2:48

We did it! In 2:48, which is faster than we expected, especially given a pit stop and a couple of stretch breaks. It was not warm here, as predicted. Fortunately, I planned for that and while we were running I was fine. Waiting outside for 45 minutes afterward left me chilled to the bone, but now I'm showered and tucked into my bed, warm and content.

At mile 12, I thought about Jo(e)'s comment to my last post. There were people yelling. Our bibs had our first names on them big, written big enough that people on the sidelines could see and yell for us by name. For a moment it hit me that I was in the place filled with many difficult memories, doing something I never imagined I'd be doing a year and a half ago. Tears filled my eyes. Of course, it could have been the cold wind blowing around the corner, but I don't think so. The tears kind of took my breath away. It's hard to run and cry at the same time. We went on and finished strong. The best sign of the day was just after the one more mile to go marker: "Your feet hurt because you're kicking ass!" You have no idea how that lifted my spirit!

And there was a nice cold beer waiting for me at the end! Tonight it's fajitas and margaritas for dinner to celebrate!