"To describe the agony of a marathon to someone who's never run it is like trying to explain color to someone who was born blind." Jerome Drayton
"...that was without a doubt the hardest physical thing I have ever done."
Lance Armstrong
"Dang...I got bonked at 22 miles."
Jason Bennett (best time of the group...by far)
"I'm not prepared to say I wouldn't run another marathon...just not today."
Susanne Meredith (most optimistic marathoner...ever)
"I'd let you take a picture of my feet, but I'm afraid it would be R-rated."
Bryan Janzen (most emotional finish of the day...complete with kids)
"I felt like King Kong when I was running down Virginia street at the end (with a little help from our local cheerleaders)...but you should have seen me just a few miles earlier when I was reeling and stumbling up an uneven asphalt path like it was Mt. Everest. At that moment I honestly felt like a drunken beggar who had been pistol-whipped by Beuford Pusser."
Dennis Clifton (most ridiculous finish of the day...complete with cheerleaders)
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It is a strange thing to me, but I'm always very emotional after a long, hard run. I've been sitting here in my office with my left leg up and iced, and reflecting on each one of you who ran so beautifully today. I wish I could begin to express my feelings of what this day, and indeed this small circle of friends has meant to me. I sincerely feel both blessed and greatly humbled that the Lord allowed me the privilege of sharing so many life-changing moments with you.
All I could share in this post were some of the more significant memories that my severely blood-sugar deprived brain could retain--hence my references to the marathoners only. Please feel free to share your most memorable moments with us, particularly those of you who ran the half marathon, or the 10-K. I would love to hear them.
Also--as we bask in the afterglow of our amazing accomplishments on this day, let us always remember to stop and give glory to the One who allows us to achieve "the impossible" through His grace and mercy.
...for His is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory for ever...amen.
8 comments:
It was a great feeling being able to finish. I also had my family cheering me on at the finish. I was able to give it my all and sprint at the very end. I was okay with my finish time also. Do it again? As my two-year old son would say, "Not tahday." It was a great experience! :) Jess A.
I went through a lot of mental banter in this race. I think the heat got to me (late start) and at times had a hard time pulling out of negative-land. But, the course was beautiful and I was ecstatic to see the first-timers finish and see the look of accomplishment on their faces. Great job, everyone!
:>)
Several "interesting" things happened for me...at mile 4 while enjoying my running mix of music on my mp3 player, my battery went dead :(, had a that darn stitch come back the last 1/2 of the run, that never completely went away, and one other I won't mention in print :O....BUT, the GREAT stuff was seeing all 3 of my boys at windy hill on the way and coming back, and at the finish line, the beauty of the run....and....that I FINISHED!!! Praise God, what a feeling!
Then more GREAT stuff: cheering on the marathoners in our group! My heart jumped for joy when I saw you all on the final stretch. It's a day I will never forget :)
I am so proud of all of you!!!
my ipod died right as i crossed the finish. i was so happy, running without music slows me almost a minute a mile according to my nonscientific study. congrats everyone -- i'm going to the site right now to check out some times.
congrats to everyone. I wish I coulda been there to cheer you all on. I'm thinking that I'm gonna have to run again with you guys next year, its been killing me that I didn't...and my growing waste line isn't too happy with me either
waste line? that's either clever or poor english. either way - it's good to hear from you, pedro, and not only because you owe me $10.
i forgot to mention that my main thrust near the end of my run was made for the specific purpose of beating the speed walking lady who was in front of me THE WHOLE STINKING RACE!!*&!&!
congrats everyone! Sorry I couldn't see you there (I ended up making it to church following the pretty quick 10k)I heard you looked for me, though. Miss you guys already! If you want to hear about my first day in vegas...go to experiencemoundhouse.blogspot.
boy it's hot down here. but the freeways are cool.
I am already gearing up for next year! Another 1/4" on the callouses and no tendinitus should cut some serious time off my total. Great team effort! The bottoms of my feet were a non issue until the last four miles along the path by the river. I am glad no one was around to see that. There were a lot of walkers happily passing me thinking I was out of reach. I had so many great chats with other racers, the bands, and the aids people. The bottoms of my feet are in great shape, no cuts or scrapes, just a little swelling from the tendinitus on top of my right foot. Again, I am thankful to have friends that would wait around that long for me while your bodies were begging for R&R.
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