Was it a year ago, that I started?

I remember a year ago, I was sick with marathon flu, my feet were severely damaged with really big blisters, and I was signing up for the GOOFY race and a half challenge, that was to take place on January 10-11, 2009. Well here I am almost a week later and I am happy to say that I not only survived it ; but that I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the 2 races. I went up On Thursday before the race, with my friend, Barbara. We did the expo on Thursday and Friday. Friday was a day to spend at the lecture series. hearing greats like Alberto Barrios, Jeff Galloway, John,the penguin, Bingham, and coach Jennie. It was such an educational time as well as a fun time spending it with Ileana, Nancy and Marilyn. I was inspired and humbled by the Hoyt team. A father and son who not only shared when the human spirit can do, but what agape love is all about.

The first race, the half marathon , came and we were all ready.It was in the upper 40's when we started and about 64 when we finished. Barbara did great,she got her Donald. -All of us did great. Nancy and I stayed together the whole race, who was pacing who was hard to differentiate; but we finished well with the 3:30 hours I had to finish it to continue in my goofy quest. We finished in 3:17 not our best but certainly not our worse.Nancy left then and I continued the next day to the full marathon. That day after the half I sat in an ice bath for 15 minutes, great for the legs not good for the ego.
The next morning it was not as cold, must have been about 54 to start; and it warmed up to close to 80 by the time it was all over. Barb T met me and we did the marathon together. We went fast at the beginning, faster the I thought I would do. But I was playing a catch up game because I knew it would get warm at the end and so it would slow us down. There was plenty of support throughout the race. I love Disney races. Barbara was our personal cheerleader throughout the course, seeing us at three different places mile 4, 9, 12 and then at the finish line. She not only cheered for us , she cheered for all the FIT members. Throughout the whole experience I kept thinking I just want the three medals, but down deep I wanted to beat my time from last year too. As the finish line came into view, i saw the characters waiting for us, Lilo and Stitch, Pinocchio; I also saw Barbara and Janet with the GO EMMAUS sign. I knew I was going to make it. I ,also, knew that I was below my time from last year and even the marathon in San Antonio. I finished almost 13 minutes from last year's finishing chip time. I not only completed it but I had another P.R.

Another ice bath and I was ready to go out and celebrate. The next we spent at the parks and then Tuesday after a visit to Hollywood Studios, we headed back. And now it is back to the routine. Work, train, and race.

I have to thank God for giving me the strength and knowledge to train. For my friends and acquaintances that believed in me. I also would like to thank those that thought I was crazy when I signed up. My determination to prove you wrong, got me over the top when I did not want to continue. Today I did a recovery training sessions. We did almost 6 miles and when I plotted it down, I saw that I have trained over 1033 miles. Neat to say the least. I look forward to the road ahead and hope to continue to be able to share it you.

I know that I am not alone.....and I thank you.

Here I sit at the beginning of a new year. I am only a week away from the Goofy Challenge and I look back and marvel at what I have accomplished. Although I am not slim, I have lost weight. And although I have not trained on a daily basis, I have been faithful in my training and I am happy to say that since March 2008 to yesterday, I have trained a total of 967 miles. I have done most of my training already for the races of next week, completing my 21 miles last Saturday. I improved my time from the last time I did it by about 12 minutes.

Yesterday, I continued the tradition that I started in the year 2000, of getting up and watching the first sunrise of the year. I went and walked by the beach for 57 minutes with my friend, Barbara Flynn. This woman has been a great inspiration for me because no matter how many challenges are placed in her path she has continued to forge ahead and stick with her training. She will complete her fourth half marathon next week. She has ,also, provided me with encouragement throughout my journey.

The second woman that has been a key player in my life, is Nancy Page. As I have mentioned before, Nancy trains with me at least 3 to 4 times a week on the beach. She has always been faithful in her commitment to be better, and has always provided me with encouragement. In the process she has become a good friend too. Nancy finished without too many complaints her first 21 miles last week. Without her I would not have been able to do that crucial part of my training.

So I not only thank God that I have come this far; I thank you, Barbara and Nancy, without the two of you it would not have been so much fun. I look forward to this year, as we all continue to evolve in this exciting world.