This is a continuation of my blog post on March 16, here. ------

At mile 14, I had both headphones working again. Hallelujah! Only, two more miles until Amber met me to finish the last 10 miles.

I had a roommate in college that did the New Jersey Shore Marathon the Spring of our senior year and I ran the last 10 miles of that with her too. It's amazing how helpful it is to have someone motivate you those last few miles. Someone to grab you water and oranges from the stations you could no longer deviate your path to get to. because running the straightest line to finish is the only option you have with 16 miles under your belt and still 10 left to go.

Running alone in a massive sea of runners is a high like no other. I can't express how helpful it was to have my mom running that first mile with me. It took my mind off of how long the rest of the race was and stifled my excitement. A large part of my struggle running long distances is the mental part of it. Being a Virgo, it's a large part of my personality, this over analytical and obsessive nature is something I struggle with daily. So, thankfully with mom's help, I was into mile two before I knew it. Around mile 3, I was running down Park Blvd. near the San Diego Zoo. In the middle divider was scattered Team In Training fans and supporters. They carried with them signs and pictures of all ages of cancer survivors. I don't know if it was the photos or the cheering or the fact that it was race day, but I nearly lost it. I tried to focus on my breathing and running as I wiped away a few tears and continued on my way. It was a small taste of the emotions to come later.