Marine Corps Marathon 10/30/11
26.2 miles, 4:14:42
Jerry and Erin were able to track my progress in Sunday's race online. They could actually see 'me' in cartoon form cross the finish line in 4:14 to which Erin enthusiastically replied, that's my bus number!
Funny.
When I pulled in the driveway there was a sign on the garage door that said way to go with the time
4:14
on it with 'that's my bus number' written as well.
on it with 'that's my bus number' written as well.
I laughed and then I cried. It was an emotional day.
Pulled onto 295 at 4:50 am en route to Crystal City only to skirt a just happened accident and then came upon a 'parking lot' that resulted from another accident.
I was calm. It did not matter to me when I started this marathon. I had a timing chip and I was going to complete it come hell or high water.
The accident was right by the exit for Pennsylvania Ave and about 50 minutes later we were able to exit. I was ready for a pain in the neck goose chase trying to find my way but the exit for 395 S was right at the end of the exit. Took me less than 15 minutes to get to Crystal City and Park.
Got on the Shuttle to the starting line around 6:30. Arrived at the start to get in line for the Port-o-john by 7:10. Warmed up, checked my bag, headed to the starting line and sat in another 'parking lot'. This time it was a people parking lot. 30,000 runners on Sunday.
Race started at 8 am. We did not cross the starting line until 8:13.
The weather was perfect as far as I am concerned. I was freezing to start but perfect the rest of the way. Beginning was quite hilly but I did not feel them. I was gliding. I bounced all the way through mile 15 when my feet started to ache. So I prayed. I prayed for strong feet and a strong mind. I had been praying most of the race. Praying for the people around me and the people they were running in memory or honor of.
Praying
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
Because it was all around me on people's shirts. I was in good company. Every time I started to falter I would recite that verse.
And I glided and bounced and followed my fuel plan and pain management plan to a T.
The run was uneventful really. Pain there was pain but I knew that ahead of time. I was doing this because of pain. I was doing this to honor the grief, pain, anger, despair, depression, and fear of those who lost their son, brother, husband, nephew, friend..
This was not about me. You see I hate the marathon. It sucks. It is miserable. It is nauseating. It is painful. It requires way to much preparation time.
This marathon was much more than an athletic feat. This marathon was a celebration. A celebration of life. A celebration of taking back myself, my health, my spirituality, a celebration of giving and seeing the joys of life.
Life causes grief, pain, anger, despair, depression, and fear in many different ways. The Travis Manion Foundation and Team Travis and Brendan is just one example of how two families took their grief, pain, anger, despair, depression, fear, and agony and turned it into something positive. It is very moving to think about if one allows themselves to.
Travis and Brendan gave all for the freedoms and liberty we take for granted.
Grief, pain, anger, despair, depression, fear, and agony have touched me throughout my life but it will never again define me.
4:14.
The number kept ringing in my ears as if it were more than just a number.
This morning I woke up and my first thought was John 4:14.
So I looked it up.
John 4:14
"...but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life."
Water.
I am a Cancer.
Cancer is a water sign.
I have recently overcome my fear of the water.
The whole day and race I felt as if I was floating.
Calm, Collected.
I drank of the water all day on Sunday. Yes, the water from the Marines.
But truly the water of the spirit.
Rest in Peace Travis Manion and Brendan Looney.
I know you know how your death has changed me, challenged me, and filled me with the Holy Spirit.
If not me then who.
Honor the Fallen by Challenging the Living.
