That was my “chip” time, and basically the same time I caught myself running on my watch. My “official” time is about a minute and a half more, but still under the 4 hours and 20 minutes that basically constitutes 10 minute miles.

In some ways, even after months of training, I can’t believe I did it. I ran a marathon, all 26.2 miles. I kept going when we got to the infamous Seattle hills in the last 5-6 miles, not stopping to walk them like so many people around me did. And I didn’t stop after mile 23, the point at which I hit the infamous “marathon wall.” My mind was playing serious tricks on me at that point and I was running on a crazy blister on the bottom of my right foot that popped a few miles earlier.

Many, many thanks to all those who offered me support, both before the marathon and during. A big shout-out to Melinda, Chloe & Ella, who located me at several points along the way and sent photos to our friends in France and local family. And special thank yous to PSCS alum Tynor Fujimoto who came out along the trail, alum parent Teresa Collins who cheered me on as I ran the horrendous Interlaken hill, to Greg & Perrin who cheered me on at the finish, and to Dwight & Michele who were there at the end to show their support, too.

Super special thanks to Laurent for his ongoing inspiration (and for staying up late in Nantes to make sure I finished), to Duncan for his local inspiration, and Bernard in Nantes who tried to follow me using Seattle traffic cameras.

Today’s photo was taken by Ella seconds after I crossed the finish line.