March 21, 2009
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My First 1/2 Marathon Run
I woke up at 4:30 am and arrived at the D.C. Armory at 5:30 am. Which was earlier then I needed to be there. It was so cold, it was in my bones. The race began at 7 am, and just moving helped warm me up. The run was enjoyable – in that there was an excitement in the air, which continued through out the run. There was a couple women one which had “Birthday Girl” and the date of her birthday on the back of her shirt. So the lot of us sang happy birthday to them while we ran.
All types of people came out to encourage us on. One fellow was standing there in his PJs with a cup of coffee in his hand – as he rooted us on. Many people created posters to cheer on their friends and family and others were just there to root on everyone. About a dozen people thanked me for having Isaiah 40:31 written on the back of my shirt. “…they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary”.
When I came across the finish line there was so much excitement in the crowd. The crowd was really cheering and the TV cameras were rolling – but not for me..you see, the winner of the full marathon came in just 30 seconds before I did. Wow it’s amazing that a person can run so fast – to lap me doing 13.1 miles! Humbling really.
There is so much more I could write….anyway to keep it short. I completed the run – in 2 hours and 15 minutes. This was my first 1/2 marathon so just the fact that I completed the run was wonderful in itself.
In the beginning of the run – going around a small park.
Running down Constitution Avenue. Washington Monument on left.
Me running over the finish line.
After finishing the run – taking part in the celebration.
