Marathon Thoughts

During the Honolulu Marathon there were no international boundaries. Runners from the US, Japan, Denmark, Italy, Africa, Russia and more ran together, cheered together and smiled together. Coaches and supporters from all teams lined the route. Residents hung out to watch some offering pretzels or fruit and others spraying hoses to cool off the runners. You would hear team members greet each other as the caught up and/or passed. Coaches would run/walk with their teams for a bit then back to their posts for the next team members to pass. A Team in Training coach ran through the runners giving high fives and support to all of us. Our own TTES coaches were loud and clear at their posts.

Runners helped other runners. A Team Phoenix member was hurting and alone but determined to finish. A group from Team in Training caught up with her then stayed with her and helped her finish. A picture in the local paper shows 2 runners supporting a third so he could finish. The goal was to finish and helping others meet that goal overrode personal time goals.

The experience was incredible. The training, the team, the coaches all created good memories leading to the event. The energy going through the group at the start, motivation received when you hear your name being called out, the cheering along the route and views of Oahu are memories I’ll carry with me. The feeling of accomplishment gained crossing that finish line will never leave.

Many Thanks to all who supported me with good thoughts and/or donations. Special Thanks to my good friend Kurt for supporting me from the start -- he listened to all my whining, all my accomplishments, helped me through my injuries and never let me slack off.