On Sunday, October 28th, 2007, one very beautiful fall morning, I was determined to complete my second marathon run for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training in loving memory of Marty and Sue Sperber my beloved in-laws. Well I am pleased to announce you can now "Put it in the Books!"
The weather angels were on call on Saturday and did their job to perfection. The weather driving down to DC on Friday was raining and awful and Saturday was equally miserable. My weather angels did not miss a beat and brought us what was said to be the most beautiful weather the Marine Corps Marathon has ever had in its 32 year existence. Clear, cool, and gorgeous. Coincidence? Fat chance!!
I was so discombobulated when we were leaving the house to head to Washington with all of the tell tale signs of pre-marathon jitters that I forgot to pack the Yahrzeit memorial candle to light in memory of my mother-in-law on the eve of the race. As many already know, October 27th was the official date for her candle lighting...just another NON-Coincidence. So Saturday morning my husband Jeff went on a mad search to find candles. At every supermarket in DC they looked at him like he had 4 heads when he asked where the Yahrzeit candles were. As luck would have it we were meeting our phenomenal cousins, the Pauls and VanValkenburghs from Maryland for a pre-marathon lunch on Saturday. Mindy and Joy came to the rescue with candles on hand, calamity averted!
Seeing our thoughtful cousins in DC was so special. I thought it was curious that I was getting the 3rd degree about what just exactly I was planning to eat for breakfast just before the marathon. That was until we went back to the hotel room that evening to find a basket of fresh fruit, breakfast bars and water bottles. Put a double exclamation point after "our thoughtful cousins!! This certainly took the edge off of having to find food at 5 am before heading out to the start and gave me time for a few extra stretches. Something that still hurts to do right now!
I am on my way...a very long way!
Running past the Washington Memorial
The Sperber cheering section chased me all over Washington with cameras on hand. They tried to get some of the national monuments in the photos. I am glad they did because after mile 15 or so I didn't notice many of them myself...I was busy looking for that finish line! Ughh!
It was truly inspiring to run with the Marines. They were there at every water stop encouraging us, calling us by name, and ready with a high five. This event is known as "The People's Marathon" and there are no elite runners paid to enter this race. All the winners are ordinary Americans just proud to take part. For much of the race I was running with men carrying the American flag the entire way. It was very inspiring and made us all feel so proud to be participants.
At the long intervals between spotting me on the course, Jeff and the kids took advantage of the amazing sites in DC. As you can see, it was a most beautiful day!
Jeff and David in front of the Lincoln Memorial
Jeff and Jillian with the White House in the background
As only the Marines would have it, the final 1/4 mile to the finish line was straight up hill! This made it even sweeter to cross that finish line while being greeted by dozens of fine young marines! My official finishing time was 5:45:49 which is a new personal record, 10 minutes quicker than the NJ Marathon.
Running "up hill" to the finish line!
To watch video of me crossing the finish
please wait for the video ad to end and move the scroll bar to 6:05:48.
David, Jillian and me in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial
after the marathon finish
After making my way through the finish line with my emotions getting the best of me, my finishers' medal was placed around my neck by a young marine. I continued on and made my way to the sweetest part of all...the loving arms of my family. The best place to be in the entire world!
