Louisville City of Parks Marathon

I HAVE FINALLY DONE IT!!!

I have run a full marathon. That is 26.2 miles. Part of me is still in disbelief, but my legs keep bringing me back to reality. Having not run a marathon before, I wasn't exactly how to prepare for the intensity of the event. Sure, I've put in my long runs, but nothing compares to running 26.2 miles. I have to say it was by far the most physically challenging thing I have ever done. There were times when my body could have easily quit, but I had to press onward. Here is a recap of how the day went.

4:30 a.m.-After 3 hours of sleep, my alarm clock woke me. I hopped in the shower and proceeded to get ready.
5:30 a.m.-Jess (my girlfriend) piled into the car and made the trek to the Ramada Inn on Zorn Ave. in Louisville.
6:30 a.m.-I picked up my packet and Jess proceeded to pin my bib number on my shirt.
7:30 a.m.-We proceed over to the water tower for the start. It was quite cold outside.
8:00 a.m.-The horn went off and I began a rather long journey.

Mile 1 (10:16)
Mile 2 (11:54)-I stopped at the park restroom just off the course to take care of some business. This always seems to happen to me.
Mile 3 (8:51)
Mile 4 (10:01)-An older gentleman came upon me and we began chatting. He is from Winston-Salem and has been running a marathon a year since he was 35. I was impressed. He stopped in on his way in Frankfort to see the Capitol and Daniel Boone's grave. Yes Dad, I told him we were related to Danny boy. He was also an American Revolution history buff. His boss lives in the same house that Cornwallis inhabited. Then he slowed to a walk and I kept moving. I probably should have used his running philosophy since he passed me around mile 16.
Mile 5 (10:31)-These firefighters were handing out bananas. I quickly gobbled mine up and continued to run. A little later a fellow runner came up from behind me and said that I almost tripped on a banana peel. I'm glad I didn't for that is not how I want to remember my first marathon.
Mile 6 (10:34)-We are running right along the river in downtown and I see the Delta Queen docked in front of the Belle. Nevermore will we see these two steamboats race.
Mile 7 (10:11)
Mile 8 (10:16)
Mile 9 (10:32)-The half marathoners begin the turn around and head back.
Mile 10 (11:22)-The course began to get a little lonely. We begin running through trees and at times I am the only person around.
Mile 11 (11:06)
Mile 12 (10:57)-I came out of the forest and am now in Shawnee Park in the west side of Louisville. We started on the east side.
Mile 13 (10:37)
Half 13.1 (2:18:20)
Mile 14 (10:43)
Mile 15 (11:16)-Made the turn and am headed back.
Mile 16 (13:28)-Beginning to slow. Took stretch break.
Mile 17 (12:05)
Mile 18 (12:44)-I'm not sure exactly what hitting the wall feels like, but I think I'm getting close. Had to take a walk break every mile from now on.
Mile 19 (12:32)
Mile 20 (12:38)
Mile 21 (13:45)-Slammed into the wall. I wanted to die!
Mile 22 (13:48)
Mile 23 (15:02)-Extreme exhaustion.
Mile 24 (14:40)-I'm going to finish!
Mile 25 (13:06)-I figured it would be better to actually pick of my feet and run than shuffle. I should have done this a long time ago.
Mile 26 (11:55)-I see my beautiful girlfriend!
Finish (5:07:22)

My goal was to finish under five hours, but I will take what I can get. Now it is time for some White Castles. Never again will I eat 6 sliders after a marathon!