This past Saturday I participated in the Biggest Loser Run Walk. I originally had planned to attend with a woman doing her very first 5k after losing over 200 pounds...but she had surgery that week. So I went by myself!
As the race weekend approached I was looking forward to it. I read online about so many people doing their FIRST race here. I remembered my own first race and how excited I was. And how many victories have followed.
The morning arrived and I made the long drive to the site ,124 miles to be exact. The weather was gray, dark, and it started to rain... Ugh. I parked and walked into the packet pickup area. The place was teaming with a lot of people...all sizes, shapes and ages. It wasn't hard to overhear " I'm so excited" over and over. The gun started us and it was on... I was doing great and made a turn and hit MUD. I slid and was reminded of an ankle I have a love-hate relationship with.. So I slowed down and moved onto the grass as much as I could. A little mud and rain didnt dampen the enthusiasm of the runners... People sang along as they passed the speakers . A little FloRida does a body good it seems.
I passed families, moms and daughters, single runners and an awesome kid named Colton, dressed up like a midget Rambo with a bandana headband tied on. Colton's claim to fame was the moment he realized he had left his parents far behind, ran back to a marker and yelled " Run Like Hell!!!" OK , so slightly inappropriate , but very funny at that moment. I am sure Mom had a conversation about Colton's race strategy with Dad later.
I kept plodding and finished ok. Not fast really , but uninjured which is Goal#1 with me EVERYDAY. If you must know the results say 127th of 416. Not that shabby, LOL.
The Finish Line was fun as usual, full of balloons, cheers, and spectators. It was filled with people posing for their photos sporting their medals and hugging loved ones. Very inspiring to see how hard people tried. The finish line seems to be the same whether you finish in 30 minutes or...1 hour 37 minutes and 52 seconds....
That brings us to the Mary in the post title.
I was driving out when I saw Mary. Walking, fast and crying. The final finisher.
About 40 minutes after me. She had the bike patrol behind her with a flashing light on. The struggle on her face was painful to witness. And made me cry as I turned onto the highway. But Mary FINISHED. And I hope she is proud as hell.
Run on Mary, you are one bad-ass Momma!
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