile 16: Found a "Troy" sign on the opposite side of course and made my way over for big hugs from Mom, Dad, and Tiff. I was also able to hand off my Camelback belt. Much relieved of the weight and rejuvinated, I picked up my pace for the rest of the course.

Miles 17-24: I somewhat enjoyed these, running at a faster pace. I also started to develop tremendous aches in my back and shoulders. The crowd was thinner on several stretches and those were some lonely times. It was the only time I think I started to feel the weight of all the miles before. At one point, I pulled off at a aide station to stretch. Pulling around the final corner on 35th helped a lot as well. Just one more stretch North.

Mile 24-26: Feeling good and keeping my pace up, but tired. I am reduced to just focusing on running forward. Most of the course I had interacted with the crowds and felt very energized for it. Now I could do very little when I heard my name but raise an arm to acknowledge. Still very excited though.

Mile 26.2: They call it Mt. Roosevelt. It's the only hill on the entire course, hitting an elevation of a whole 26 feet. Nothing usually unless you'd just run the last 26 miles. I was determined to hit that hill hard and took an outside course that was open. With room in front of me I sprinted up the hill. According to Nike+ I was at about 6 min. per mile on that part. I underestimated the length of the hill and had to ease up before the "summit." The final 50 yards or so were smooth and easy.

I finished my first marathon at 4hrs and 11 min! My aim was to finish and if possible, keep a 4:30 pace. I also ran a 5min faster second half, which I feel pretty stoked about.

I can not say enough how much gratitude I have for my wonderful support crew. Tiffany, Mom, and Dad were amazing!! It was cold, early, and all over the city. My route was cleared for me and I was running. They fought their way all over town, hoping they got to spots before I did. I also owe big thanks to all that sent encouragement along the way.

I am very, very grateful!