Marathon Finisher Bridget Morse, 05:02:09 @ Finish Pace 11:31

The day before I volunteered at the expo giving out the numbers to the runners. I thought it was a good way to rid myself of the nervous energy. My husband was nervous for me too making me more nervous! It worked, I was a little tired and calmer when I came back home.
I visualized the race many times last week, the landmarks, feeling strong, drinking at every water stop, eating the gel packs. I had full confidence in my training (98% success rate). I didn't visualize the cold. I was worried about what to wear. I settled on a pair of tights, a long sleeve nylon top and wicking pull over.
Everyone was lined up by predicted time so I was in the back and you wait 15 or 20 minutes to start after the gun, I picked up someone's discarded plastic wrap and wrapped myself to keep warm. At least the wind wasn't as strong as Saturday.
I ran the first 6 miles, from the Art Museum down to Delaware Ave and up Chestnut Street, felt good..25% done. Another challenge, icy water stops!!! Walk or slip and fall! I saw so much good running gear thrown off onto the street!
Then past Drexel Univ. (frat boys cheering) into Fairmont Park, past the back of the Zoo, see the Brownstones up a hill past the new Please Touch Museum (so nice) then onto MLK drive and back to the Art Museum 13 miles! I heard them announcing the woman's first place amazing come from behind negetive splits to win.
Then on to Kelly Drive (it's a 13 mile out and back now) It was so beautiful with the river scenery. I saw people coming in looking strong... A man with an artificial leg...I cheered a few on - then back concentrating on me. I saw those amazing students from "Kids Run Philly Style". They're doing the whole marathon! I told them "I'm proud of you, you are amazing" everytime I saw one. Aroung mille 16-18 my left hamstring was starting to give me some pain, I tried to stretch it out but it would nag me for the rest of the race.
Then into Manyunk, it's true they do give out free beer! It's as cold as they said it was! It was so nice I couldn't help but smile and smile! There was lots of people cheering in Manyunk. Almost to the turn around, anybody can do a 10k! Then I see the Cliff Bar Pace Lady for 5 hours got ahead of me?! She cheered for me. It's okay, I'm running my own race and pace.
Then it's all down hill out of Manyunk and onto the the Kelly Drive. I see Mr.Kelly's Statue! Next the Boathouses! Next the stone bridge. Then around the bend to see the Art Museum! I felt like I could run even faster! (I may have saved too much) I heard my husband yelling "Go Bridget!" I ran my derriere off and thundered across the finish line burning past everyone in my sight! I did it!
The Cliff Bar Lady said great job and I want to kiss her but I say "Thanks - You Too!" I want to cry but don't. Will it sink in? - that I am now a part of the 1% population that has run a marathon, me and Ophrah. I feel like I own these streets now.
I ran the whole way and I have the sore muscles to proof it. Even though it took 5 hours the time seemed to pass quickly. I was like Dora following the map. Everytime I saw a landmark, I thought "I really feel good" so I encouraged myself. I also thanked God, that I was running this and strong enough to do this.
What was really hard was getting into a ice bath after the race to speed healing. What was really nice was treating myself to a massage after the ice bath and going to bed early.

Here's the splits:

Bridget Morse, 00:32:16 (NET) @ 5K Pace 10:23 , Predicted 04:32:14

Bridget Morse, 01:06:21 (NET) @ 10K Pace 10:40 , Predicted 04:39:40.00

Bridget Morse, 01:40:16 (NET) @ 15K Pace 10:45 , Predicted 04:41:51.00

Bridget Morse, 02:55:09 (NET) @ 25K Pace 11:16 , Predicted 04:55:24.00

Bridget Morse, 03:33:25 (NET) @ 30K Pace 11:26 , Predicted 04:59:46.00

Bridget Morse, 04:47:54 (NET) @ 40K Pace 11:34 , Predicted 05:03:15.00

Bridget Morse, 05:02:09 (NET) @ Finish Pace 11:31