I was waiting to have some crazy pain that would force me to walk or have to stop dead it my tracks..never came. My muscles were tired. My legs were tight. But overall, there was nothing that kept me from pushing forward. In the last 4 miles I stopped about every 3/4 mile to stretch and started setting little goals..."run to that pole before you can stop and stretch" It seemed like the water stops got more frequent and i was NOT mad about that. Remember, these were my designated walk breaks and they were much much much needed and welcomed. I had no doubt in my mind that I was going to finish the marathon. Finishing strong was the mystery that began at mile 22. A marathon is NO JOKE!