Yesterday was truly a memorable day as I completed my 15th marathon
at Pacific Shoreline. As some of you may know, I hadn't actually
run more than a few yards in almost a month due to bursitis in my
left hip. But after being injured over the summer with plantar
fasciitis, I was determined that Pacific Shoreline would be my
comeback race, no matter what my finishing time would be.

I really enjoyed the course, and it was fun seeing the faster
runners on the other side of the street from me. I got to say "hi"
to David Schiller three times during the race. My good friend and
fellow Snail Jamie Barcus was waiting for me at mile 19 to run me
in. Even though I was feeling tired and my legs were aching, it
lifted my spirits to have a friend running with me and encouraging
me. Then a few miles later we came across Snail Eddie Ferguson who
had earlier completed the half marathon. He missed meeting his
running buddy by a few minutes, so he joined us. Then at mile 23 I
saw my friends Karen Winter and Erika Kotteakos waiting on the side
of the course for me. They had also run the half, and joined us to
run the last few miles. I already couldn't believe I had four
friends to run me in, when all of a sudden I saw Roadrunner Greg
Hanssen waiting to join the group. Everyone started calling me P.
Diddy since I was surrounded by my entourage.

By the last two miles I was really fatigued, and all I could think
about was how good it would feel to cross the finish line. With
less that half a mile to go, I told the gang they could take off
because I wanted to finish on my own. As I approached the finish, I
heard the announcer say "Here's Amy Katz from Santa Ana...and look
at the big smile on her face!" I kicked it in and had a strong
finish. I could see along the sidelines my parents and my good
friend Leee Hockenberry yelling my name and taking my picture. Then
after I crossed the line, there waiting for me was my entourage and
my friends and family. It was an amazing feeling.

My finishing time was 4:15, only six minutes off my PR. Not bad for
having run only 12 miles as my longest training run over a month
ago. That's one of the reasons I love running marathons; it's as
much mental as it is physical. Thank you to everyone who has
supported my running and helped me achieve my goals.

Amy Katz