March 8, 2005 - OK! So, I never thought a marathon would be easy. I actually knew it would pretty
hideous...and I was right. First off, getting out of bed when it is still dark out is just painful,
especially when you've just fallen asleep. I have no idea why Aran & Melissa VOLUNTEERED to
take me downtown on race day at 5:50am but they did and it saved me a giant headache (no pun
intended!). But, I'm starting to see a trend, what with all of these great friends of mine cheering me
on and helping me through the tough stuff. But it gets better. If you have read My Story on this
website, you know that my knees aren't exactly what medical professionals would consider
'adequate for use' over a 26-mile course. Those medical professionals are correct!! WOW! I got
to mile 10 and I just wanted to lay in front of a bus. My
knees completely locked up and I thought I as pretty
much done for. However, out of the crowd came a
familiar voice. It was Jen Monsein, screaming like a
banshee!! A close friend for years just happened upon
me at that moment and with a bag of food and Gatorade
to boot! So, Jen with her luggage and I with my infirmity,
continued on for five more miles where two more familiar
faces met us.
Randy and Tina came out of the crowd to join us.
While I was wary of a cross-check into a parked
car from Randy, we continued on. For three more
miles, we trudged ahead, bolstered by the cheers
from other runners and the boisterous Los
Angeles crowd. People came out of their houses
with water, Gatorade, oranges and bananas to
power us on. These people; some rich, most poor,
Black, White, Asian, Hispanic and every other kind. Most using their own money to buy
nourishment to keep us going, and all with a kind word and a wonderful smile to push us forward.
It was absolutely unbelievable to see the support in our community and from such a great variety
of generous people.
In any case, mile-18 loomed ahead and as we got closer, things inside my body started to shut
down. Cramping got really bad and my ankles decided it was time
for a rest..which will last until next year's LA Marathon. However,
mile-18 turned out to be a good place to stop. It was there that
Randy, Tina, Jen and I were greeted by Jason (who placed seventh
at the Nike Marathon in San Francisco last year) and Allison. They
stood by as we ended our crusade and made sure we didn't need
too much medical attention. Then, Jason kindly gave us a ride to
our car so that we could dine on the perfect 'post-marathon' recovery meal at Jack In The Box.
Classy Choice!
Two days later, I am barely walking but that has nothing to do with the extensive two-week long
training schedule I followed prior to the marathon (real smart!). I think that with a little forethought
and inspiration, I'll be out there again next year. Actually, the breakdown this year has only fueled
my desire to succeed next year and as with every step along the way of life, it was the loved ones
that kept me putting one foot in front of the other when things got rough. And so many nameless
faces whose kind words strike deep and whose goodwill fuels my desire to thrive.
To all of you who put heart, hand and help into this endeavor, I thank you. I hope that together we
can all help one another to get through the low points and celebrate the high. Somebody had
better warn the Marathon committee next year though, because together I think we can get to the
finish line and with a loving heart and open mind we can all help those who may suffer to get one
step Closer To The Cure.
hideous...and I was right. First off, getting out of bed when it is still dark out is just painful,
especially when you've just fallen asleep. I have no idea why Aran & Melissa VOLUNTEERED to
take me downtown on race day at 5:50am but they did and it saved me a giant headache (no pun
intended!). But, I'm starting to see a trend, what with all of these great friends of mine cheering me
on and helping me through the tough stuff. But it gets better. If you have read My Story on this
website, you know that my knees aren't exactly what medical professionals would consider
'adequate for use' over a 26-mile course. Those medical professionals are correct!! WOW! I got
to mile 10 and I just wanted to lay in front of a bus. My
knees completely locked up and I thought I as pretty
much done for. However, out of the crowd came a
familiar voice. It was Jen Monsein, screaming like a
banshee!! A close friend for years just happened upon
me at that moment and with a bag of food and Gatorade
to boot! So, Jen with her luggage and I with my infirmity,
continued on for five more miles where two more familiar
faces met us.
Randy and Tina came out of the crowd to join us.
While I was wary of a cross-check into a parked
car from Randy, we continued on. For three more
miles, we trudged ahead, bolstered by the cheers
from other runners and the boisterous Los
Angeles crowd. People came out of their houses
with water, Gatorade, oranges and bananas to
power us on. These people; some rich, most poor,
Black, White, Asian, Hispanic and every other kind. Most using their own money to buy
nourishment to keep us going, and all with a kind word and a wonderful smile to push us forward.
It was absolutely unbelievable to see the support in our community and from such a great variety
of generous people.
In any case, mile-18 loomed ahead and as we got closer, things inside my body started to shut
down. Cramping got really bad and my ankles decided it was time
for a rest..which will last until next year's LA Marathon. However,
mile-18 turned out to be a good place to stop. It was there that
Randy, Tina, Jen and I were greeted by Jason (who placed seventh
at the Nike Marathon in San Francisco last year) and Allison. They
stood by as we ended our crusade and made sure we didn't need
too much medical attention. Then, Jason kindly gave us a ride to
our car so that we could dine on the perfect 'post-marathon' recovery meal at Jack In The Box.
Classy Choice!
Two days later, I am barely walking but that has nothing to do with the extensive two-week long
training schedule I followed prior to the marathon (real smart!). I think that with a little forethought
and inspiration, I'll be out there again next year. Actually, the breakdown this year has only fueled
my desire to succeed next year and as with every step along the way of life, it was the loved ones
that kept me putting one foot in front of the other when things got rough. And so many nameless
faces whose kind words strike deep and whose goodwill fuels my desire to thrive.
To all of you who put heart, hand and help into this endeavor, I thank you. I hope that together we
can all help one another to get through the low points and celebrate the high. Somebody had
better warn the Marathon committee next year though, because together I think we can get to the
finish line and with a loving heart and open mind we can all help those who may suffer to get one
step Closer To The Cure.
Marathon Update
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The 2005 Los Angeles Marathon
One of the many entertainment sites along the marathon
course included this Mariachi band comprised of children, ages
seven to fifteen (and Dad, on the right). They were awesome!!!
course included this Mariachi band comprised of children, ages
seven to fifteen (and Dad, on the right). They were awesome!!!
Always time for a
little pose.
little pose.