Monday, October 27, 2008

I did it!!!

I cannot believe that I did it!!!  I ran in and finished the Marine Corps Marathon!!!  The whole experience was truly incredible.  It was amazing.  I am so glad that I did it.  I still can't believe that I finished it!!!!

My family and friends came down and cheered me on.  It was so neat to see them along the route.  My sister even came on the course and ran with me for 2 miles!  The crowds and Marines were lining almost the entire course cheering on the runners. It was so inspiring and encouraging.  It was so neat to be doing it in DC too.  It felt very patriotic.

My goal was to "beat the bridge."  That is the 14th street bridge at about 19.5 miles.  The runners had to be there by 1:15PM or they would not let you continue running.  Those people, who didn't get there in time, were put on busses and driven to the finish line.  I did not want to be on that bus!  When I reached the bridge an hour before the cut off time, I was thrilled!   I knew then, that I was going to finish the race!!

My final time was 6 hours and 8 minutes!  That was very exciting because I was hoping that I would be able to come in at 7 hours, if I was able to finish at all.

Brian took lots of pictures, as did the MCM people.  I will upload them in the next day or 2.

In the mean time.  Here are some pictures from Friday when Brian and I went to DC to check in.





When we took this picture...I was thinking that this might be the only finish line I'd see.
Yes, we are cheesy..aren't we???


That night we went to some good friend's of ours house for our church community group.  When we knocked on the door, my friend Shawn answered and he was wearing a little card taped to himself that said, "We support #17341"

As, I entered the house I saw that everyone was wearing one.  I was so touched.

I love these people!!

I had to take a pix with the photographer too!



Thank you all for your kind words, love, encouragement and prayers.  I know that I wouldn't have been able to do it without you.


I am so incredibly sore today.  My knee held out for the entire race, but as soon as I finished it totally locked up on me.   I'm in pain, but it was soooo worth it.


In a day or two, I'll be feeling fine....and I'll always be able to say that I ran in a marathon!

18 comments:

Jenn said...

YEY!!!

We were so excited to see you crossing that line!

Enjoy and relax today!!

Amy said...

Congratulations, Kathy! What an accomplishment!!!

Unknown said...

Congratulations & that's AWESOME...

I could NEVER EVER... nor do I want to.. but I have tremendous respect for those who can and have.

Heck... really... I think sleep is about the only thing I could do for 6 hours straight....

Domestic Goddess..Diva sometimes said...

Congrats! OMG you have more stamina than I would ever have! Running for just over 6 hours? *faint*

Take a rest today and have everyone pamper you. You deserve it! :)

Brooke said...

I was thinking of you yesterday. WAY TO GO! Can't imagine what it would feel like to cross the finish line. Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Kathi, you are the type of person who makes one proud to be a father. You are a great mom, wife, duaghter, in-law, believer, and all in all a beautiful, intelligent, loving and neat person.

I have always benn so very proud of you but to my dying day I will always remember your joy at getting to the bridge on time.


Love,

Dad

Jennie said...

AWESOME!! I'm so proud of you!!

Kathi Roach said...

You are so sweet Dad! I love you too. Thanks for coming down and cheering me on...I know you were my #1 fan!

taratoons said...

Yay for you!!! Congratulations on finishing your marathon - in great time! What an accomplishment!! I hope your body recuperates quick!! Way to go!

CaraBee said...

What a fantastic accomplishment! I can't even imagine running an hour, let alone 6!

Anonymous said...

Congrats!

And remember...those of us who are out there for 6+ hours are better than the Kenyans. They may have SPEED, but we have STAMINA. I don't see any of them out there for that long :o)

Don't forget to go get that massage!

Katie said...

Wow Kathi! You are amazing!! Congrats on beating your goal time and getting to the bridge on time! Now go shopping or get a manicure or SLEEP! Something to reward yourself for a job well done!

Ashley said...

YAAAY! Congratulations! Mine is about a month and a half away! I - myself - am just hoping for a finish, too. Way to go!!

Unknown said...

so what's next :-)

Wep said...

GO YOU!!! YAY!!!!

Mikki said...

Congrats! You must be so excited!! Great job! So glad to hear how God held you and your knee up during the race!!

Kathi Roach said...

Yep...you are so right Mikki...the whole race I just kept thinking...THANK YOU GOD!!

Anonymous said...

KATHI YOU ROCK!!!! thanks for sharing your blog and we checked out the course details as you ran.

WAY TO GO GIRL!!!!

-Kathy