One year after beginning her journey of weight loss coupled with learning how to run, Courtney Manning is officially a marathoner! (To see how she got to this point, read her series of stories. See links at end of story). We now have the pleasure of hearing from Courtney days after her ING New York City Marathon finish:

In one word, describe what crossing the finish line felt like.

Emotional. I have imagined crossing the finish line many times since deciding to run a marathon. I couldn’t believe the moment was actually here and I couldn’t have been more excited or ready to become a marathoner.

How did the 26.2 miles make your body feel?

I could definitely tell that I ran 26.2 miles the day after the race. The next morning I had knee pain and my back was sore but I was able to walk around the city a lot that day.

Was it all worth it?

Absolutely! The training process was difficult and exhausting, but it was all worth it. Running a marathon was the hardest thing I ever chose to do and I couldn’t be more proud of myself. I entered the lottery for the 2011 NYC Marathon the day after the race.

Let’s backtrack – how did you feel the night before the big race?

I actually did sleep the night before. I think all the nervousness I was feeling the days leading up to the race left me exhausted, which allowed me to sleep.

What was it like making your way to the start line on Staten Island?

I took the ferry and bus to the marathon village with my friend Melissa, with whom I trained and ran the marathon. Getting on the ferry was the toughest part of the morning; the ferry terminal was packed with runners so the boats were filling up very quickly. Once on the boat, I felt less stressed. I took pictures on my phone of Melissa and me and sent them to friends and family to show where we were in the travel process. Once in Staten Island we were able to get on a bus very quickly. After finding a place to sit in the village, we bumped into other members of our Nike Run Club. It was really nice to see people we knew and get to wish each other luck.

What was it like seeing your finish line in the distance from the Verrazano-Narrows bridge?

I wasn’t able to see Central Park from the bridge but I could see Manhattan. It was exciting to see where we were eventually heading but at that point my focus was on pacing myself and not getting caught up in the excitement and running too fast.

What was your favorite part of the race?

By far, my favorite part of the race was seeing my friends and family. Everyone in my life knows about my weight loss and running journey. Having people cheer me on who care about me and proud of the changes I have made really meant the world to me.

What was the “easiest” part of the race?

There was a section in Brooklyn around miles 8-10 which was amazing. The spectators were really cheering hard and it made those two miles fly by.

What was the hardest part of the race?

That would be a toss-up between the Queensboro Bridge and the last three miles of the race. Spectators are not allowed on the bridge and the silence was deafening. About half way across the bridge, I questioned whether or not I could finish the race. The second time I had this thought was around mile 24. When I said this to Melissa and our running coach (who had jumped in to run with us), our coach told me I did not run 24 miles to just stop now. I knew she was right but I did not know if I had enough energy to finish.

Did you feel your training prepared you for the race adequately?

Yes I do but in the end the race was harder than I imagined it would be. I did not anticipate that I would feel like I could not finish. It was my training that helped me continue to push through and put one foot in front of the other.

This has been an incredible year of change for you! What one thing do you feel has changed the most?

I think my mind has changed the most. A year ago I never would have believed I was capable of running five miles. In the past year, I have run four half-marathons and now the NYC Marathon. I think I was able to do that because I decided anything I want to do is possible.

Describe how it felt to see friends and family along the course.

The spectators were incredible. I had my name on the front of my shirt and a countless number of strangers called out to me and encouraged me along the course. While the spectators were great, there was nothing like seeing my friends and family. After struggling across the Queensboro Bridge, I knew that I had friends spread out across First Avenue. The doubt that I had going across the bridge was quickly replaced by energy and excitement as I received hugs from my friends cheering me on. My family and friends that had traveled to the city just to see me run were waiting for me between the 25th and 26th mile. With less than a mile to go, the hugs and cheers I received from them made a fantastic day that much more special and unforgettable.

How did it feel to be 1 of 45,000 runners?

I felt lucky. While 45,000 runners makes NYC the largest marathon in the world, there were many more runners who wanted to run, but were not able to because the race had reached capacity. I felt grateful to be a part of an amazing and life-altering experience.

What about the experience was the most life-altering?

I have set and met goals that I never dreamed were possible. 2010 began with me training for my first half-marathon and I am ending the year as a marathoner.

What advice do you have for those who think that finishing a marathon is impossible?

Training for a marathon is a time-consuming process. If you have the time it takes to train, then you are capable of running a marathon. I would also recommend joining a local run club. You’ll find support and get running tips that will make the training process easier. On that note, I would like to thank the Nike Run Club: the members who encouraged me throughout this past year and the Nike Pacers, in particular, my friend and coach. I’d also like to thank my friends and family who helped me and always believed I would meet all of my goals.

Congratulations, Courtney! Woman Around Town is very proud of you!

Read Kenley’s other stories about Courtney:

The Biggest Loser in Our Very Own Backyard

Revisiting the Biggest Loser in Our Very Own Backyard

Our Very Own Half Marathoner

Map to the Marathon: Interview with Courtney Manning

Marathon-Ready: Checking in On Courtney Manning