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I’ve had the privilege to walk/run my first ½ marathon this past Saturday. I was one of 20.6k contestants at the Seattle Rock’n’Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon. Completing a ½ marathon is a huge accomplishment for most. For some this race qualifies them for the New York marathon and for others, I soon realized, it’s not just any walk. Below are highlights including three people of inspiration that I took their walk with me as I went on my own physical feat.

Enlisted Serviceman

I was placed in corral 39 (final wave) based on my estimated finish time, which I simply underestimated not knowing my ability at the time of registration. I was proud of holding up the back. Also in my corral were other walkers and late arrival contestants. I moved about the corral stretching and talking to different people. I saw an Army serviceman in combat pants, jacket, and his father was helping him place a pack on his back. Intrigued I walked over and asked the purpose of walking with a pack. He explained it’s a 40lb weighted pack and he’s carrying it for his friends overseas. I saw in awe of his dedication that I couldn’t find the words so I said something to the effect of being fantastic. He took carrying a burden for others to a different level. Later, as I walked through a mile stretch dedicated to fallen soldiers this man’s walk became heavy for me. I slowed down from a run and looked at the different photos of each service person and the long row of American Flags. I’m not one to be all super-patriotic but during this ¼-1/2 mile stretch I felt proud and thankful for their sacrifice. I saw an event photographer and told her of this serviceman 15-20 minutes behind me.

Meghan

There were tons of people running/walking in honor of others from the American Cancer Society (sponsor) or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society plus some other groups. One particular team caught my attention. A mom and daughter had decorated t-shirts with “I walk in honor of ____” on the back. The mom’s said “Meghan” and the little girl’s said “ME!” I got the biggest smile and quickened my pace to walk along side of them to chat. Another contestant was doing the same. I came to learn she is 12 and has practiced walking over 12 miles a few weekends ago. I was touched that at 12 not only has she beaten cancer but she’s walking a ½ marathon. In conversation I told her I saw other kids walking/running and think it’s great she doing the whole thing.

Bob

Around mile 2 I was making time passing some walkers. Crossing over I5 I saw an old man with “Bob D” written on the back of his shirt. As I passed him I noted he was rather elderly.  When working at a health clinic and admitting patients for x-rays and other radiology exams I saw a lot of elderly patients. Based on my previous experiences I was able to estimate he was in his early 80s or looked quite old for late 70s. I never had a conversation with him; yet, he became an inspiration for me to remain active regardless of my age.  While looking up my results I did a quick search for contestants in an age category over discovered he was 81 and the oldest contestant was behind Bob at 87.

Chasing a Banana

Upon arriving at the start village I was a bit upset I hadn’t made a tutu, sparkly running skirt, or worn something more festive. I’m not much of a blendy personality. During staging I saw a girl in the corral in-front of me wearing a banana costume with 2 friends. As we walked the first 3 miles I noticed we had about the same pace. After I got back on course from my first porta-potty visit I saw they were a bit ahead of me so I knew where I should be in the course. Every 3 or 4 miles I took a potty stop and would chase after the banana. I would lose her in the crowd and periodically find her and her friends. To me it was a chase but I’m sure she never noticed. After I crossed the finish line I told my boyfriend to take a picture for me of the banana girl. She had to be warm in that thing.

Stadium Love

Bands played every mile

Coming out of the I-90 express lanes I could see the stadiums in perfect view. In my iPod was playing “Stadium Love” by Metric. I couldn’t have planned this timing if I had wanted to. Travelers on Eastbound I-90 were honking and waving. People were stopping and taking photos of the view. Seeing Quest Field was a blessing a curse. I had 2-2.5 miles left and knew where the finish line was nowhere near being done. I wound around to the Alaskan Way viaduct felling the worst mile of my life. Those high school miles don’t compare to the emotional and physical toll your body endures at this point. I felt a small blister forming on the bottom of my heel and at this point I didn’t want anything getting in my way. I came into the final stretch knowing the end is near. Supporters lined the streets with posters and pom-poms. It was one of the moments where it felt like a movie. During this stretch I decided to try to find another ½ marathon to compete in.

my first metal medal

The End is Near

I started running down towards the stadiums; again, knowing it’s the last .3 miles. I saw the marathon sign marking 26 and got excited knowing then than a quarter of a mile was left. I turned up my music and pushed all that was left into a run. I tunneled into the finish line and didn’t even see my family holding a poster.

I crossed under my projected finish time and before the banana.