I did it! After 4.5 months of training including no late night activities, I finished running 10 miles on October 7, 2007! I had no confidence in finishing the race. The longest miles I trained was 8 miles and it was not easy. I suffered from muscle cramp and joint pain after the run and there was no way I could pull out another 2 miles. However..... I DID IT!!!!!

The race was AMAZING! 26,000 people registered and about 18,000 completed the race. My time was 1:41:29. Not too bad for the first time. From our IMS team, George, Amy, MJ, Rick and Aaron ran. My friends, Eliko and Erge, also ran. I did not feel any pain during the run. The last 2 miles was still very tough. It was on the 14th street bridge with burning hot weather (upper 80s) on the black asphalt with no shades. I had to walk a bit there.

I am so grateful and feel honored that I was a part of this memorable run. As you see in the pictures, there was a team of soldiers running with artificial legs. My friend, Kati, saw a blind man guided by rope from both of his sides. Teenagers to retired, healthy to wounded, - everybody ran his/her best. The energy, spirit and inspiration were more than I had expected. 

All the pictures here were taken by Kati. Thank you, Kati! And I think I will run again next year. I think I will...

I would like to thank Nikki, Dawn (from IMS), Kati and Elis for coming to support us. I would like also to thank George for introducing me to this wonderful experience.  Thank you!