That last mile was amazing. I pass the hot corner and hang a left onto the Kuakini. Then I take a right down Hualalai. I walk a little here and say a little prayer of gratitude. It is all down hill from here, I say out loud. This whole marathon - this whole Ironman - I have had my doubts about making it. I actually have a little time to spare! I am gonna make my 11:10PM cut-off. I am pretty sure I’ll be finishing this in 16 hours and 40 minutes!
I pick up to a run and take a right onto Ali’i. I see other finishers walking home and hear them cheering as I enter the chute. Then, my shoes touch the red carpet. It is longer (and shorter) than I expect it to be. Part of me wants to bend down and touch it. Then there are people cheering. Now I am reaching out to low-five all the people on the barricades. I start yelling HELL, YEAH! and pumping my fists. I hear Tonya and Maria even over the music. I slow to a walk and I am lifting my hands in the air and looking around, trying to soak it all in.
The thing that I came for is right here, right now. This finish line that I spent 10 years and so many races chasing is right in front of me. This finish line that I didn’t think I’d ever see is right here in front of me.
And it is beautiful.
There is a ramp - yes….a hill at the end of the race - and as I’m trotting up the ramp, I look up at the arch. I can see my name and I blink. ELIZABETH ANDREW 15:37:00. I have an hour and 23 minutes to spare!!!! I couldn’t believe it and I grabbed my head in amazement. I covered my mouth in disbelief. I reached the top of the ramp and did my long-awaited hula (or at least my best effort after moving forward for 15+ hours). I raised my arms in victory and laughed.
Neal was over to my right, so as I exited the ramp, he was there to lei me. He placed my lei over my head and scoped me into a giant bear hug.
I did it!! I yelled in his ear. I did it! Oh my gosh, I did it!!!
