T-Rod- Thank you! I should have clarified the lack of caffeine thing-- I abstained for a week but then took some (1 cup black tea, 3 caffeinated gels) on race day. As much as the withdrawal sucked, I think it was worth it.
Paula - Thank you!
Phil - Thank you!
Rick - Thanks! It is easier (in a way) in a huge race because you see everyone in front of you raising their arms or giving a thumbs up or something. I usually get such horrible race pics so I made an effort this time.
She Can- Thank you! It is well worth it IMO!
Awood- Thank you!
Oski- Thank you! The longer races are easier for me to remember-- I'm not as super-focused on going fast, and I was really trying to cement everything in my memory.
Julie- Thank you! You are the sweetest! My family is mostly anglophone (my stepfather's side is Francophone but he was an only child so I have no Francophone aunts or uncles or cousins). I would love to meet you in NYC and hope you make it in to the marathon! If not I take trips to Montreal at least once every couple years so maybe we will meet there instead! Thank you so much for all your kind words-- I am absolutely sure that you are every bit as kind, poised and smart as you seem to think I am
Beth- Thank you!
still bluesky- Augh, now I am worried I am overselling it! Hope I haven't given you too expensive an itch! Thank you!
workinprogress- Thank you! I feel pretty good about them myself!
Scott- Thank you! I don't usually so it feels nice to get a good picture!
Melissa- Thank you so much!
outoftheblue- Thank you!
skygazer- Thank you! Yes, it was unbelievable to me that I was thinking that! I think the first thing I said when my sister asked me how it was was "would you believe me if I told you it was over so quickly?"
Jay- People are always surprised when they find out I'm Canadian, I'm not trying to hide it but I guess it just doesn't come up very much! (plus I've lost my accent-- much to my chagrin). Thank you for your kind comments, your Erie RR was a real inspiration to me.
sheepla- Thank you, one of the last things I read before the race was how much speeding up/slowing down drains your energy even if you're overall running the same pace, so I really tried to focus on keeping things consistent. I failed a bit in a couple places but overall I think the consistent pacing really helped me have some energy left over the last few miles.
paulski- Thank you!