I took the early start (7:00) because I figured it would take me at least 5
hours since it was my first marathon.  When we started, it was about 35
degrees.  It was about 52 degrees when I finished.  I was cold until we got
started.  It was still dark outside, of course, but becoming light.  The
sunrise was beautiful and quite encouraging as I began my journey of 26.2
miles.  I started out quite slow, along with everyone else.  There was a
group of 3 soldiers running this, too, with about 30 extra lbs. on their back
(back pack).  They were amazing and finished about 25-30 minutes after I did,
and all together, I might add.  
     My first mile was 10+ and I wasn't happy about that so I sped up a little 
to get into the 9's.  The first half of the marathon was gentle rolling hills, 
the second half was flat, thank God!  I got to the base right when they were 
opening the gates -- I was hoping to get there early so I could take an extra 
breather, no such luck.  I didn't get to see my family (husband and 2 boys) 
until the half-way point (13.1) which was on the base.  At this point, I shed 
my windbreaker, got a kiss from all 3 of my boys, a "way to go, Mom!" and 
I was off again.  The encouragement came just in time.  I didn't get to see 
them again until I exited the base, at mile 18.  Then after that, my boys 
would greet me at each mile with a cheer and sometimes a high five or 
another kiss or two.  Those were my extra energy!  
     At about mile 20 I began to hit "the wall."  Just when I was about
to hit "the wall"  I ran through the marathon's rendition of "the wall"
(cardboard brick wall), how fitting.  At this point I began to walk more
than 1 minute for every 3 to 4 miles, I began to walk 1 to 2 minutes every
mile.  Once I got through that "wall,"  I was able to run normal again.  It
was amazing, like I got my second wind or something.  I ran my last 3 miles
at a 9 1/2 minute mile pace or so.  I was even able to pick it up a little
more the last .2 mile (when I entered the stadium).  After I went through
the finish line, I couldn't believe my time.  It was barely under 5 hours
(4:59:50).  I was so excited!!!  I actually finished in less time than I
thought.  When I greeted my husband at the finish line, the first thing I
said was, "I did it under 5 hours!"  The massage after was great and much
needed.  I finished my first marathon and it won't be my last.  I'll do
more, but I know I can't do them without my 3 boys cheering me on.  I know I
couldn't have finished this one without them!!!  They were my energizers.
     Many thank you's also go to our Lord and Savior for which He did much to
encourage me along the way.  I carried my verses to be memorized for our
bible study with me until mile 21.  I said the verses over and over again in
my head, the ones I already knew and was able to memorize one other verse
while running.  The unusual things we do while running, huh?  They work!!

										Tina Dodson