After 7 weeks of training

Medio Maraton Internacional de Coban
Guatemala City, 1013
Sunday, May 20, 2007 @ 8:00 a.m.

It was finally here!! I was experiencing all kinds of emotions and really wondering what I had signed up for. Mike and I arrived in Coban on Saturday afternoon to a furry of activity.

After locating our hotel, Hotel Virgen Del Rosario , located 2 blocks from Central Park, we decided to walk to the mall where I was to pick up my registration packet. Along the way, about 4 blocks, people came from out of nowhere, tour buses trying to get through the streets, to the police trying to direct traffic. While getting my packet of goodies, a very nice Guatemalan young girl escorted me to all of the booths to pick up my goodies. She spoke no English and in my "SPANCY" I tried to speak to her. She laughed!!!

Anyway, after completing that task, we decided to make our way back up to the hotel to drop off the bag and we ran into the GT Continental Bank Pig Mascot. Of course, I had to have a picture.....

As the evening went on, there was a parade of school bands, and Coco Cola vans. Throughout the evening and night, fireworks went off, loud horns honking, to people partying into the wee hours of the morning. I knew I needed to have a good meal and then a good night sleep if I was to accomplish the incredible challenge. So I went to bed and tried to get sleep.

When we got up in the morning and went to breakfast at Pollo Camperos, several of the runners were in there eating breakfast. At least I knew I was in good company, eating there for breakfast. These runners were all decked out in their running shorts and matching shirts. Okay, maybe I missed that requirement. I had my New Balance shirt with my Reebok shorts.

Soon came time to line up for the marathon to begin. Several helicopters over head.

We were all sure it was the "ESPN" channel covering the marathon.

As we were getting ready, I met some people from Antigua, Isabel & fiance. The course took us up a gradual hill to Central Park down into another little city, Carache and then back to the Central Park down to the new mall and then back up to the other side of the park to the finish line. Mike had strict instructions....MAKE SURE YOU GET MY PICTURE crossing the finish line! Well....he did!!

Okay, you can barely see me, but I did it and feel great about the accomplishment! With only one little blister and some pretty nasty rubs from the sweaty wet clothes. All in all, a great weekend!!!!