The Finish Line 4:18:12

I did it, I finished my first marathon in 4 hours, 18 minutes and 12 seconds. I said I would be happy with anything under 4 1/2 hours, with an aggressive goal of 4 hours. Somewhere between miles 17 and 23 I said to my husband my goal is just to finish. There was not a greater feeling than reaching my goal by crossing that finish line with Greg. I managed to complete the marathon without an injury, and while I was in extreme pain right after I did wake up the next morning feeling great.
The toughest parts: I felt like I cruised through miles 1-14, hitting each mile at exactly 9 minutes Somewhere around mile 15 I felt I was in for a long day, and that feeling lasted until mile 17. 17 through 21 I made up whatever time I had lost from 15 to 17. Then I hit a wall at 21. At this point I started walking through the water stops (which came every 2 miles) as I found it too difficult to grab the cup and hydrate without slowing down. My motor skills at this point weren't working all that well. So miles 21-23 were the most difficult part for me. It was also the only point of the race where there was almost complete silence. It was rare during this stretch to hear the other runners around us talking. Then it started to set in that finishing under 4 1/2 hours was still attainable. From 24 to the finish was difficult, but I knew I could do it and I put any pain or exhaustion out of my mind.
What hurt: I managed to get through the race without any injuries as I mentioned. I think around mile 21 I had severe cramping in my hamstrings. I stopped and stretched them out, and kept going. Other than that, my back was pretty tight around mile 24. After the race, when I finally stopped my legs were hurting pretty bad and that lasted about 45 minutes.
The best water stop: On Middlesex before turning onto Elmwood. I think most runners would agree they went all out! They had a young boy cooling off runners with a hose, they had the water and gatorade. The best part: they had huge watermelon slices and oranges slices. It was very refreshing and rejuvenating at a much needed point in the race.
The many Thanks: First and foremost, I could not have completed the race without my husband who kept me going while I was exhausted. He knew what to say and when to say it to motivate me. Also, to my friends at Fleet Feet Sports! Without their training group I would not have been ready for such a challenge. I appreciated the pep talk from Jack before the race, and seeing Tim as he also was set to run his first. I was motivated when I heard the cheers from Rachel and Angela in the Marina, and Molly.. thanks for being everywhere, you seemed to pop up at just the right times when encouragement was needed.. especially crossing Delaware on Middlesex. And Steve, who gave me weekly encouragement during our Sunday runs. And finally to my parents, Carrie, Ellen, and Michele for coming out to support us.
Overall, I said during and after the race that I would never do this again, and at times wondered why I had put myself through such a physical challenge. Greg reminded me: if it were easy, everyone would do it.. that's why finishing is such an accomplishment. He's right. I feel great, and the answer to everyone's question: YES, I WOULD DO IT AGAIN! I just may need some time to forget about how long 26.2 miles really is.