Mel Runs a Marathon: Mel On...My First Marathon

(Check out Part 1, Pre-Race: Here)

I don't know how to sum up 26.2 miles of awesomeness...the feeling crossing that finish line is indescribable! Here are some of the pics I took along the way, along with all the moments I never want to forget!

The feeling (every emotion in the world x10) at the start line.

Hearing the announcer wish us, "love, a good race, and good health" before our countdown.
Getting so excited seeing each kilometer sign...especially since my Garmin crapped out on me with 20 miles to go.

Passing by the Marathon Tomb (the tomb of the 192 soldiers that died in the Battle of Marathon) during the first 5k of the course.

(Pic from Tracy)

How friendly everyone was, entire families sitting by fruit and flower stands in between the bigger towns.
The beautiful hills in the distance (totally a fan of THOSE hills).

(Pic from Tracy)

The buses passing by with coaches and escorts at different points in the course.

The old guy who gave me an olive branch as I passed by, the "traditional offering to a champion" (P.S. I LOVE THAT MAN!)

The ridiculous amount of time it took me to convert each km into miles and then determine how many miles I had left...at each km sign...I cannot tell you how much mental energy I put into that, lol. It was a good distraction toward the end though!
Looking up at the street corners and seeing Marathonos Ave...it made me smile every time.

(Pic from Tracy)

Every high five along the way!

(Pic from last year's race, not my photo)

The little old lady who gave me chocolates, I put them in my Camelbak for the kids but they had melted before I could finish.
The stray dogs who were running along the course, especially the one who started running right beside me (I don't have the best of luck with dogs on running trails...at least this one didn't attack me!)
Passing by Rafina and getting a glimpse of the Aegean Sea!

How I didn't want to throw down the water bottles in the street during the first half of the race...and how I didn't care where I threw anything during the last half of the race!
Having to pee and stopping to go to the bathroom twice, well stopping three times but not using the porta-potty at the second stop because of the poop explosion all over the seat and floor...GROSS!
Another chance to view the Aegean Sea!

Being passed by power walkers...on multiple occasions.
The coughing spell I had around the 14 km and how thankful I was I had brought peppermints (thanks, Laura!).
How pretty the fruits stands and tavernas were with their colorful tiled roofs.
The gorgeous weather!

Every clap and "brava" I heard along the course, especially the "BRAVA MELANIE" from a random stranger.

(Pic from last year's race, not my photo)

The moment I forgot I was going uphill until I saw a slight downhill.

Starting to get hungry around the 17 km (10.5 mile).

The old guy in the white tank top, we smiled and waved to each other every time we caught up/passed each other. We tried to talk to each other in the starting block but couldn't understand each other (I think he was Greek), but it was nice to see a "familiar" face along the route!

So, I might have walked more than I wanted to at this point, but I was still happy...with scenery like this, how could you not?!

Coming up to one of the first GU stations and realizing that they (and the fruit) were all gone. Thankfully, I had brought my own gels...but I REALLY, REALLY wanted a banana or orange at this point!

The awesome signs along the way! (These two said, "It's not too late to quit!" and "You run better than our government!").

Following the "thin blue line" to Athens! This marks the official 26. 2 mile distance of the course.. "if you want the best time, follow the line!" ...following in the footsteps of the elite!

How good I felt throughout the whole thing, even when I was walking I had my chin up and I was happy...it was a really great experience!
Finally seeing a sign for Athens...

The amazing volunteers at each stopping point!

Wondering what in the world these guys were getting sprayed on their leg muscles at every med stop? What was that stuff?!
The 16 miles of gradual uphill on that course...and seeing the final hill and making it to the top!

(Pic from Tracy)

Every line dancer, street musician, band, and singing group along the way!

(Pic from race website)

Being so excited to finally reach Athens!

How I looked in every angle/view I could find for a glimpse of the Panathenaic Stadium and not being able to find it!

Thinking how HUNGRY I was and how I just wanted a turkey sandwich...and seeing a woman eating one on the side of the street...
Finally getting a banana at the 30 km point!
Getting my first foot cramp at 32 km.
Getting another foot cramp at 40 km.
Hitting a few rough spots, but never "the wall" I thought I would hit. I did stop stopping to take pictures toward the end though (as you can tell from lack of photographs here)!
Counting the different things I saw along the way (12 pet stores, 2 Christmas stores, 4 toy stores)...and how excited I got when I saw a word (any word) in English!
Passing the American Embassy.
When I realized I was getting a blister...and when that blister broke.
Seeing the first of SIX finishing arches...talk about getting a girl's hopes up...WHERE IS THAT STADIUM?!

(Pic from Tracy)

Passing, "The Runner," a glass statue of an Olympic runner's finish...

(Pic from Tracy)

Being both happy and sad when I realized there was only one more mile to go (and, apparently several more finishing arches)...
Thinking it would be a LONG time before I was ready to listen to this playlist again.
Making it down the most beautiful street in the world...the one leading to the stadium and the final finishing line!

(Pic from Tracy)

Hearing the sound of cheering and applause grow louder as I made it down the street to the stadium.
RELIEF AT FINALLY MAKING IT TO THE STADIUM!!!! This is happening!!!

(Pic from Tracy)

Seeing the time counting away...and realizing I could make it under my goal of 6:30:00!
Hearing the sound of my kids screaming proudly, "MOMMY, MOMMY, MOMMY!" when they saw me enter.