MCM

This morning I strolled down to the National Mall to join the throngs of spectators cheering on the Marine Corps Marathon participants. I had a blast.

I meant to follow my good friend and previous training partner's progress and catch up with him at a couple of points. When I didn't see him at the 12 mile marker in the time I expected him, I made a phone call to a good friend who was nice enough to check his status on line. His map marker had him at the 6 mile mark without passing the first time update. I was surprised, but perhaps he was having a bad day and made the decision not to run any further. I'm hoping he is okay and that I'll hear from him soon about what took place.

However, I decided to stay and cheer the rest on . . . having been there myself 5 times, I know how important it is to hear the people on the side giving you words of encouragement. It's the fans that help see you to the finish line. It was awe inspiring to be cheering people on who, despite their great effort, I knew wouldn't "beat the bridge" and therefore not finish officially. These people who were going to be on the course for upwards of SEVEN or EIGHT hours! Those who finish in just over two hours are truly amazing athletes, but those who participate for seven-plus hours and don't even get the benefit of finishing are truly amazing people.

Watching marathons makes me emotional. I think of how I have felt each time I've crossed the finish line: exhausted, relieved, and so happy. I usually cry I'm so overwhelmed.

As I was walking away after watching the last of the last with bus and police escort pass the mile marker, I began to get the excited and nervous feeling deep inside my gut - and a little choked up. Hawaii is just over a month away. Am I ready? Will it go well? Will there be plenty of people, besides my friends, there to get me to the finish? These questions can only be answered on December 11th, but I am hopeful.

And for those of you cheering me on from the mainland, pray my map marker doesn't stop at mile 6!