We've been training since June and then the day finally arrived - we walked a marathon - 26.2 miles, (42.1 kilometres) - what an awesome experience to cross that finish line! It was a very cold day and we wore lots of layers expecting to strip some of them during the event however we wore everything until about the last 3 or 4 miles - it really was chilly. The first third was such fun - walking with friends, enjoying all the encouraging signs along the way, being greeted with such enthusiasm and encouragement at each check point. Then our friend Pat, who had come out to cheer us on, started to walk with us for a little bit just to keep us company - she ended up walking with us for nearly 10 miles! I am just so thankful for her amazing effort - the time with her went so fast as the 3 of us chatted about anything and everything. Thank you soooo much Pat - you're awesome! When Pat left us we still had another couple of hours to go and the field had definitely thinned out but I still had my secret ingredient to success - John! He was just so supportive - talking, singing, joking - he certainly kept my spirits high as he has done all through the year - what a personal trainer (and free to boot!) He has competed in many marathons and long distance events and could have finished this one in much less time, however he saw this as my marathon and was there to support and encourage me through the training and the race - I must have done something really good in my past life to have someone like him - what a mate! With only a couple of hundred yards to go and with limbs that were asking for a rest, Lydia and her little dog Joy, joined us and inspired my legs to keep moving and cross that finish line - and what a memorable moment that was - especially when they hung that medal around my neck! We had been walking for 7 hours and 17 minutes. Josh & Blake both rang within the next 15 minutes expressing their admiration and John had made a big sign congratulating me for my success - what a family! Oh and the best part - we both had a free massage provided by USAFit - it was heaven - and then we drove to our gym where we had the most amazing hot tub - my legs were forever grateful!
Wearing our medals at the finish line and the great sign John made for me!
1. Julie, Hugh (who played a major part in the event's organistion and we say a big thank you to him) and John
2. Sharon (who looked after me during the training season when John was absent), Julie & Pat
1. Julie & Lydia who came out to cheer us over the line
2. A long horned cow - there was a group of them just wandering along the track - only in Texas eh!
1. Ramona and Cathy crossing the finish line - they were a great support during the event - we kept criss-crossing with them throughout the day
2. Pat and Beth - Pat was a great support by joining us for a section and Beth was a volunteer for the event - a big thank you to her and all the volunteers who helped, encouraged and made sure the day was a success.
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