Well, I did it. I got out of bed this morning at 6:50, after a night of mediocre sleep and multiple anxiety dreams, made my way to Una’s house and got a ride to the starting line at Broad and Olney. The race was hard and there were moments when it took all of my effort to keep my body moving forward towards South Philly. It was terrific to have so many friends out there, cheering me on (Annelise, Carol, Seth, Una and Mike thanks!) and running with me (well, not exactly running WITH me [since I’m a slow poke], but running as well).

My goal was to run eight of ten miles and finish in under 2 hours and fifteen minutes. I ran about eight and half and finished at 2 hours and 8 minutes. If I hadn’t had to go to the bathroom at around the 4 mile mark, I probably would have done it in under 2 hours. So, consensus is, I done good.

I feel exhausted but happy, successful and proud of myself. I’m considering writing a letter to the orthopaedic surgeon who did my ankle eight years ago (who told me I’d never be able to run) and tell him about this accomplishment.

I’m definitely a little achy, I think an apple cider vinegar bath is in order later tonight. But it’s also the ache of completion, of hard work and of achievement, so I welcome it.

Thanks to all of you who sent me your thoughts and well-wishes, I appreciated every single one of them.