But it was rather cool this morning plus overcast with a pretty good breeze. Bystanders had hoses and sprinklers and sprayed us all as we passed by. I was honestly never really too hot. The water cooled me off. I really did push myself though. I finished at 6:10, which is quite the improvement over all those long ones I just completed. I was worried that they would close the race before I finished. The last 10K was a little warm but again it wasn't that bad with all the water that people were spraying on me. I found out after I finished that those who didn't cross the bridge leaving Quebec by 11 am ended up being directed past the last 10K loop and finishing only a 20 mile course instead of 26.2. Fortunately I was fast enough that it didn't happen to me. I was so happy to finish in time and I still had energy. I've said before that it's really easier to run faster and get finished than to take your time and take 8 hours. It's all about the amount of time on your feet.
I'm pretty happy that I was able to run 14 full marathons this month, plus one last month and also walk about 200 miles through Italy. I am ready for a day at home and a more restful month up in Deadhorse at work. But I think I will miss the daily marathons. It becomes habit when you run that far day after day. It was hard but I really did enjoy it.
The Medal is Gorgeous!
Crossing the finish line in Ottawa |