Just ran my first marathon

[Shoeless Joe]

I ran my first marathon today. 26.2 miles in 4:30.49. That's about double world class, but for a 41-year-old that started running 14 months ago, to say I'm happy is an understatement.

It was tough, no doubt about it. I had put in the training and felt good the entire way. Still, about mile 20-21 on race day, the thought "This **** just got real" popped into my head. I never had to walk. There was a time or two in that last few miles that my legs wanted to walk, but my head stayed in charge, so I kept going.

The finish line was at the 50 inside Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. Let me tell you, entering the stadium, seeing yourself on the jumbotron and crossing the finish line creates an absolute state of euphoria. You get a finisher's medal, then come around and flop down on the grass ... the euphoria changed to getting a little emotional.

Marathon = absolute sense of accomplishment.

 

[Captain Obvious]

You didn't die, so you did better than the first guy who ran a marathon.

 

[Moderator1]

Congrats.

 

[Azrael]

Congratulations. Just fantastic.

 

[Orange Hat Bobcat]

Fantastic run, Joe. Enjoy this one for a while, at least a week, maybe more, then figure out if you want to run another one.

And per unofficial marathon rules, you can wear your medal for 24 hours and no one can give you any ****.

 

[TigerVols]

Shoeless, we all know your time would have been faster had you not carried the huge flag the whole way.

Congrats. Very impressive to finish the without walking once.

 

[imjustagirl]

Congrats, Joe. That's awesome!

 

[YGBFKM]

Fine, I'll go to the gym tonight!

 

[dooley_womack1]

Were you shoeless?

 

[Shoeless Joe]

Thanks all. It really is the "I did it" moment of one's life.

 

[Shoeless Joe]

Were you shoeless?

I was about a minute after crossing the finish line! I couldn't wait to get my shoes off. That was the real emotional part: after getting around to a clear area, getting my shoes off and just laying back on the grass; it was "I can stop now. I did it." 100% relief/accomplishment.

 

[micropolitan guy]

Congrats. Did four. At some point they all really sucked, but the sense of accomplishment handily trumped that. Treat yourself next week. You deserve it. I recommend a 90-minute sports massage to get the toxins out of your body.

 

[WriteThinking]

Marathon = absolute sense of accomplishment.

I hope I get to experience that someday.

Congratulations, Joe.

 

[The Big Ragu]

Congrats. This is something I really want to do. ... and still haven't. You are the man.

 

[LongTimeListener]

Congrats. How did your nipples hold up?

 

[Shoeless Joe]

No rubbing. In today's world of microfiber wicking shirts, that doesn't seem to be a problem (at least for me). It's not like running in a cotton.

 

[trifectarich]

Congrats! You're right; the "I did it" sense of accomplishment is awesome. Well done.

 

[kingcreole]

Good stuff Joe! I ran my first half in October, but I don't plan on doing a full any time soon. It takes some serious commitment to train for a half. A full? Lotta 4 a.m. wake-up calls I would imagine.

 

[Versatile]

Fine, I'll go to the gym tonight!

I had the exact same feeling. ****ing runners.

Oh, and congrats and ****.

 

[exmediahack]

Congrats! I've done two. First one I threw up at 22 miles and had to quit. For seven years, that haunted me. Finished the second one.

Do you still have all 10 toenails? I lost three the day doing 26.2.

Superb time. Be proud!!

Since crossing that off my life list, I've switched to 10k and a Half marathon every couple of years. Not doing the full marathon again. Ever.