Wow. This is going really well. I feel exhilarated. My toes are kind of tingling. I didnt know that would happen. It feels ***** incredible. Every part of me feels alive. I wonder if its possible that Im growing additional nerve endings like the sensations my body is experiencing are so intense, I have no choice but to create new channels to carry the signals. Now Im starting to wish I hadnt waited so long. It really feels like Im getting into a rhythm here. Ive thought about it in my mind so often, but this is even better than I could have hoped for. I wonder if anyone has tried to capture and recreate the hormones that make you feel this way? Im sure they have and its probably illegal

I never thought it would feel so ***** good to sweat in the presence of another person. It makes me feel like Im working, but the pay off so far has been incredible. And there is such a thing as a good ache; that is without question. But if I think Im sore now, I dont think there will be any comparison when tomorrow arrives. I think Im going to discover body parts I didnt even know I had.

I cant believe where this is taking me. Its already been over three hours and theres no end in sight. Its euphoric. This is truly better than Ive ever felt in my entire life. I cant wait to tell everyone they should try it. Wait. I cant do that. Theyll just tell me Im crazy. And that were not all like you, Tina. Yeah, they wish they could feel like this. Oh, what theyre missingMy body moves in ways I dont even have to instruct it toits like I was born to do this! I cant believe it took me 28 years to discover what I should have known when I was a teenager. Okay, I cant berate myselfI should just look forward to the fact that I have another 50 or 60 years of this ahead of me.

Im getting close. God, I cant believe Ive been drawn back and forth along this path so often today and Im only now reaching the end. You couldnt have this kind of experience without sharing it with another person.
______________

I rest with the back of my hand over my eyes, merely trying to catch my breath. I feel Bette sitting beside me and I take a moment to look up at her. Shes smiling. Im glad to see her smile.

You did it, Bette said.

Yeah, I did it, the pride was bursting out of me.

Youre amazing, you know that? she asked.

I couldnt have done it without you, babe, I answered, reaching for some more water.

Your first marathon, and it took you just over three and a half hours. Thats very impressive. Bette remarked.

Maybe Ill try a triathlon next time? I suggested, still a bit giddy from my success.

Lets just see how you recover from this first, okay? she reached her hand to help me up.

We returned to our house that afternoon right after I received my award for completing the race. And I got another foot massage for my trouble.