Learning to Love Las Vegas: My old frienemy (Part 2)

Dear 26.2,

I told you I would conquer you AND I DID! Enduring each and every one of your grueling miles, was my pleasure, because despite the pain you caused when my toes raced across the finish line my heart filled with such joy. And in that moment I felt no pain just a sensation of pure bliss.

Post race, my sister-in-law looked at my brother-in-law and I, and said something along the lines of... "I don't get it. As I look at how exhausted the two of you are, I just don't think I would ever want to do that."

My response, running marathons is a sick addiction.

This being my third and already searching for the next tells me I'm hooked. Crossing the finish line after 26.2 miles is one of the more gratifying feelings I have experienced in life. Somewhere between .1% and 2% of the world's population can say they have completed a marathon. This elite group is something I am proud to be a part of.
I love the crowds at marathons and all those cheering both on the sidelines and in the race themselves. The build-up of one long race as the culmination of weeks in training provides a drive within in me to keep on moving. My old frienemy there is much to love about you.
Additionally there is always inspiration to be found within the race itself....
Often, when I run and I get tired and I honestly think "God gave me these legs and I'm going to use them." At approximately mile 17 of the marathon, I saw a man pushing a girl named Erin in a wheel chair. I think every single runner passing by them cheered them on. Runner's spirit is so contagious and filling. And while I do love competitive sports, what I love even more than competition is the heart that lies in running; it's overflowing with camaraderie as each runner wants every other runner to cross the finish line. For the next few miles after seeing Erin and the man push her, I kept thinking... "God gave me these legs and I am lucky to be able to use them"!

Since completing the race, I was able to do a little research. First I came across this article where I learned the man pushing Erin is named Peter Kline
http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/las-vegas-mother-turns-running-family-affair
I was surprised to find out this was not his daughter and even more surprised to find out this is not the first time he has pushed someone in a marathon. Upon discovering his name I found this blog and learned more about his story. Make sure you read the next two posts, Marathon of Love Part 2 and Finishing Strong- End of the Marathon.
http://living-perspectives.org/2012/12/httpwww-8newsnow-comstory17796838teens-courageous-battle-after-devastating-accident/
As I soak in this awe-inspiring story, my heart tells me to keep running. It's a gift I am lucky to have!

Thank you 26.2 for another great race!
A runner