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Sciatica -- a painful, jabbing, throbbing, teeth-gashing pain in the middle of your (for lack of a better word) -- butt! Yes, each step of running is miserable. One side is bad news. Both sides makes for some unpleasant, not so lengthy runs. 25 years of running, and I get sciatica on BOTH sides. Add a vacation for two weeks in a non-runner's environment, and a bout with a three-week sinus infection, my goal quickly went from a marathon to an attempt to make it to the half marathon finish line and stop there, despite my much earlier obtained marathon entry. I had such fun, running with Ali, Vicky and Laura, as well as many others. After a medical tent stop at the half, for blister relief, I felt great (hence, no sciatic pain) and kept on. I missed my half marathon buddies, but quickly ran into other Austin Fit runners along the way. Some struggling, some not. I saw Vince on the side of the road, with horrible cramps. He could not go on. I mentioned that I had forgotten my sunglasses in my car (and I SELL the things!). He graciously handed me his, and they were the lifesaver that helped this sunlight-sensitive lady continue. I kept thinking of Vince, and wore his glasses in his honor, to get towards the finish line, for him. Still planning on stopping soon, I continued. I ran into Chris, Chuck and Donna, on the sidelines and stopped to chat. Donna had a pair of crutches alongside her (the result of a stress fracture she was awarded for finishing a 100 mile race the previous week). Two miles later I found Karen, who was sitting on the ground. Ill and not knowing what to do, I helped her up and made her walk with me the next mile towards help. Offering encouragement and advice, she had obviously not received any proper training. Her biggest concern was her family, waiting at the finish line. Some pepto bismol (thanks to trail runners Abe and Janice) and a cell phone call to mom and dad, she continued the race. Dave, Thomas, Ralph and others (hard to remember everyone when heat and exhaustion are your constant companion), were along the way. I stayed with various runners, walking, talking and running, to crank out the miles. Still wondering WHY I was still traveling towards the finish line, I continued. My longest training run this season was 9 miles (yes NINE). No real reason to finish, as I do have a finisher's medal or two. But, something kept me inching towards other runners, those I knew and wanted to help by keeping them company for a while. I ran into Amar along Riverside, running his first marathon, and having leg problems. We both found Prakash, who was determined to conquer mind over matter. Visualizing myself between my to good friends, finishing, we continued forth. Pat Burch ... and was that Diane Coe (now Mrs. Booher) who just got married last week? Yes, it was them. Pat can whip my butt, but there he was in the back of the pack. Mister nice guy (as always he is) was walking with Diane, as she had been ill all week, but wanted to finish. She was sporting a lovely wedding veil and a sign on her tush: "Just Married." Being in Austin Fit for ten years together, Diane suggested we finish together. I promised we would. I continued with Prakash, and as we finally got to the finish line, I sent Prakash over the mats, and stopped. I stood to the side and waited for Amar, who was so excited to be coming down the chute. Four minutes later (yes the announcer really wanted me to go over the mat and I got some strange looks, since most folks run like hell to get to the mat; I got there and did not cross!), I saw Pat and Diane. As they approached, we locked hands and ran over the finish line mat together. Our slowest marathon ever, but we each had exactly the same time as we crossed the mat. Three great friends, another marathon, and together. Now, that is true friendship and love. Prakash and Amar were waiting at the other side of the mats, and we all exchanged hugs and cheers. Another medal, another marathon, and just as special and memorable as any, maybe more. Special friends, old and new, spending time achieving our goals. A very special marathon, and very unexpected finish for me. Long-Winded Saleny (Debra), and oh yes, number 33.
Debra Saleny
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