4:14:09

Running clinic: $89.99
Race entry fee: $85.00
Fuel belt: $49.99
Blister-free socks: $19.99
Shoes: $175.00
Chiropractor/physiotherapy/massage therapy: $250.00
Crossing the finish line: Yup, you guessed it...PRICELESS!!

Last Sunday, in drizzly Vancouver, I completed my first marathon. It was definitely one my most memorable experiences.

As you all may know, training has been a struggle for me, but on race day, I decided that hey, I made it to the start line. That is achievement enough. If for some reason I don't make it to the finish, I know that I gave it my best, and I have nothing to be ashamed of. I put absolutely no pressure on myself; I just wanted to enjoy the day and the experience. So I took deep breaths, took in the sights and had a great time. I think I ran the entire race with a huge smile on my face.

The entire race was just amazing. Being with all those other runners was great; it was me and 3500 others struggling together to reach the same goal. We all had our own reasons, and had our own way of getting there, but we were all heading towards the same place. Some people were involved with the Team in Training, raising money for leukemia. Some were running for loved ones, and had their photos taped to the backs of their shirts. Some were running to smash records, others were just trying to finish and some were even celebrating their birthdays!

When I got to Stanley Park, I passed someone who was running with no legs. It's no easy task running a marathon but I could not imagine doing it on two prosthetics! He was definitely an inspiration to the rest of us, and every person who passed him said something encouraging to him. This was about halfway, and I was beginning to flag a little, so I thought of this guy, who had lost both of his legs, but wasn't going to let his disability stop him. And then I began to think of everyone I knew who had gone through difficulties - losing loved ones, fighting disease, struggling through school, moving to faraway countries, dealing with breakups and divorce, giving birth...marathons are a piece of cake compared to all that!

What really kept me going though were all the spectators and the volunteers. As you can see from the pre-race photo, my name is on the bib, and it was awesome to have all these people scream out "Go Annie! You can do it!" Some people wrote funny signs, or wore silly costumes, others had "Eye of the Tiger" blasting on their stereos. Each and every one of them put a big smile on my face. I really have to admire all the people who were willing to stand out there in the chilly rain for hours, supporting the runners. The best was seeing my friends Huyen and Greg, who woke up extra early on their day-off and drove all around the course following me and taking pictures. Even other runners got a kick out of them, especially Huyen's enthusiasm!

As I neared the finish line, I started to choke up. This was it! The last 3k were the hardest, but that's when the supporters really started to scream and yell. As soon as I saw the finish line, a flood of relief hit me and I started to cry. The lady who put the medal around me neck gave me a huge hug, which I sorely needed. During training I kept telling everyone that I just wanted to finish this one marathon and never do one again...well, I'm already planning to do another!

So thanks to everyone who sent me good vibes, to all who supported me, to my medical practitioners who kept me on the road, to my running clinic people and especially my coach, my family and friends who had to endure all my complaints about injuries (sorry!) and all my running buddies, past and present. And a HUGE shout out to Huyen and Greg who so kindly put me up for the weekend, supported me during the race and spoiled me rotten afterwards with good food and a trip to the spa!