DID IT!!!!
Dear Friends–after 34 years, I did my first marathon distance at the Mototapu Icebreaker in the South Island of New Zealand (www.iconicadventures.co.nz) and let me say, I was a bit out of my mind to choose one of the hardest endurance races in New Zealand: through the mountainous high country, carrying a pack, 28 river crossings, all off-road with astonishing descents as well as ascents. I finished in 5 hours 38 minutes; average time for women over 50 is over 6 hours so I am exceedingly pleased. Mostly to know an old body can gear up again and embrace adventure. I will write more when I can, I have limited time here on my computer in the mountains, with dodgey network connection, just wanted to say THANK YOU! It was gorgeous and amazing.
Kathrine Switzer's Blog 
Kathrine – you are an inspiration to us all. I didn’t know you were training for a marathon but you are always full of surprises. Good on you.
Now, get those legs back in the ice bath!
A
Arlon Chaffee
March 13, 2010 at 10:53 pm
All hail Switz, congratulations and well done!
Steve Shepard
March 13, 2010 at 11:26 pm
Congratulations, Kathrine
It´s true – you are an inspiration to us all.
See you in May in Vienna, love to Roger too
xoxoxoxo
Ilse & Andy
Ilse Dippmann
March 14, 2010 at 9:33 am
Wow!
Your family is proud of you. You have amazed us all, but you have done that for many, many years. I can’t wait to read the next book! I’m sure that your continued efforts will inspire a new generation of runners as well as continue to inspire those many, many others who share your passion. In fact, I may have to dust off the basketball.
Love you,
Jon
Jon Whitney
March 14, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Jon, This is one of my first blog replies, I don’t even know how all this works it is so amazing. I’ve heard from a jillion people and am not sure I can keep up, but maybe people don’t expect replies? Thanks for all the kind words and yes, definitely, get out the basketball, you might amaze yourself! Home in USA on April 4–best, Cuz Kathy
kathrineswitzer
March 22, 2010 at 12:48 am
Amazing woman. Your inspiration, your dedication–that’s who you are. We are so proud of you. That’s what motivates me to keep lacing up as well as bike for 200K in June.
Lots of love and hugs,
Mary Jane and Bud
Mary Jane
March 14, 2010 at 9:20 pm
You are amazing – thats so brilliant.
I really look forward to following your blog.
Jen
Jenny
March 15, 2010 at 4:51 am
You are amazing!!!!
We crossed our fingers for you… but to be honest… we knew you would do great!!!
Have still a wonderful time on South island and enjoy your time!
All the best
and many hugs
Horst & Edith
Edith
March 16, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Thank you so much! xoxo Kathrine
kathrineswitzer
March 22, 2010 at 12:46 am
Kathrine,
Wow! That was impressive! As I inch up in years and see my times falling off a cliff, I have more and more appreciation for anyone who can keep this running thing going. To run a tough marathon, 34 years after your last one, says everything we’ve ever known about you.
Regards,
Alan
Alan Ruben
March 16, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Alan! What a sweet and validating comment! See, all those New Paltz trails really paid off. But as you know, the aging process is astonishing. They just are not the same legs! It has been fascinating, and now I’m planning on running Marathon to Athens, a long held dream. Roger and I have been invited as pasta dinner speakers for the some 600 (can you imagine) travelers going with Marathon Tours to the race. We are so excited. We’re home in NP on April 4, will catch up after Boston sometime. Will you two be running Boston? Love, Kathrine ps I won my age group by 33 minutes….sometimes being over 60 has advantages, ha ha!
kathrineswitzer
March 22, 2010 at 12:45 am
Kathrine: Very nicely done! I knew your focused mindset would serve you well. I am hopeful our paths will cross again soon. Will your plans bring you out our way any time soon? Conflicting plans will keep me away from Boston on Patriot’s Day next month, but I already have a qualifying time that will allow me to run my 18th BAA Marathon in April 2011. So, at a minimum, I hope to see you then. I am grateful for our friendship and the support you have provided to me…Best to you and Roger, Dave Hunter
Dave Hunter
March 19, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Hi Dave! How wonderful to see you on my blog! This is one of my first ever replies, it’s a wild new medium. Hope I’m doing it correctly. Not planning on coming to Akron area that I know of, but if anybody wants me there, I’d be there in a flash. We’ll be at Boston again of course, and wait for it, we’re both going to Athens for the big 2500th anniversary of the battle of Marathon, to talk to 600 wild American travellers at the pre-race pasta function, and me to try to run the marathon. A long held dream. best to you all, thanks so much for your support! xoxo Kathrine
kathrineswitzer
March 22, 2010 at 12:42 am
Nice job, Kathrine. It’s great to see you taking on the longer distances again. So when’s your next one? Maybe you’ll pick an easier course next time?
threlkeld
March 19, 2010 at 9:27 pm
Hi, nice to hear from you! Yep, my next one is Marathon to Athens in October, but being on the road is going to mean hard surfaces again, but ‘easier’ in terms of body effort. It’s all a marvelous experiment again! Best, Kathrine
kathrineswitzer
March 22, 2010 at 12:38 am
Kathrine,
So proud of you! What an inspiration you are!!
Hey I figured out how to leave a comment.
Hugs,
Julia
Julia Santos Solomon
March 20, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Kathrine,
Congratulations!!! What an inspiration you are to me and to so many others. My last marathon was in 1991 and I have always harbored a little desire to run just one more. This could be the flame that gets me going. Although I would have to stick to a flat course in good weather. I can’t even fathom carrying a pack while running up and down the mountains. You are amazing and my hero!!!
xxxooo
Janet
Janet Treuhaft
March 22, 2010 at 3:22 am
And YOU are my hero for getting me started on writing a blog! I am so techno-phobic that this has been as much of a challenge as the marathon!!! Next will be pay pal, linked in, and wait for it, I might even try Ebay and empty my basement!!!!! Keep rooting for me and I’ll sure keep rooting for you! Love to you both, xoxo Kathrine
kathrineswitzer
March 24, 2010 at 2:48 am