(no subject)

I did it! I was so emotional about the whole thing -- I cried a little bit at the start of the race. Not out of fear, but excitement, relief, general overwhelmedness. Max and I ran together for most of it, and I'm so grateful that he's been a part of this whole thing with me. One of my biggest fears was not that I wouldn't be able to do it, but that I wouldn't be satisfied with HOW I did it, and would feel obligated to do another one and improve. I do not feel that way, though :) I was very pleased with how well I handled the course, the pace I kept, everything. It was slow, but I ran the whole race and didn't feel like death until like mile 12, so that was good. Then I cried at the finish, too. Because that's how I roll.

It was so great to have so many friends here with me. I've had a blast, and I would even consider making this an annual trip, if others were up for it. In addition to the race, we had some great food and games, went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium (my favorite!), and spent lots of time in the hot tub. Not a bad way to spend a weekend.