Congratulations, Enke, you're are marathoner. I also think that illness ambushed what would have been a better day on the course. Your training was very good, but the first is gonna be tough regardless. You've shown you've got the toughness that it takes, so next time is bound to be easier. Rest up, then keep working on your base. We're all so f-ing proud of you! Good job, jjj

Cool! Arf gets in kind of late Saturday, so probably won't get a chance to see you before, I will we will figure out things when it gets closer. Dave

Dive and Arf - I signed up for the Seafair half a long long time ago, as the rates go up so fast. I would love to see you guys there or beforehand.

I'm so glad that you finished your first marathon and that you posted such a moving RR, but am sorry that you suffered so much out there. I'm sure that this will be your worst-ever marathoning & running experience and things will only go upwards for you from here. For what it's worth, I also had a really bad first marathon experience -- both in the doing and the recovery -- and came back two years later to do it right and move on from there. My experience wasn't nearly as bad as yours, but I'm sure your running future will be bright! Now take it easy, regain your health and strength, and get back out there.

Enke, this is one of the most powerful race reports I have ever read. Thank you for communicating to us all what you went through. I think your experience will resonate with me for a long time. Congratulations on finishing your first marathon! You done something I've never accomplished, and most likely will not. You should be proud of your achievement.

Wow ... "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" comes to mind. You seemed to have both - the thrill of completing your very first marathon and the agony of making it through to the end. I was really feeling for you as I read your RR. I think we've all experienced some of those things at one time or another (I was really dehydrated at Boston), but you seemed to hit the jackpot all in one race. But in my humble opinion, I would encourage you to cherish the fact that you finished your first marathon and are now part of a very select group ... and you got to meet new people and ignite some new friendships along the way. That has to be very satisfying. I've been following your training over the past few months and was quite impressed with your progress. It was unfortunate that "illness" got in the way near the end. Don't be discouraged though. Do take some time to figure out what went wrong and then set your goals for your next race. What's that expression ...when you fall off the horse, get right back up on the saddle. I see some very good marathons in your future ... you'll have your day. Keep posting. I enjoy hearing about your progress. Continued good running over the summer. PJ

Well done! The important thing is that you are now a marathoner! Congratulations! I liked the descriptions of what went through your mind and body in the last 9 miles. No one can warn you of what this feels like until you experience it first hand. Brings back memories of my first marathon... Congrats again and recover wisely, John

yikes - i can't believe i missed this R&R ENKE - you are amazing -- i truly admire your guts and determination to run and finish this marathon despite how sick you were going into it.......your training was wonderful and your spirit carried you through!! i hope you are very proud of yourself for finishing -- YOU ARE A MARATHONER!!!