Completing my first road marathon

If you'd told me a month ago that I'd be the proud owner of a Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon 42.2K finisher's medal I would have laughed at you. I see myself as a small town trail runner, out of place and not nearly fit enough for a big city marathon.

But here I am, two days later, covered in Arnica Cream and yelping everytime my kids tackle me for a full body hug. I composed many blog posts in my head during the time I was out on the course and I can't wait to get them written. Trust me, I was running for a long, long time so I have a lot I want to share with you!

While I get my thoughts sorted out, I want to thank everyone that helped me get to the finish line on Sunday:

• The Operation Soul Food team of Impressions PR and ambassadors @SproutRight and @CoreExpectations.
• All of the staff and clients of Street Haven (especially knowing that you were rooting for me).
• The Today's Parent staff (especially, Kristy, Nadine and Haley — I loved your tweets and Facebook comments during the day).
• Karen Wooley and her mama Bernice. Karen graciously offered up her mama's downtown apartment for me to stay at on race night. It was so nice to have a hug from a new friend that morning — and I owe you an umbrella!
• Running mamas Rhonda and Katie for putting up with my paranoid race eve texts.
• The lady who rode her bicycle through the whole race holding up hilarious signs.
• The volunteers, spectators and organizers. It's a HUGE job putting on this event. 
• The Mac's convenience store owner on Queen Street who didn't bat an eye when I told him that I was running a marathon and needed chips badly — I appreciate you not enforcing the minimum purchase for debit card usage!
• My family and friends for cheering me on via Facebook and Twitter on race day. 
• YOU — all of you who read this blog. It really means a lot to me.
• Most of all, my husband and kids (who don't read this blog, but I they need to be publicly thanked anyway).

More tomorrow — I promise!