Pain is temporary, pride is forever

After just under a couple weeks of recovery, I am back into training mode. It feels good to be back and to refocus on new goals and new challenges. Training for the upcoming half marathon means I don't need to do the mileage I had been doing to train for the marathon. The focus is now on specific adjustments to my training for going faster over a shorter distance. It's quite exciting :-)

The last two weeks have been great. Every now and then I catch myself remembering the feeling of crossing the finish line after 26.2 grueling miles and I can't help but smile. I did it. I really did. And I have the memory of seeing my family there smiling at me at the finish - one of the most special moments of my life. And it's something I will never ever forget. No matter where life takes me, how many marathons I end up running, and whenever the day comes that I can't run that distance again, I'll never forget my first marathon. As hard as it was, it will always be special. And no matter what, I will always be a marathoner.

To celebrate my victory and give myself a permanent reminder of how far I've come, look at what I did :-) Yes, it's real. It won't wash off.

I don't want to ever slip back into the unhealthy lifestyle I once had. This will be a reminder for me always of the pride and happiness I feel now, knowing what I have achieved. I don't ever want that feeling to go away. I want it to be permanent too.

Since the race, the official photos from the race taken by Marathon Foto were released. I was so pleased with the photos, I splurged and bought the whole digital photo package. Here is just a small sampling of the many photos they took of me. I think it summarizes the joy I experienced. Hope you enjoy them too!

Somewhere around the halfway point

Approaching the finish line and getting really excited!

Crossing the finish line, at last!

Overcome with joy, I did it!

The "official" bling photo