Redemption

Yesterday's Whistlestop Marathon went better for me. From the start I wanted to just take what the day brought me, mile by mile. Last weekend's TCMarathon left me feeling unsure and out of control. But I did feel better the second half of TCM, and managed to negative split by about a half hour. 

Anyway, here are my splits from yesterday at Whistlestop (also a negative split!):

1- 10:26

2- 9:23

3- 9:20

4- 9:19

5- 9:29

6- 9:13

7- 9:09

8- 9:19

9- 9:06

10- 9:16

11- 8:55

12- 8:48

13- 9:17

14- 9:04

15- 9:04

16- 9:40

17- 9:14

18- 9:34

19- 8:44

20- 8:35

21- 8:37

22- 8:55

23- 8:42

24- 9:20

25- 8:50

26.2- 10:24

Total time - 3:59:53

For my age group, the Boston qualifier is 4:00:59.  ;-)

I ran with a guy named Tom almost the entire way. I was wearing my FCA-Endurance Team(Fellowship of Christian Athletes)  jersey, and when we passed one other guy who said, "love your shirt!", Tom and I had the opportunity to talk faith a little. He studies lots of religions so it was really interesting and the miles clicked off one by one. I told him that I like endurance sports because I can bring Jesus with me out there and He keeps me company when it's great as well as when it sucks. About the halfway mark, when I was still feeling great, I quietly said a prayer that "if You want to finish this marathon with me, it'd be great to go under 4 hours. But if that's not the Plan, just bring me in feeling good, ok? Amen."

Looking at how fast I got at the end, I can only think that power came from somewhere outside of me. 

Any which way you read it, it was a great race for me and I'm not even sore. (Don't hate me for that, ok?)

I had so much fun with the friends I went with - hugs to Holly, Chae, Diane, Merilee (p.s. - Merilee - you over paid for gas so I owe you some money), Guy, and Marty - you guys are awesome! I also got to see Trimama at the prerace dinner and we did start together, but separated right away. She is going to do great at AZ IM  in a few weeks. Can't wait to follow you and Merilee!!!

Yea!!! Boston! After 29 marathons, I am finally qualified!!!