Just behind Lance Armstrong • November 5, 2006 | 6:30 p.m.

I’m just getting up from a warm, cozy nap next to my munchkin, Josh. He apparently fell asleep waiting for us to get home. I wish he could have been there today to see his Mommy and Daddy crossing that finish line. Maybe when he’s a little older he’ll be there with us. It’s an accomplishment that you want to share with all those you love. I called him the minute we finished and he said, “Wow, Mommy.”  I don’t know if at the age of three he quite understood what it meant, but he seemed to understand that whatever we did there was a reason to say wow.

Here are a few reflections from this tired and hobbled, yet successful, marathoner. I gave it my best shot and, as a result, I did my personal best for time. That is so rewarding. Though the competitive side of me was a little disappointed, I missed 3:30 by just one minute, I realize there’s always next time. All kidding aside, today was simply perfect — perfect weather, perfect crowds, just perfect. I must thank everyone who came out and cheered us on. Every bit helps (especially at miles 20 to 23 for me). 

I also have to say how proud I was to see Karen, beaming from her run, shortly after she finished. Her face said it all. I asked her what was the best part for her and she said running past Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where she finished her radiation treatment for breast cancer just a little over a year ago. I can only imagine what she felt. I was very moved when I saw some of the center’s young patients, a few in wheelchairs and one wearing a face mask, standing outside in the cold happily giving us all their support. It feels good to know in a small way, that we and other members of Fred’s Team helped raise money for pediatric cancer research. (And thanks, once again, to all who donated). 

I heard Lance Armstrong say this was the hardest thing he’s ever done. The guy beats cancer, wins seven Tour de France races, but a marathon was the most difficult. It feels good to know even to a super athlete like him, this was a major physical challenge. Oh, and Lance, you beat me by just 31 minutes. But who’s counting? 

I met so many great people today who thanked me for doing this. I also heard a husband tell Karen, right at the start, that his wife was so inspired by her that she was training for a half marathon. I hope, if nothing else, you enjoyed this experience and sharing this moment with Karen and me. I also hope we gave you some motivation to face challenges in your life ... maybe something you’ve always dreamed of doing. Remember nothing is impossible unless you try. And the rewards of just trying are the most fulfilling. 

Now for the fun part — besides going up the stairs — eating dinner! And boy, can I eat right now. They say you burn 2,600 calories running a marathon. So I say, waiter, bring me a large steak and an equally huge desert.

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