4:28:04

I may not be the fastest, but I'm not the slowest. On May 16th, 2009 I completed my first marathon. That's 26.2 miles (42km) of running. 

And for a former lazy, excuse making asthmatic that was an accomplishment. Three years ago I couldn't run more than a mile without huffing and puffing. I thought about that as I ran the beautiful Ogden course. The sun was out, there was a slight breeze and I felt strong. About mile 17 the song on my iPod came on "Ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough..." and all I could do was smile. I knew I would finish the race. I knew I still had energy to burn.

Kristina joined me about mile 20 and it was awesome to see a familiar face. She kept me sane for the last two miles and cheered me on as I ran to the finish. My quads were on fire but all I could think of was "I am finishing a freaking marathon. I did it. I could do it. I AM doing it." I came in under 4 hours 30 minutes, which was my goal. And I even felt good enough to know this wasn't going to be my last marathon. Now I have a time to beat.

There are a few life moments that make me feel pretty damn proud. My master's, my new house... and finishing a marathon. Because there really is no mountain high enough.