“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”
– John Bingham
I kept telling myself this today during the run since all the odds were against me on this one. After a very hard training season, I couldn’t get to sleep last night because I suddenly felt super sick. I even had Ben get me sore throat spray and Dayquil!
So, my race started like this:
and this…
And ended this this:
It was brutal, but I finished. I didn’t PR (and actually added a lot of time) for 4:27:something unofficial (my first mary was 4:15:39). But considering I was considering canceling the race last week and ditching out at mile 19 – I am happy I finished.
Details about my race recap, the expo, and bowl movements during the race coming later 🙂
Congratulations on starting and finishing! You’re an inspiration.
I’m so happy to hear that you started and then that you finished despite being sick and having a rough training season. I could so relate. I just did my first half in October and as a newbie, my worst fear was not being able to do it. So I set my goals as follows: train (check), start (check), finish (check). The rest was gravy. I was also on the verge of getting sick and was so scared I wouldn’t be able to do it. What a great accomplishment!
You are amazing for even finishing!! I have been the past few days as well and I cannot imagine running a marathon like this! You ROCK!! What determination you have!!
Congratulations! you rocked that race, and I am so happy for you!
Congrats for finishing the race! I have been trying to catch up with all the race recaps and look forward to more of yours.
You did great! Don’t forget that!
It was so good seeing you again! I’m glad that are hotel rooms were right next door to each other! Everything worked out perfectly. 🙂
You are a strong and an awesome woman! Congrats on your achievement!!! And thanks for the quote. I love it.
Congratulations! You are an amazing runner!
Great job! I know you were doubting yourself going in, but I don’t think anyone else was! Have a great night celebrating your accomplishment!
AWESOME!! WTG!!
Congratulations 🙂 What an amazing result – especially given that you were a little under the weather 🙂
Congrats!!! It’s not how ya run the race, its that ya finished! Seriously, and against all odds (phil collins). So us aspiring runners can appreciate your going out there feeling like poo and finishing no matter what. That is pretty awesome! Such an inspiration! High ten 🙂
Congratulations!!!!
Great job finishing! I’m glad I finally got to meet you!!!
Congratulations, Monica! Good for you for pressing forward even when you didn’t feel well (and I love that quote)! You are an inspiration 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congrats again on a great race!
Congrats!!! Can’t wait to read all about it! That is such an accomplishment! I LOVE Your blog!!
Congratulations on finishing!!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend – you’ve earned it!
Congrats!!! Can’t wait to read more.
The Penguin is my personal favorite, and as a slowpoke runner, I really ascribe to his philosophy. 🙂 Way to go for making it through the race and sticking with all your winter training sessions.
Congrats!!!!! I can’t wait to read the recap.
Congrats!! Great job!! 🙂
So cool that you’re in the D.C. area. Me too!
Congrats!!!! Every race is an accomplishment, regardless of time 🙂
Congrats!! Not every race is meant to for a PR, you just never know what your training & the day will bring!
Great Job!
Hope you recover well! Eat plenty and enjoy!!
you did GREAT!! Screw PR’s. You’ve been sick, trying to train in snow for week now, haven’t been happy with your training….come on! 4:27 is incredible 😀
Way to push through! Congrats!
4:27? I think that is an awesome time! ….and you didn’t even want to go…
Awesome time, especially since you weren’t feeling well.
Congrats on finishing! That’s awesome!
Congrats girl!!
<3 jess
congrats. you are AWESOME!! and a total bamf 🙂
Eeeee congrats!! Cannot wait to read the recap 🙂
Congrats!!
CONGRATS! 😀
Congratulations! You did it! (boo to being sick!)
Congrats!!!!
WELL DONE! Your awesome!! You must be SO relieved and happy and proud of youself!! 😀
You are an absolute inspiration. I am so proud of you and you should be even prouder of yourself. To put in a time like that with all that you have had to struggle through is nothing short of amazing. I’ve been a lurker for a while and share your issues with both running (as in a love of, although I’m nowhere near as talented as you!) and food. Your blog has driven me to push onwards when I’ve been near giving up on life, and to finish a marathon is my ultimate dream. Sadly, due to scoliosis I’m not likely to ever get there, but just following your journey has been an experience in itself.
You are one brilliant woman. I can only aspire to be like you.
Congratulations!
~Jess~
I am SO SO proud of you!! Great job, Monica!!
Congrats!
Awesome job! If or when I finish 26.2 miles, running or walking, I’ll be happy as a clam
congratulations! it really does take a lot of courage to start when you feel like crap. i hope you don’t get too sick now that it is all over.
Congratulations, Monica.
I’m sorry you’re sick and didn’t PR, but you finished and that, despite the odds not being in your favor, is a wonderful accomplishment. You should be really proud of yourself.
Rest up, eat some good food and feel better soon!
Congratulations!! I can’t believe you ran with a cold! I can’t even drag myself out of bed when I’m sick! You’re amazing, I can’t wait to read the full recap! =)