Marathon

I trained for it once my injuries from the spring healed and it was evident that they could handle the hard work.
I trained for it because my daughter was so sick and a 10 week plan looked like it would take my mind off her illness for a few hours a week.
I trained for it by getting up at 5 am and logging many kilometers in the fall darkness.
I trained for it all alone because I don't know any other runners.
I trained without thinking about it - no special food, cross training, hydration - just running - lots of running.

When my DD went to hospital on Friday last week with Acute Disseminating Encephalomyelitis, the last thing I thought about was Sunday's marathon. Instead, I spent 24 hours a day at the hospital using my nursing knowledge to support my family, advocate for a semi-comatose kid and fend off anxiety.

I wasn't rested. I wasn't carbo loaded. I wasn't hydrated but I was registered to run. Saturday afternoon my DD told me to run - that she looked forward to hearing about it.

So, I did. I slept fitfully, forgot my headband and was late to the start line. My warm up was a 1/2 km trot to the start! The gun went off and so did I - realizing as I crossed the starting mat that my mouth was dry and I was hungry - not a good sign.

It was a pretty day and I started crying at the 3rd km. Then I got serious, found my rhythm and thought about my darling DD waiting for me at the hospital.

It was a slog - dehydration caught up to me at the 32 km mark and my legs cramped. I hobbled through the last 10 kms and crossed the finish line 4 hours and 30 mins later.

Then I went back to the hospital and showed my DD my golden medal.

Today DD came home from the hospital and I realize that I ran my first, full marathon and no one knows outside of my family.

I just wanted to tell someone.