I FINISHED

I don't have a photo of me running and finishing the marathon yet. They will send it to me. This was one of the most awesome experiences of my life. I experienced every possible emotion one could experience in just one day. First Trey, Kim and I went to the portapotty so we wouldn't have to go during the race. LONG LINES!! It took 20 minutes to get to the start line. I started the race off pretty strong .. so strong I thought I would pass up the first water stop and make it to the next one. Well at mile 5 - there was noooooo water!! I ran to a fountain and I literally stuck my head under water. It was just so hot - the sun was beating down and I saw one person after another drop. I kept on going .. The crowd was overwhelming - they kept yelling my name. I kept going. At mile 17, I saw one of the TNT runners from Mississippi - Greg.. I stopped for the first time and walked with him. We heard they were cancelling the race. I was like.. NO WAY.. I saw gaterade.. we got separated. I started running faster - now I had to finish the race. The cops were now telling us to walk that the race was over.. the marathon was cancelled. I said, "No!!" I had to finish now. I kept running and praying. I prayed God would give me the strength to do this and He gave me hope. The nice people in Chicago along the street kept cheering for us. They sprayed us with water and gave us water to drink. Then at mile 20 - I had a choice.. the cops said I could go 3 miles or go 6 more. I went straight for the six miles. Shortly after that - they barracaded it and made people turn - not giving them the option. At this point, I didn't care if there was not a finish line. I was going to run 26.2 miles. In China Town at mile 21 - I saw Natalie.. I started CRYING uncontrollably... I wasn't going to stop, I told her - not for a second. "Your brother is up there .. he's looking for you." Another mile and I saw Trey.. I saw him and Carrie (Kim's sister). I caught up with them. I started crying again! That's when I started walking b/c the cops told us to. Carrie had gotten sick but she was going to walk the rest of the way. I didn't know at that point if they were going to divert us but we weren't going to stop. We walked for about 3 1/2 miles. That is when I saw that we had one more mile. I had to run it. I ran and I saw the finish line and I ran even faster. I heard names being called over the loud speaker. I was going to finish. I threw my hands up when I crossed the finish line. I can't describe to you how I felt when I finished. It was an incredible feeling of accomplishment. I finished the Chicago marathon (just under 6 hours) - even after it was cancelled - 45,000 people signed up for this race - 10,000 people didn't show up - 10,000 people were diverted (forced) - only 25,000 finished. I will never forget this experience. For the first time in its 30 year history, the Chicago marathon was called off in the middle of it due to heat. What a crazy, wonderful experience!! More photos will be posted tomorrow!