Eugene Marathon
By Kori Haug
We can now say that we have been there, done that, got a t-shirt! Not only did we run our
first marathon (yes, we decided there will probably be others), get our t-shirt and
finishers metal, we also made the local news. I have attached the clip for your viewing
pleasure. Mandy was a rock star! And at the end of the clip when the video is done, they
go back to the shot where we are all proudly displaying our Run-On! shirts, which were
underneath our jackets and long sleeved shirts before we started.
Eugene was so beautiful and we had a great trip. We took lots of pictures outside Hayward
Field and Autzen Stadium Saturday before the marathon that we will be sharing soon. Jamie
K even took pictures of the scenery as we ran our marathon. Though they advertised this
marathon to be 'flat as a pancake,' there were a few hills and quick steep inclines on the
beautiful course. Needless to say because of our fantastic training, we conquered them
along with all 26.2 miles.
I will have to admit, I don't think that it has hit me yet that I ran a marathon
yesterday...my first marathon. Let's rephrase that, it has hit my body, but I expected to
feel on top of the world, ecstatic, perhaps a bit emotional, because I have felt those
things in past runs, even after our 22 mile training run. But I guess I was too tired to
feel anything except my feet and legs were SO sore. My quads are feeling the pain
today....well, only when I try to sit or stand or walk, especially up or down stairs, you
know normal movement...but the rest of me feels pretty great. Perhaps after I recover, I
will feel more elated....b/c I believe there is a lot of reason to celebrate. And we are
going to celebrate!
Thanks to our running coaches, people in our running group, families and friends for all
of their support. I can't tell you the difference your support has made.
And to everyone who went to Eugene this last weekend...
Will....who has been there with me since 201, my first loop around the lake, half marathon
training last year and now my first marathon... your support and friendship amazes me.
Neel...who we all just met, made us laugh so much this weekend. We loved that you fit
right in, like you knew us forever. He was kind enough to run with Jamie C, Jamie K, Mandy
and me partly to the finish line (4 different times) after he finished his marathon.
Amazing!
George, who is a running machine, was done with his marathon over an hour before we
finished, had changed clothes, got a massage, and was still there to see us finish and
take pictures of us. We are so glad that we got to share this special day with you...and
also celebrate your birthday. And...without Jamie K, Jamie C and Mandy running by my
side...I would never have done this. Because I knew you all were going to be there on all
of our early morning runs, guilt kept me from sleeping in. We have kept each other
accountable, motivated, and inspired so that we could accomplish this goal we set for
ourselves.
You only get to have a few 'firsts' in life, and I am so grateful that I got to share my
first marathon with you all. |
