When I ran the Houston Tenneco marathon in 1991, the most I'd ever run at one time was 22 miles. Marathons are 26.2, you know?
When I crossed the finish line, my legs no longer bent at the knees and I was running with just my hip joints!
The next Monday, I had school and had to go up two flights of stairs!! I had hold of the banister and was PULLING myself up! My instructor (who's wife ended up being a good friend of mine) met me half-way and grabbed me by the arm and practically pulled me up the steps!
Funny thing, after I ran that race, I cried off and on for about a week. It was a monumental and life-changing event for me.
It's a very big thing! I can't imagine running five miles, let alone over twenty six! It's a real accomplishment.