What do I say- 26.2????

I have waited until now to post because I have had so many different emotions running through my head. I personally had the absolute worst day since February. For whatever reason I do not know. It could be the heat, could be that I did too much climbing that mountain last week or maybe I was just not prepared. I hate to think the latter was true. I felt prepared, I had done 22 miles, I slept good the night before and I was not nervouse at all. I did pretty good until about mile 10 and then I progressively got worse. Actually when I found out the race had been called, I must admit, I was somewhat releived, only because I was struggling. I was not until I returned home that I got mad, angry and today I totally fell apart. I have worked so hard for 9 months and had a goal. I was on track for that goal and now I have not accomplished it. The goal was to finish 26.2 not to attempt and not finish. I have read many blogs and just sat and cried today. I feel ashamed that I didn't get it done. I know it was not my fault that I didn't finish, but I can't help but wonder even if I would have been able to finish. I have strong feelings of wanting to get this Marathon done and am planning to do Dec 1 - Memphis. But at the same time, I think do I really Need to do that. I have never had any intentions of doing more that one marathon, thought I would do Chicago and then maybe some half-marathons. But then I look at the medal that I didn't earn and I think I really want to go conquer Chicago.... that is what I started out as my goal. The Marathon Makeover experience was so wonderful, I met so many wonderful people and Mark, Robin, Matt, Scotty, our personal PT and our personal videographer were great. I got up off the couch and have established new habits, for that I am grateful. I am just really down in a rut of confusion right now. Chicago was wonderful and we had so much fun.

One last thing about the Marathon. My husband has been an absolute wonderful supporter. He has constantly encouraged me, always putting out little notes for me on Saturday mornings before our early hour runs. He had signs for me in Chicago and stayed up late planning a route so he could see me through the course. He was there at the start, at 3, 8, 12 and was going to be there several more times. When I got back to the room he had a trophy for me, personalized with my verse (which he picked and didn't realize that I had also chosen it) Thank you Bob, I love you.

Ann

Did I overdo it

We were away this past weekend at a retreat in Asheville, NC at the Billy Graham retreat center. While we were there we decided to go to the top of the mountain to an Overlook where we were staying. 1600 feet with an average of 20% incline, 3.8 miles up and 2.5 miles down (much more steep coming down) It was VERY tiring… took us 2.5 hours going up and 1.5 coming down. My legs still feel it. I hope I have not messed up this close to the Marathon. I was beautiful and well worth it. I can't wait to see all of you on Friday morning, here are some pictures from the top of the mountain and also from Blue Ridge parkway in Asheville.