We Just
got back from the trip to Massachusetts, and what a trip
it was. When I started this 4 years ago, it was a Pie-in-the-Sky idea,
that I never expected to accomplish, now I'm 33 states in and 17 to go,
and I absolutely expect to finish. I am truly amazed at the way each
trip continues to inspire, validate, and fulfill me. Each one does this,
yet in a different way. I continue to be Humbled by the bounty of the Blessings I have received.
I have been treated to amazing weather on the majority of my trips, and
those which were less than optimal, I prefer to think that they could
have been so much worse. There was a tornado in Georgia, and Monsoon
like rains in New Hampshire and Oregon, yet everything always seems to
work out for the best. This past weekend, the temperature went form the
30's last week, to up in the 50's for Saturday and Sunday, with clear
and sunny skies. Sunday evening, as were leaving the new cold front was
rolling in and the high for today was expected to be 32. All along the
race course Sunday, the volunteers told me how wonderful we were being
treated, last year it was miserable with gusting wind and freezing rain
mixed with snow. The weather warmed up just for me.
On the trip
back, our flight from Boston was due to leave at 6:05, we were in good
shape til we hit the tunnel in Boston and was at a stand still for an
hour. We barely made the flight gate with minutes to spare, and when I
told the guy at the desk about the tunnel traffic, he said the tunnel
had been completely closed. We were one of the last cars through. we
we're detained in Boston for 10 minutes, and when we landed in St
Louis, our connecting flight to Houston was being "last called". I had
to sprint (if you can do that after running 13.1 that morning) down the
terminal and catch the guy closing the door. Richelle was coming up
behind. I figured that if I could reach the door before they closed it, I
would trip and fall in it so they couldn't close it till Richelle
arrived. She made it and once again we were the last ones to board. But
we made it by the Grace of God, He smiled upon us, and allowed us
passage. It was meant to be.
Saturday, at the packet pick up,
there were two running legends, Bill Rodgers and Dick Beardsley. They
were signing their books, and other things. they were taking time to
chat with each person who came up. It wasn't a buy a book, a quick
autograph and keep moving. I stood in line and had them sign my race
bib. They were both happy to do it and they even both posed for a photo
with me (which they did with everyone) They both told me that they
looked forward to running in the race with me the following morning. To
have them both consider me as one of their peers, was quite humbling.
Sunday morning, as we were getting ready for the race, "Team Hoyt" was
there and was participating. I walked up and spoke to Dick Hoyt, the
father. I told him I had read about him and Rick and seen them on the
internet, and what an inspiration they were. Dick was very Humble, it
wasn't a big deal for him. He was happy to pose for a picture with me.
Later, on the course, I was passed by "Team Hoyt" around mile 10 of my
half marathon. They were on their 2nd loop at mile 23. I felt a sense of
pride at being passed by them, a little moment of my own history.
My fiance Richelle, has also been a blessing upon me. She is not a
runner herself, but she is the Greatest Roadie, Equipment manager,
Personal Assistant, Photographer, and Cheer Leader available. She is
amazing. We have two more trips planned this year. In June, we have a 3
state swing planned. Connecticut, W Virginia, and Colorado in 3
weekends. It should be a great time.
In August, we are getting
Married. I told her that we could go on a Honeymoon that didn't involve
Gatorade or Goo or those funny looking Stretchy shorts I use to run in.
But she would have none of it. I am so lucky to have some one so
supportive. She wanted to go and do a race on our Honeymoon. We're
headed to Alaska.
I'm not sure that I would openly encourage
some one to take up this challenge that I have, unless you have both a
love of running and travel. It's certainly not for everyone, It is both
expensive and time consuming. I do know that I this right for me, and I
have reaped much more than I ever expected to sow
