Well, Tracy and I finished the half marathon. We did it in 3:16. Not a bad time for a first time runner. Especially for one that is technically considered "severely obese"! Running that distance is an amazing thing. You forget about the pain, forget about the miles, and you only see the finish line. I was blessed to have such a supportive running partner and wife. This race was symbolic of our life together. I just wanted to finish the race as an official finisher.
The day started off terrible. We woke up at 3:30am to get to the race on time. By the time we got there it was a downpour. We sat under the Parthenon at Centennial Park until right at 6:30. We then migrated to the starting line where the rain where still sprinkling. We had to wait an hour and eight minutes just to get to go. So, finally around 8:08am we started. Now, the first few miles were painless. I had readied my body and my mind. Around mile eleven my knee began to give out. There was constant pounding and pain. We were using a combination of running and walking to run the race. By mile eleven, we had to start walking and then running. The best feeling was coming down the Woodland Street Bridge into the LP Field stadium. Then watching my beautiful bride zoom by me...
I could hardly contain my emotion. I was overcome. Most people in my life have been doubters. They see the outside of the man and make assumptions-he is too big, too slow, a too quiet. Not me- I, I am a believer. I believe that the heart and mind can will the body to do anything. What one man can do, so can another. Maybe not as well, but it can be done. I believe that God gave his only begotten Son for us. I believe that life is what we make it. I believe that quitting is not an option in life.
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