WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I guess this just goes to show, that, if you put your mind to it you can do anything! The last time I really ran, it was to get to the bar. Now I have completed a marathon. Not just A marathon, but the 4th hardest marathon in the world apparently. They told us that you can knock at least 15 minutes off of your time for this marathon (as it is all mostly uphill) compared to others.
Here is the semi official race photo. I have ordered the package (a wise investment because I may never do this again) so I will have more photos and blog messages for a few weeks as I had a lot of thoughts that I wanted to communicate. I'll try to make them short as it gets old trying to read a long blog.Besides the hairy armpits, you might want to notice the two spots on my arm where I managed to rub the skin off. The friction against the seam in the singlet rubbed right through my arm and bled. That is the one place that I didn't put lubricant (Body Glide not KY!).
I also thought I would be smart and put Band-aids over my nipples (read this post if you hadn't before). I didn't think about how much they would hurt coming off. I felt like screaming "Kelly Clarkson" as they pulled the hair from my chest like an insane Brazilian Waxer (What a great job description by the way).
Here's the unofficial official results page
Some quick general comments:
- My time was pretty consistent throughout the race. I slowed down a bit at the end but that is a bit natural I guess.
- Right below me is the time for Renata Duma. we crossed the finish line together. At about the 12K mark I came up on her. (the JIM people were not hard to miss in out lime green singlets). Her timing watch had just given up the ghost and we were keeping the same pace so we egged each other on and I can probably say that, although I would have finished the race, she was the person to keep me on track and encouraged me all the way through.
- The Greek people along the route had come out to cheer us on. Even though the beginning was rural/industrial and therefore not a lot of people around, the locals had come out and their kids were delighted to "high five" any runner who came near.
- The race was exceptionally well organized, water every 2.5K, gels, Poweraide, snacks etc. The Organizing Committee did a great job!
- We finished in the 1896 Panathinaiko Stadium (where the first modern Olympics were held) which was an incredible feeling
- The whole race was run in 10 minute increments. It helped me to get through to know that "I only have 10 minutes until I get a walk break!"
- The whole damn course was uphill! Starting at the 10K mark we climbed over 1000 m and descended the same amount in the last 10K
- The esprit de corps and team development among the JIM participants was probably the most intense I have ever seen (even with many corporate offsites and team building events). As Dan said " I came home with 60 new friends". He really did. The trials of a marathon form friendships and support groups very quickly. The experienced people take us newbies (or virgins as I like to call us) under their wings and really encourage/support you.
Lori picked me up at the airport but another surprise awaited. My whole damn family was there with signs and flags. It felt like the troops were being welcomed home after the war. My Mom and my Aunt Edith were there with my brother Dave, sister Cathy, son Grant and wife Lori. We had a tear jerker moment when I showed them this photo
Anyway more later.
Here is Renata and I crossing the finish line. She was wonderful and I owe her a lot
JJ
1 comment:
Congratulations John on your amazing accomplishment.
Hope to see your picture soon on our WALL OF FAME.
From everyone at Physical Edge
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