It sounds silly, but I was awed that only 3/4 of my journey was visible in a view that seemed to encompass so much. Really? I did that? I ran from there to there, and then some more?

Sunday morning, I had my doubts. I lined up with the rest of the bazillion runners, but worried that it had been awhile since I had run more than a few miles at once. Sure, I did a little over a half-marathon distance two weeks ago during an endurance run, but that was with breaks between each 5k lap.

But, this was a new experience for me. Although I've run a couple half-marathons before, plus 18.4 miles during eat.blog.run, and the aforementioned 13.6 miles two weeks ago, this was the first time I was at a marathon. Even though I wouldn't be running the full distance, I got to see people who were going to put themselves through 26.2 miles of San Francisco! I got to experience a marathon expo, and see what the start and finish areas look like for such an event.

Plus, Bart Yasso was there. And you can't say "no" to the "mayor of running." It was exciting to hear his voice as he bantered with one of the other announcers. I had seen him at the Expo the day before, but watching him wave at us as we ran past the start line was definitely a motivator.

I ran down the Embaracadero, past Pier 39 (a favorite spot in my youth), through Fisherman's Wharf (stinky, except for the beautiful smell of sourdough for just a split second,) over a not-fun hill, through Crissy Field, over another not-fun hill, and then on to the Golden Gate Bridge. This race is apparently the only one that allows participants to run in the roadbed of the bridge. I had plenty of memories flood by me as I made my way towards the bridge. Once on it, I recalled how I "bridged over" from being a Brownie Scout to being a Cadette in Girl Scouts. We had walked on the sidewalk of the bridge, and it took something like an hour.

This time, I was running!

The miles up and back on the bridge honestly melted away. It was fun to be up there, even though the fog prevented the view from being as magnificent as it could have been. Nonetheless, I was pleased with the overcast and slightly misty weather, because I didn't overheat a bit during the race.

The end of the bridge is a nice downhill, but I was soon met with an uphill portion to end mile 10. Mile 11 was a gorgeous downhill that included a breathtaking view of sand and surf. I was eager for the downhill to stop, though, because my toes were bashing into the ends of my shoes - and yes, I lost part of a toenail. (Sorry folks at SocialLuxe and GettingGorgeous events at BlogHer; my feet need tons of work. And no, I won't be wearing open-toed shoes at BlogHer!)

Mile 12 was through a neighborhood prior to Golden Gate Park. It - and Mile 13 - lasted a long time. Entering the park was a gradual uphill, and I knew I was so close and yet I was definitely feeling heavy-footed. About a quarter mile from the Half-Marathon finish, the Marathon runners' course took an additional 3 mile loop before joining our course again shortly. As I was running oh-so-slowly towards my finish, I saw the Marathon runners to my right. It motivated me and put a smile on my face to realize those folks were now ending their 16th mile. And had another ten to go.

And then, the finish line was in sight. Although I didn't have enough in me for a true "kick," I tried my best to finish strong. I then collected my medal - which can double as a keychain - and a sweet mylar blankie.

An hour of waiting for the shuttle followed, along with other minutiae. And yet, I enjoyed every second of my hobble towards my car. After some nice icing and elevation, I regained the use of my body, and haven't been sore at all - whew!

Unfortunately, I do have another war-wound in addition to the lost portion of my big toenail: when I disrobed, I discovered my bra hook (in the front because it is an encapsulating sports bra) had dug into my skin right there in the soft portion of my upper ribcage. There is blood on the bra, and of course on my skin. Fortunately, I didn't feel it at all during the run. Ahhhh, endorphins.

I never thought my main injury from a race would be a chest wound!