I did the marathon.  I woke up early before my alarm not because I was anxious, but because my nephew (17 years old) was throwing up.  I went to check on him and he said he thought he had the flu.  By the time I finished getting dressed he was already back to sleep and I was grateful because I didn’t want to leave if he was still puking. 

I too had an upset stomach but I figured it was nerves.  I felt really good for the first fifteen miles and was right on track for my goal to finish 4:30 or 5:00 hours.  After that my upper thighs started to get muscle cramps though.  I’d never had them before so I really didn’t know what to do.  Other runners encouraged me to finish, so I did.  It was the hardest thing I think I have ever done in my life both mentally and physically.  I made it in 5:20, not a great time but I finished and I will never do another marathon again.  I did it all by myself.