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Pat, here's my story. 1st time marathon runner.
With the rain at the start and the very hot day, this year's run was a struggle for most. With those conditions in mind, there is a lot of truth in the statement that you win by finishing. I did win! I FINISHED! I ran the best that I could and came across the finish line at 5:08. It was the longest 5 hours I have ever had to endure and do not wish to endure AGAIN!!! Believe me, NEVER AGAIN!!!
I may be limping around but my head is held up high! I'm still in awe that I finished. It was tough, very tough. I am so thankful that my family and friends were all there to cheer me on. I loved seeing Grace Payne at mile 13, so proud with her camera ready taking pictures while I passed the 1/2 way mark. She was so excited for me and has helped me tremendously with this entire journey! Then I needed those pep talks from Bill at mile 17, the hugs from my boys at mile 20 and having my friends at the finish line
with a sign that read "Congratulations Shelia, You Did It!!! It was amazing and emotional!
Devon (my 6 year old son) was so cute, he was so concerned that I had kissed him with lipstick on (he doesn't like that) and all Nathan (my 5 year old son) wanted to know is if I had won. With my big huge beautiful medal around my neck, I said, yes Nathan,
I did, I won! Then he asked; Mom, can I take your medal to school for Show and Teach? With that, it made it all worth it!!!
Thank you ALL for your support, I truly needed it and I enjoyed runner with Austin Fit on those early morning Saturday runs. Thanks for the volunteers and thanks for the coaches who coached us. I was in the 10:30 pace group!!!! What a wonderful group.
Shelia Parodi
A/F Class of 2005
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