Have you ever run a marathon?

Me neither.

But I did run a half marathon, and let me tell you, it was tough. Months of training. Running in the pelting rain or freezing temperatures to get my kilometers in and build endurance. My hips and knees were never without aches.

Race Day was an unseasonably warm one for early May, and I was sweating before my starting corral was even released. I lost my running buddy, Sarah, just before the 3rd kilometer, which meant I was facing the next 18 kilometers on my own.