My chip didn't work and so my time was not recorded by a single checkpoint, including the start line. All three family members I ran with have their times recorded and we all crossed the start at the same time. This was my first marathon and I ran with my brother, uncle, and cousin-in-law. My brother is a marine stationed in Jacksonville, NC. He returned from Iraq on July 4th so I was running in his honor (it took some convincing to get him to run it!).

This failure was unfortunate not just because it was my first race and I wanted my time, but my mother was supposed to get text updates of my progress so she could find me to take pictures. Sadly, no text = no pictures. I'm left with the $15 5x7 options from marathonfoto which are blurry. I also don't know my exact time because I didn't stop my watch until in the chute. I think it was within a minute of 4:33:00, though. I tried to keep up with the three guys carrying the USA, Marine Corps, and Support Our Troops flags. I was successful until the last two miles :D. At least I have the medal...

I was looking up some friends times and noticed some of their times didn't record either. There is no way that only 20,000 out of the 30,000 finished the marathon. That's got to be a glitch, right?? I don't think I'm counted in that number.

I was doing well, going on a 4:10:00 pace until mile 20, my legs started cramping pretty bad on the bridge. Then, on mile 25 my legs locked up completely. I had 13 minutes to run 1 mile and take out Oprah but I just couldn't do it . I was happy with my first marathon time, though. Truthfully, after having only run three times the month before the race, I was glad to just finish. My previous long run was 18 miles with I did one month before and before that my longest was 13.1! Talk about pushing the boundaries.

Anywars, I've emailed them but I'm waiting to hear back. Any suggestions?