Glass City Marathon

4th Marathon under my belt. As most of you know I've been training for another long run.

Well I did another marathon Sunday in Toledo, Ohio. It was the Glass City Marathon, It's only about 45 minutes from my house, so it was an easy drive. I like that.

I wasn't planning to set any records, I just wanted to finish with an "ok" time. I went up with my wife and an other very good friend. This friend , She has been in/out of the hospital due to complication of cancer several years ago. However with 78 full marathons under her belt. She decided to give this race a try, after all these types of people live for the challenge! LOL, She ran 12 miles with me last Saturday with no problems, then another 5 Thursday. All seemed good.

The race started at 8:00 A.M., The weather was calling for temperatures in the 80's and a little wind. After about 4 or 5 miles, I could tell she was struggling. However she kept pushing on. I could tell it wasn't going to be her day. We would run a while then jog or walk as needed. It was no longer about me, it was all about helping a friend and runner while she needed support. We made it about 12 miles before she elected to call it a day. Its really not worth killing yourself over a run. Besides, if I were struggling because of health, I would hope one of my friends would be there for me to. I gladly do this, after all, she's always been there when I was training and needed help. She really has nothing to prove. After all 78 Marathons.....Wow.

The race started back up for me. I new I was way behind everyone. But I was determined to finish regardless. I went back out after 12 at a fast pace for the next 5 miles or so. It felt ok, but the sun was now out in full strength. 82 degrees and here I'm 35 to 40 minutes behind most of the runners. Dang.

Now its about me finishing. I tried to get plenty of water, gue & Gatorade every mile or so. Now it 85 degrees and I have another 6 miles to go. Wow....I was dying. My navy blue shorts and light blue cycling shirt had turned white from the salt and swet leaving my body. I ended up walking 20 to 30 paces about every mile at the check points. My legs cramped, chest was tight and head was pounding. The sun is a terrible thing. I just wonder what the run would have been like it we'd have gone out and stayed with the pack like we were planing?

I crossed the line in 5 hours 10 minutes and 8 seconds. Not a good time, but you know, it really didn't matter. I did it anyway. That medal around my neck is better than most could ever dream of. Plus I felt good knowing that I stayed with my running buddy when she needed it, regardless it she encouraged me to leave her behind or not. That's the way it should be. There will always be another race. :0)

RT