WE FINISHED!!!!

At the expo in our nifty, new jackets.

Not only did we survive but we also finished in under 5 hours! Base line standard for success -
accomplished. My brain is not coherent enough for a real race recap right now; that will come in a few days, along with more photos, but here's the highlight reel. 

To help us through 26.2 miles, it only took:

1. All the determination we could muster
2. A combined 10 gels, 2 Clif bloks, some sports jelly beans, cup loads of water and Gatorade, and a few orange slices
3. Some really angry music
4. Overcoming a slight case of heart palpitations... I hate you SO much, body.  And you too, caffinated Clif Shots. 
5. Running in a gorgeous city.  I heart DC. 
6. And most importantly, the support of our incredible family and friends. Thank you so so much for all the texts/calls/emails/tweets/Facebook posts/online stalking. Seriously, you made our day(s). A super special thanks goes to my parents, Tash, Tim, Derek, and Mike who schleped around the city to cheer us on at multiple locations. Y'all are amazing. 

And for all our effort, we got SO many awesome things:

1. Incredible sense of accomplishment and personal pride
2. Check off the ole' bucket list
3. Kick ass medal and jacket
4. Amazingly! no chafing or blisters
5. Sense of moral superiority
6. Pretty clutch tan lines. Spandex booty shorts plus farmer's tan equals sexy, right? Errm, no. 
7. Great ideas for signs to make at the NYC and Philly marathons. Some personal faves: don't stop (that's what she said); those shorts make your butt look fast; and YOU GAVE UP ALL YOUR SATURDAYS. Truth bomb.
8. Unfinished business. For your first marathon, the most important (and only) goal should be to finish. Okay, cool, check. But I want more. Marathon, you and I shall meet again and next time I'll train harder, better, faster, stronger and take you out in under 4 hours. Or at least beat Oprah. See you at the 2011 New York City Marathon...

Mmmk, time to die now. 

Looking typically insane as we crossed the start line.