I completed my 3rd Marine Corps Marathon. (3rd, NBD right? No way. I still get nervous and question my sanity and ability before every single race) While I didnt get that coveted PR (personal record), I really did have a great time. I refuse to believe that there is any other marathon, in the world, that shows love to the military as much as this one does. The Marines are front and center, but I felt the love for all the branches. I even got to carry the Air Force flag through Georgetown. I was truly honored. The wind and higher than expected temps made this marathon a real challenge, but I still made it through and my spirit and body are now stronger. I saw wounded warriors hand cycling their way through the very hilly course, I saw an awe-inspiring Amanda Sullivan (look her up, you wont regret it) fighting the hills and wind through Crystal City, I saw a group of fire fighters wearing all their gear completing the course for a fellow fire fighter who was recently diagnosed with MS, I sobbed my way through The Blue Mile, sponsored by Wear Blue to Remember, as I read the name of each military member being honored for giving the ultimate sacrifice for this country and I saw so many OAR ( Organization for Autism Research) runners. I thanked them for running for such a great charity (Run For Autism). They dont know why I thanked them and how much I appreciate that green singlet, but I do. There were parents, teachers, siblings and extended families supporting their loved ones. I hope I can make them as proud of me, as I am of them. One of the most important things I saw was my own determination. I didnt see it on all those long training runs, I didnt see it as I iced my knees, sweat through my clothes, headed out before the sun came up, chalked up 140 miles in September or nursed a bruised hand, but I saw it on that last .2. I thought I had nothing left in me. There is a very, very steep hill that takes you to the finish line. I sprinted, well, it felt like a sprint (the video may show something else entirely), the entire way up that hill. I can do this. I can do this. I DID IT. I left everything on that course and I dont regret a single second. I cant wait for NYC!!
Posted on: Wed, 29 Oct 2014 21:28:43 +0000
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