Words can't even explain it

Where to begin?? Carbohydrates was the theme of the week. I paid extra attention to make sure that I got a fair serving of some carbs for lunch and dinner the entire week. On Thursday Laura and I went to pick up our kits and discovered that they put your name on the back of them. From running in the past, I have found it is nice to have a name so that bystanders can cheer for anyone. Makes you feel extra special too. We woke up early on Saturday as we were planning on a 10 p.m. bedtime. I met Laura at the Marathon Expo so we could be first in line for the free massages. I got a few of the knots worked out of my shoulders and then it was off to barrio chino for a carb-filled lunch with the boys. Fede left to play soccer, but called me twice within an hour to find out exactly where I was. This was after he knew what my plan was. I couldn't figure out what he was up to, but knew I needed to be home so I assumed he had ordered a flower delivery or something. Boy was I wrong! I hung up the phone with him as I entered the elevator of my building only to exit the elevator to find my Dad standing at my doorstep. WHAT A SURPRISE!! I couldn't believe it! He and I went to dinner that night for more carbs (bet you didn't guess that) only to get caught in the middle of a rainstorm. The past week I had been checking the forecast repetitively only to see a picture of a rain cloud. The rain continued throughout the night, but when I woke up at 5:50 the next morning the raindrops were gone. As the sun wasn't up yet I couldn't check the sky, but it was 60°F so not bad at all. I rapidly got dressed, got Fede moving and we were off to pick up my Dad.

We found a place to park and started walking towards the starting line. I spoke with Martin and Laura several times, but we were unable to find each other amongst the thousands there. I put my number and chip on while Dad pinned the picture of Grandma on my back. One last trip to the bathroom and the countdown was on the loudspeaker. I gave a quick hug to both of my followers and squeezed through the fence to join the crowd on the starting line. Slowly the mob moved forward until we were feet in front of the line and we began our jog.

The first several miles were a blur. There was excitement from so many: runners, bystanders, helpers and anyone else that happened to be nearby. People talked as the passed you or as you passed them. A few asked me who was on my back and I gladly told them. Within about 30 minutes of running, it started to rain lightly. You know you are running with other crazy people when everyone starts to cheer loudly the minute rain hits their heads. It was a refreshing feeling as humidity was causing us to sweat like crazy anyway. We passed the Casa Rosada (their White House) and had tango dancers there to cheer us on. Shortly there after I was elbowed by a woman, which caused my watch to stop. As I hadn't noticed for a few minutes and I wasn't sure exactly when it stopped I lost all track I had of my pace. My initial thought was that the cheap watch I bought had died in the rain, but thankfully it still had life in it. I was getting ready to get to 14K as that was the first pitstop for Dad and Fede. I passed it and continued for the next few kilometers with no sign of them. I figured they had gotten stuck on cut off street or hadn't calculated for my speedy pace as I was going faster than I had planned. Either way, I knew they'd catch up with me in the end. I saw them as I rounded the corner coming out of Boca. Dad was ready with the camera and Fede had a banana in one hand and gel in the other. He ran a few steps with me and asked how I was before I continued on my way. The halfway point was feet away. I crossed that and was able to reset my watch to know I was still ahead of schedule. I was getting hungry so I grabbed a few oranges and sucked their juice to see if that would help. If nothing else, it confused my mind for a bit. I ran into my fans again at 28K and grabbed another gel off Fede. As I wasn't quite ready for it I stuck it in my pants and continued forward. The hunger was setting in after that as the gels give me energy, but don't fill my stomach. So at 30K I grabbed a banana and water. Ever tried eating half a banana while running? It's much more difficult than I would have thought. I tried to balance between water and adding more banana and finally got it down. Followed it quickly with my gel pack. I was set. A few more steps down the road I burped loudly after ingesting so much on the run and it worked out for the best. It allowed me to make friends. I found my running buddy, Ivan, that would help me to get to the finish line. We talked a little, but mostly just used each other for the pace. It was his first marathon as well so we were both just wanting to cross the finish line. I passed the fan club one last time around 35K to give another smile and continue on my way. The sun came out and it became a beautiful day. The last 10K seemed to take forever. I kept looking and looking for the next marker, but they seemed to be coming much slower than before even though I was going at the same pace. I could see where the course was going and kept wondering how many more turns I had before I got there. I also teared up a few times just thinking that I was almost there, but refused to cry as I knew that meant my breathing would cease as I knew it. I then turned the corner on 40K to see Meghan and Danny walking up the course. I waved at them and moved little by little closer to the line. I crossed 41K and the crowd grew with every step. A few more steps and the arch "Llegada" was in sight. My running buddy and I picked up the pace and crossed the finish line sprinting. After 4 hours and 16 minutes, I had finished my first marathon. An amazing experience and a feeling that I don't want to go away. I know that I trained hard for 4 months and it all came down to a 4 hour mind-over-matter battle. The minute you cross that line you know that it's all been worth it and you can get past anything if you put your mind to it.

I met up with Dad, Fede, Laura, Martin, Meghan and Danny at the end and tried to explain it. My legs were very wobbly and my joints felt like I had suddenly turned 70, but it was so worth it.