Thanks a lot guys. Your support means more than you know. Like Keri says, I really didn't know what to expect not ever doing a full marathon before. It was really tough, especially the last 10 miles, but I somehow made it to the finish ok. I could barely walk after crossing the finish line. I think it took me more time to walk 100 yards to the convention center (where you could meet up with your supporters) than it did for me to run the last mile. I had great support from my wife and both sons (who came in from college just to support me on the run) and some friends. I have to give it to the city of Houston for turning out to support the runners even under rainy conditions most of the day. The officials said there were likely 300,000 fans along the route. There was hardly any stretch of the 26.2 miles that there wasn't somebody there cheering all the runners on...from the elite runners to the average Joe like me.
I talked to several veteran Houston marathoners afterwards and they said this one was the most difficult conditions that they've run in....not because of the rain, but because of the high temperature (68-72 degrees F) and humidity (95%). I know that may not sound hot, but it really is for running long distance. I felt pretty good for the first 15-16 miles, but it really started taking a toll on me after that. I'm a little sore in a few areas, but feeling ok for the most part.
Aside from the physical toll, the marathon really is a mental struggle as well along the way. The last 6 miles of the course is a little hilly, and a lot of folks around me were walking up the hills. I convinced myself to go very slowly, but don't stop running. I was afraid if I ever started walking that I would never get back to running. I'll steal a line from Yogi Berra and say that running a marathon is 90% mental and the other half is physical.
I plan on taking a few days off exercising and will start next weekend training on the road bicycle to get ready for the Houston to Austin MS150 bike ride.
Thanks again for all your support.
Patrick
