[Josephine]

Yes - I have done 14 marathons to date. Full 26.2 miles. I do a lot of 1/2 marathons. I run not walk.I qualified for Boston 4 years ago before I put on the weight. It is harder to get a good time if your packing on extra weight. Slows you down.
Last year was my personal worst in the Twin Cities Marathon - It took me over 5 hours! Very painful. I had a sign across my butt saying " I'M UNDERTRAINED, OVER WORKED AND OVER WEIGHT BUT HAPPY AS HELL TO BE HERE...BUT IF I'M SO CRAZY THEN WHY ARE YOU BEHIND ME READING THIS?" I had alot of people cheering me on - It was fun and good fellowship.
I run with the arthritus foundation and raise money with them. I have had the opportunity to do marathons all over with them including Dublin Ireland. I love it. It is always about inner strength and the human spirit and fellowship instead of how you look. The first marathon I ever did was about 10 years ago and when I crossed the woman next to me was 75 years old. She's become my hero. I will never stop as long as I can move. My son is 14 and when he is 18 we will run it together. ( I have always had him cheering me on from the sidelines - he is one of my biggest supporters. He used to ride his bike next to me and say " Go Mom - If Oprah can do it so can you" How can you give up when your kids there and you need to be a good role model?
I am sorry you have a slight deformity that keeps you from running. Eliptical is good. Keep it up! I hope to do triathalons eventually but wouldn't be caught dead in a suit right now.
O.k. - I'm rambling. Thanks for the reply.
Oh - I'm staying at the Westin in Downtown San Fran in three weeks - by Union Square - do you ever go to that one?