At the beginning of the race at the runner's village, I met some people from my high school. They gave me lots of pointers about the race. At mile 16, they warned me to relax instead of going for it and I did, which turned out be a good thing for me.

I ran the Los Angeles Marathon, which was my first one and I went untrained. By mile 20, I was walking the rest of the way. I felt really bad because old ladies were passing me up. I thought to myself, 'I'll never let this happen again.

I went to an Irish Pub after the race and they saw me limping and they bought me drinks. I always looked at it as I didn't think I could do it and when I qualified I thought, 'I better do it, I might not never get this chance again.

It was a great experience. There are so many positive feelings and energy amongst the crowd and the runners. It was a great uplifting experience and I'm so glad I came.

After I finished, I was so exhausted that I forgot to stop my watch, so I really didn't know my time.

I'm excited to come back next year. Well, hey, I qualified.