Marathon!

On Saturday the family returned to Chickamauga Battlefield, where I ran my first half-marathon last year, so I could take on my next challege: the full marathon! I was excited and felt ready, and it was a great day! They have Civil War reenactors fire off a cannon to start the race, which the kids think is really cool. Kate is the Star Student for her kindergarten class this week, which means the class mascot Scooter got to spend the weekend with her. I'm sure he was excited to be a part of this great event; I'm just glad we didn't lose him out there somewhere! (and yes, that is a UT collar he is wearing...) Here are a few of my fans waiting to catch a glimpse of me as I flew by...Wow, can't you just see the speed at which I am soaring by! (I'm actually unzipping my vest to give to them. After three hours of running, you can get a little warmed up...)

The finish! 3:47. Pretty respectable. All the results are here.I was given a framed copy of my race number to commemorate my first marathon. Here I am posing with the family while my calf muscles are beginning their rebellion against me for putting them through such agony. For the next two days I would be forced to hobble around like an old lady.When we left the race, we went to this monument in the park that the kids saw while they were waiting for me. Who wouldn't want to climb a princess tower just to make sure Repunzel wasn't waiting up at the top? Just 136 steps. I volunteered to bring up the rear. Shot of the steps.

Then back down to play for a bit more before heading home. It was a beautiful day.

The boys were drawn to the cannonwhile Kate preferred to gather up leaves to jump in and make "leaf angels." (Think snow angel but with leaves!)Super day. I am proud to have run a marathon and I'm sure I'll do more. For now, the half-marathon is sounding pretty good to me, though. I feel like I could run it a lot faster at this point! Thanks to everyone who prayed for me and gave me encouragement and congratulations afterwards!!