Joy and killing it!

Yes I killed it and yes I am glowing and still full of joy hours after. I am proud of myself and still in awe while realizing I am a changed person now. I feel you really can do more than you think you can, and I can do a lot physically- thus I have come a far way! I realized family love and support means the world to me and that I have an amazing family. I also have the best husband who is always full of encouragement and support and when he told me he got emotional during my race, I knew it was real for others and not just me.
Race weekend began with lots of anxiety, moods, excitement and loss of appetite. No sleep either. I woke up Saturday with a fast 20 minute run with the sun rising and thought " I can do this, and I will do this, look how far I have come and now its time to celebrate!". The family was up in Philly and ready to celebrate and it was quite the celebration. We got to have a birthday party, and I got my appetite back for dinner. I ate well and felt so good that I could finally calm down and eat. I also got in bed at 10pm witch was the goal. I woke up at 4:30am bouncing off the walls and ready to go ( I didn't have to get up till 5:30 but I just bounced out of bed). Jeremiah helped me with all me gear and I had this moment of realizing this is my race and I am a runner. Out in the morning it was cold but I knew I would warm up, at least I hoped. We stood in front of the famous rocky steps while listing to some Rock N' Roll and taking it all in. Then it was time to get in the Corral- I felt excited and nerves went away. When the horn went over I think I could have cried of joy but I just smiled and ran and gave my parents high fives. I was on full adrenaline for the first 5 miles. I saw the family at mile 4.5 and knew I had a killer pace. I was so ready.. then it got a little tougher when we were removed and not so many crowds. Lots of people were walking and I felt so far away. I told myself I have done this before I know I can do it, and I can REST later- pain is temporary. But I didn't really feel pain till after the race ( to be expected). I grabbed some "GU" a gel of calories, carbs and sugar at mile 8.5 and by mile 10 I was killing it. I was so ready to finish as I felt strong and fast. Mile 13 came fast and of course I sprinted to the finish! I saw the barricades of people and felt so much emotion as I  ran fast to the " RUN BOO RUN" side the family held the whole race and got quite some play from the DJ as well. I felt I just did this and I still feel great! I had great breathing, great control and great weather. I could not have been more prepared. I had good nutrition and really trained hard. This was a goal I made believing I could do it- and I showed myself that trusting yourself can be hard during such intense training but in the end its that belief I made 2 months ago to sign up that drove me through the race. I knew I could do it 2 months ago- a lot less physically prepared why would I not do it now. I would and I did. Slash I killed it with joy!