20 MILES!!!

I did it!!  I completed my 20 mile run!!  Last Friday I went to KC for a wedding and my friend Pikul that I keep talking about was running her 20 miler with team in training so I decided to run with her because it would be easier with a group.  It was my first time doing a team run and I loved it!  Its so great to have the support of everyone, not to mention the water stops!  We started off nice and slow which is why I was able to go the full 20 miles!  It was a nice cool morning and I did really well at the beginning.  I did start having pain in my knee about 8 miles in when I was running down hill and my feet started hurting as well because I need new shoes.  My knee continued to bother me which concerned me, but not bad enough for me to stop!  I was feeling good at mile 15, Pikul and I both kind of picked up the pace and this was through a hilly part of the run.  Well, it was too early for my to speed up...about mile 18 I started struggling.  I held back a little and Pikul was great in keeping me positive and helping me continue!  However, I felt bad I was holding her back and finally after telling her numerous times to speed up and leave me going slow she sped up.  Pikul killed the run!  She did awesome!  And she really motivated me and I was able to finish.  I might have been in pain and running slow at the end and thinking I was gonna die the last 2 miles, but hey...I finished!!!  And I didn't walk which was my main goal!!

Before my first marathon 20 miles was the furthest I ran.  I feel like I need to do 1 more 20 mile run before the race, but I'm extremely nervous about doing it on my own.  My fabulous roommate Rachel has volunteered to rollerblade the 20 miles with me and I might take her up on that offer!  But I also might try to find a race or even just a running group here that I can do it with.

My weekend in KC was fabulous!  The run, the wedding, everything was great!  I got to spend some time with great friends which was so good!  I miss Kansas :(

Fundraising...less than a month to go!!!  Crunch time!!!  Please help support homeless dogs and cats by donating!  Visit my fundraising page: http://pawschicago.kintera.org/teampawschicago2011/kellymcdonough
I also would like to ask everyone to keep an old friend's cocker spaniel in your prayers.  He went through some intensive surgery Monday and needs your prayers and thoughts.