today was the route 66 marathon…for the past several years, the route has gone right by my house. this morning, tripp started his timer right at 8:00 a.m. – when the gun shot starting the race went off. and approximately 6.5 minutes later, the first runner came through.
it is such a thrill every year to experience this great event. thousands of runners from all over the world participate. it’s a qualifying race for the boston marathon so it has a bit of prestige associated with it as well.
as a runner, watching these dedicated athletes is such an inspiration. and although i’ve never run a marathon, i ran the tulsa run about ten years ago – 9.3 miles – so i know a little bit about the dedication and sacrifice it takes to accomplish a feat such as this.
it’s true what they say about long distance running…it’s 30% physical and 70% mental. you win the battle in your head first. getting out there in the heat and the cold. when you’re sore and tired and would rather be a million other places than out there hitting the pavement.
it’s the same thing whether you are training for a race or learning to paint or practicing photography. some days it feels like you’ve got wings on your feet…other days feel more like cinder blocks. but it’s about having a showing up every day. brushing yourself off when you fall on your face – literally and/or figuratively. because the feeling of accomplishment is so. totally. worth. it.
i’m so thankful for the gift of running in my life. but mostly, today i’m just grateful for being in the presence of this kind of tenacity and perseverance.
love, kelly
my uncle mark ran in the race. I don’t know why but it gave me chills of happiness knowing he ran by your house knowing you were out there cheering him on! I love this!!!
What a treat to be able to watch from your front porch. And I can’t believe all the color you have! Our trees are mostly ‘bare nekkid’.