BQ!

Six weeks after a disappointing Chicago Marathon, I reached my goal of a Boston Marathon qualifying time. I was so happy I almost cried. Although windy and seasonably warm, battling a cold and uti, I felt fabulous through mile 20 (and hit the wall, as most people usually do, and struggled through the last 6.2). I'm proud to say this is my fastest marathon of all four I've completed...as a 34 year old mother of three, I have to give myself a little credit for that feat. :) I had a tremendous amount of help for the first 10 miles from Jason's best man and roommate in college, Mike Sumler (who ran the half), and lots of encouragement through the remaining 16 miles from coworker, Austin Bunn (he really kept me from literally wanting to walk) The ultimate cheerleader, neighbor Amy Thornburg, drove from point to point to gimme lots and lots of cowbell! What outstanding and supportive people I have in my life. Jason and the kids were there waiting at the finish line (along with sis, Katie, and Jason's cousins). Since Boston filled up in less than a day for 2011(which is VERY unusual), I will have to wait until 2012 to compete.

1st place overall woman's marathon

3:32 (8:06 pace)

At the finish line