Mom and I are ready to start the Nike Women's Marathon 2011. This is mom's hand!
Cruisin along the Embarcadero. Living in the Bay Area, at times, I forget how beautiful the city really is. Along this area, Glide Memorial Gospel Choir is singing some awesome songs and you can't help but to stop and clap and thank God for the opportunity.
Walking along Fort Mason/Chrissy Fields enjoying the view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Sports Basement is also along this section of the course. This is my restroom pit stop and only opportunity to use a 'real bathroom'. This stop, I had hoped to buy some aspirin. I was beginning to feel sore. This was also the part of the course where I saw my former TNT coaches, Tom and Alice. It's always a pleasure to get a hug along the way.
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Moving toward the Presidio. Rolling hills are in the very near future. UGH! Lots of TNT support is in this area because it's such a tough spot on the course. This is also where you will see faces of honorees or those who have lost the battle to a blood related cancer. Lots of reflective moments happen here because my body hurts, I'm tired, and I'm ready to be done. But than I remember...this is much more easier than chemo or being on my death bed. I keep it moving.
Heading out of the Presidio and now entering rolling hills zone. This was an excellent time to run into a mentor I had when I was training with TNT for my first full marathon in 2004, Nancy. God love her! She walked me up the hills, literally. At this point, I was looking for the 'sag-wag'. I was done and ready to finish, but with assistance. Nancy let me know that I didn't need the 'sag-wag' and I was doing great. In my head, I really wanted that ride! She's probably in her 70s and has done 45+ marathons (fulls and halfs). She was truly an inspiration and I'm so glad I saw her. At the top, I gave her the biggest hug. Thank you, Nancy!
At this point, I was truly in the home stretch making my way down hill towards Ocean Beach. My mom had called me just as I was at mile 10. I was really getting excited about what I was about to accomplish.
I was so glad to turn that corner from Golden Gate Park to see The Great Highway. The best part of The Great Highway? The FINISH line! Woo-hoo!!
As always, mom was waiting for me at the finish. I was happy, hungry, and sore all at the same time. I usually stop to grab all of the freebies, but all I accepted this finish was my blue Tiffany box with my finishers medal enclosed and a bottle of water. I wanted to grab my checked bag and make my way to the shuttle bus. My body was aching and I knew it would shut down on me quickly.
With the help of KMEL and KBLX, I was able to listen to my Sunday morning dose of gospel music. And so, I completed my 9th Half Marathon today. Of all the events I finished, this is the one I'm most proud of.
Until next year, Nike Women's Marathon!
This little item is coveted by many!
