Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of running the Pittsburgh Marathon for the second time. Coming off Toledo I knew I was still healing and the elevations would be a challenge. I didn't hit my desired goal time but still hit a new PR, so I'm happy with that as well as a few other things.
I was able to keep a strong pace until mile 23... at 24 my legs fell apart and I was beset by very serious cramps. I mean just awful. At one point medical staff caught up and asked me if I wanted to bail out or continue. I told them I appreciated the concern but if I had to crawl I was going to finish. Moments after they understood my want to finish they moved onto another person needing help. The fact that my 'wall' has been pushed back from mile 20 to 23 is improvement. The fact that I kept a strong pace for that long is improvement. Once again the crowds, runners, and city were amazing. Such energy and enthusiasm for this event and all involved. I have to say my favorite part was at mile 10... I heard my name being screamed and stopped. I mean, this is a strange city and I just brought my friend Courtney from Indianapolis. Looking over my shoulder I see my friend Erin! I hadn't seen her in 4 years! Of course I ran to her and gave her a big hug, she patted me on the chest and said "Go go go! Keep going, you're crushing it!" And that moment made my day! For now I'm resting, Utah is next in June and really looking forward to the trip and exploring the a new state to visit for this runner.
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