I wanted my first marathon to be a Millennium Running race because I just happen to be a huge Millennium Running fan; and, for several reasons. John Mortimer and his crew put on an amazing race each and every time. New England is blessed to have such an incredible and caring race director! I heard John once say, "If you love what you do for work, you'll never work a day in your life." One can tell that John is not only passionate about creating a road race experience that runners will remember and talk about for years to come; but, he truly cares about "us" - the runners.

So, my first marathon would be the Manchester City Marathon. It's close to home. I knew my surroundings - I got to sleep in my own bed and I knew that "if" anything happened during my run (I was 58, then.), that I had a race director that would get me the care that I needed as soon as possible. That was important to me.

There was a lot of talk about the hills on this course, which made me a little nervous. I would be the first to tell you if there were too many hills or if it was too difficult - I simply don't like running hills. Perhaps, I was in a "fog" being it was my first marathon, but the hills were doable - I walked in some areas. I did the majority of my hill training, for this race, on a treadmill and a lot of it - it was less intimidating to me. The route was challenging; but, rewarding. I've already signed up to run it again this year and am currently in training. I just took my time and ran one hill at a time - one mile at a time.

At the start line, I placed myself towards the back of the pack. When the muskets fired, the race started; and, I was off to run my first 26.2 mile race. Nervous - excited - overwhelmed. I felt it all. The support along the route was SO amazing. And, for a brief moments during my journey, I felt like an "Olympian". Children lined the streets with their hands held high waiting for us to give them a ^5. I was waving at spectators, waving at motorists, volunteers and local authorities - There was applause and cheers coming from the crowds - It was their support that brought me home to the finish line.

There was a good variety of road and trail running, which I liked a lot. We ran through the streets of Manchester and weaved our way up to Livingston Park, passed by Derry-field Park in Manchester - To the West side and into Goffstown - over rivers and through the woods. :-) A beautiful route on a brisk cool day! I liked that the runners were notified prior to the race that the PowerAid would be first on the table at the aid stops. (One of many details provided to us; but, that matters when you're running. You don't want to have to figure things out.) There were plenty of aid stops along the route, porta potties and GU stops. One stop even offered bananas and a beverage.

The route was clearly marked with cones and ample volunteers directing runners. I appreciated the signs Millennium Running had posted along the route that kept encouraging runners. At the finish line we were greeted by the spectators, friends and Millennium Running staff. John Mortimer, Millennium Running, greeted many of us, with ^5s as we made our way up Elm Street for what would be our final lap to the finish line. As we crossed the bridge to circle back down Elm Street, one could hear the "beep, beeping" of a scooter - that was John, too - on a scooter honking for all his worth in celebration of the finish of our first marathon - The Manchester City Marathon.

As we crossed the finish line, there were hands reaching out to congratulate us - and, a huge "roar" of applause. My youngest son met me and ran across the finish line with me - An unforgettable moment and experience. Others were celebrating weight loss victories and a road to a healthier life. We all had and have our own reasons for running a marathon - When the finish line is in sight, the victory is ours for the taking - Proud moments for all!

We were given our beautiful medals, handed water and a foil wrapper to keep us warm. Post race - massages, plenty of snack options - my favorite was the hot chicken noodle soup.

A phenomenal Expo and race. Thank you all for your hard work! (John, MR Staff, volunteers, sponsors and local authorities for keeping us safe while crossing intersections.)

First Marathon Complete - 5:13:41.4