This blog is one day early based on my sheer inability to contain my marathon excitement until Monday morning. Additionally, I am off tomorrow and I aspire to actually sleep in past 6a.m. but, if you know me, you know that this will be a challenge.
Today was the Pittsburgh Marathon and it was an absolutely amazing experience. This is my second year running the half marathon and I had a legitimate blast. I smiled for all 13.1 miles for the second year in a row. Running the marathon is an amazing experience; thousands and thousands of people line the streets to cheer on 27,000 complete strangers that have spent months of their lives training for the race. I was overwhelmed by the spirit of Pittsburgh for the entire 13 miles of running.I spent the first eight or so miles running with Tim Booth, who was a fantastic running partner, but ran just a bit too fast for me after all of those miles. Tim and I pointed out funny posters to each other, kept track of our mile times and weaved in and out of countless people while trying to stick together.
At mile eight, I saw my seventh grade science teacher volunteering with the Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE). I was so happy to see a familiar face AND to see such a great organization that has made mine and my family's lives worth living. Mr Alexander, you are the best! At mile 9.5, I grabbed a handful of gummy bears from a complete stranger and I swear to you it was the most delicious tasting candy that I have ever had.
At mile number 10.5 Amy and her family met me with a zip lock bag full of peeled and sliced oranges. I thoroughly enjoyed those oranges for the next half a mile or so. I am so thankful that Amy and her family were brought into my life and I cannot wait to see Nick play at his trumpet concert later on this week! I love you guys. Val, you were there in spirit and I love you for it! Pardon my appearance, I was mid-marathon here.
Around mile 11.5, I thought that my knee was dislocated but I finished the race anyways; and boy am I thankful for that. I spent an hour or so after the race in Charity Village with Zach and his family and as time progressed more and more of our friends came to meet us! Overall, the experience was amazing and I was grateful to see so many of my friends at the end of the race! I love all of you guys! 
Last, but certainly not least, a special thanks to all of the volunteers that woke up early on their day off to hand out water, block off streets, hold up homemade signs, play in a band, set up generators, high-five runners, applaud endlessly and give all 27,000 of us a reason to continue on. Your support means more to us than you'll ever know. 
After spending some time with my friends, my family and I left the city and went straight to Aladdin's to get hummus. Afterwards, I went to Starbucks to find some wonderful balloons that Connie left for me! For dinner, my family and I went to the winery. If you know anything about me, you know that May 5, 2013 is officially the best day of my life. If you know anything about me, you know that tomorrow will be even better.
Here's to accomplishing goals,
over and over again,
Xoxo
