Awesome race and great job getting your sub 4!

I loved this report Meaghan.  You captured so many rich details that I didn't notice or have already forgotten.  Your comment about Sunnyside and how you capture a bit of each place you have lived really resonated to me.  I live in the the suburbs, so while I have a connection with the city, I don't have the same deep connection that you clearly do.  And now onto my favorite part.  You didn't just write a good report, you absolutely nailed your training and your race.  You were a woman on a mission and your certainly achieved that mission.  I can't believe your even splits.  You were like a metronome.  Congrats on a great race. Congrats on a huge PR. And congrats on a a sub 4 marathon. Fantastic!

Meaghan, you executed that race about as well as it's possible to do.  I found it interesting that you mentioned slowing down because you lost focus.  In my first marathon, I started chatting with some guy around Mile 5 or 6 and the same thing happened.  That was my lesson on the necessity of maintaining focus for the entire distance.  Despite that, you went into the race with a plan and didn't let yourself get carried away with race day excitement nor did you approach it with fear.  Damn good job.

Hey... why does it say you are from Canada in the results? Are you really?

Damaris- Thank you, thank you, thank you (that's for the congrats here and in the dailies threads).

Jack Klompus- Yes, that may well be the happiest I ever am at the end of a marathon-- I wouldn't doubt it!  Thank you!

bozydeco- Thank you!  The confidence is a new thing for me, it feels pretty good!

redrum- It is as charming as you can imagine.  New Yorkers love to complain about the logistics, and there's a lot not to love about 3 hours in the cold beforehand or the long forced march afterwards, and yes, it's crowded and expensive... but it truly is unlike any other race I've experienced. Thank you!

Kristin- Thank you!  I really tried to capture the feel and not just the facts...  Hope to be cheering for you on the course in the future!

RSX- Thank you!

Rick- Yes, it is calling you!  I would love to see you come back from your injury stronger than ever and time qualify... Or you can try your hand at the lottery!  Thanks for the comments on my race plan!  Your advice has been very helpful the past few months!  As to the future I think I am not ready to sign up for another marathon yet.  I will focus on short distances and not think about the marathon until (at least) the deadline to register for next year's race.

Mitch- Thank you!  Yes, it was wonderful that my mother and sister could be there.  They are amazing cheerleaders for me!

Rabbit Chaser- Thank you!

Sarah- Thank you!  It was an amazing feeling to be running so strong and so happy!

Awood- Thank you!  I've been following your training too-- we had similar mileage and goals going into our races this past weekend.  Great to see you have such a great debut!

Phil- Thank you!

Beth- Thank you, I hope you do really train for one!  I wouldn't at all be surprised if that sub-4 was well within reach for you.  I am inspired by the joy with which you run marathons whether you have a time goal or not-- sometimes I feel like I get too invested in a finishing time.

onemile- Thank you!

jblackjr- Thank you!

fourouta5- Thank you for your kind words!

TakeAHike- Thank you!  I can't wait to hear about your race!  Do you have a RR up?  I hope it was a wonderful experience for you!

Ric-G- Thank you!

Brad- Thank you!  It's hard to stay focused for an entire marathon, I'm kind of glad I kept enough mental energy to be focused through the last few miles.  I would be kicking myself, though, if that lack of focus had gotten me a 4:01!

Julie- Thank you for your comments on my pictures!  Yes, I am buying them all I was truly as happy as I looked.  Yes, I am from Canada!  Born in Ottawa, raised on the West Island (Pierrefonds/ Pointe Claire-- you are from Montreal, right?), New Yorker for 13 years but still a Canadian at heart and on my passport!

FreeSoul- Thank you!  You had a great race too this weekend!

OK, I did buy all of these, but because it's going to take so long to process the order, here are the proofs:

(I am in the red PPTC singlet)

This might be going over the Pulaski bridge around the halfway point-- or maybe it's a bit earlier, I don't remember.  I'm still looking fresh!

going over the Willis Ave Bridge-- the guy in front of me is having a pretty good time too!  I really look as if I'm underdressed but I maintain that it's everyone else who was overdressed.

Same bridge, same thumbs-up guy, closer shot.  That fuel belt makes for one flattering photo, let me tell you!

Right before the finish-- I guess I thought I'd take a nap?

I guess I woke up in time to cross the finish line!

the "Hey I got a medal" picture.  Two days later and I'm still grinning ear to ear.

Love the pics, Meaghan!

Congratulations, what a fantastic race!   This is the race I want to run.  I love how you made it more then just a physical race, but showed what mental discipline it really takes to achieve such goals.  You're absolutely glowing with enthusiasm/happiness in your pictures-- so pretty!