My 2:47
This moment for me was such a culmination of hard work, perseverance, and love. I had been a college cross country and track athlete and continued that into road racing. I found success but noticed a decline in performance given my new life with a full time teaching job and other obstacles real life presents. I ran my first marathon in 2:48 at the age of 25 and struggled to find that time again. Through several injuries, I found it hard to believe I'd ever reach that mark again and it killed me to think that my best marathon was going to be my first. However I kept at it by rehabbing and getting out the door everyday. I stuck to a strict training regimen making sure if the right time ever came, I'd have a chance to PR. I found the conditions and course at Philly really suited me and was able to run a 2:47 the day after I turned 30. During the race I thought of all the work I had put in, the diligence in training and the love my wife supported me with.