You know you’re a runner when you need to travel and one of the first things you search for is a destination race. When our FITCAT Ambassador, Jeri, took out of town for an anniversary trip combined with a marathon, we had to get her report on the race as soon as she made it back home. Here’s what she had to say about the getaway.
“This was my 10th marathon and also my 28th anniversary all on the same day! Sept 29th, Saturday. I am blessed that my husband is a good sport. We had a long drive so, we broke it up .
We headed out Thursday after work and drove till around 11 pm. Up and early the next day and back on the road. We finally arrived at packet pickup and it was a very small expo, but we
had a great time getting details about he race and meeting the people, don’t ya know, for sure. We talked to the local running store, the local running club, and the down syndrome kids running
in the 5k that night. Everyone was so nice! We looked at the map and it planned it out to where he would meet me on the route and etc. We grabbed a nice dinner at a noodle bowl place and went to
bed early. I had flat Jeri all ready to go.
That morning was cold. Bryan got up early too and took me to the start line. He wouldn’t leave me, instead he wrapped me up in a blanket and waited for time to begin. He is sooooo sweet!
I fell in with a pace group, which was only me and Martin. I ran with him for 18 miles until I had to make a bathroom stop. He was great! He knew everybody and was an interesting fellow.
He had 2 boys and was a professor at the university. Bryan met me at mile 16. I was doing good, didn’t need anything. A quick love you and happy anniversary and I was gone. He met me again
at mile 20. This time I took a sports drink and used my inhaler. I have exercise induced asthma. Then I was feeling better but still had 6 miles to go! I knew I would make it at that point! I really wanted someone
to talk to, so I talked to God. I praised Him and Thanked Him. I asked for strength and for Him to use me!
With 2 miles left, an older gentleman ran passed me and I told him great job and he encouraged me back! The people were great at the aide stations and I just kept moving forward. I had slowed but wasn’t dead yet.
I got closer and I could hear the announcer and then around the corner, I could see the finish line, but it was still a good ways away. Ok, deep breath, let’s do this! And BAM across the line I went with a 6 min PR.
So thankful it was flat and cold! I had the best crew husband and God on my side.
I had prayed for someone to encourage and run with. I didn’t get that, the race was very small. Only 135 people did it and I finished 101. I will take it! Then back on the road home. We stopped at Sioux City Iowa after
3 tries, we found a hotel. The guy working the desk could not believe I had just run a marathon and he asked me a lot of questions about running and my faith. God gave me a chance to witness to and encourage someone
after all! God is good and running is a great ministry!
Be a blessing to get a blessing!”
Thanks and congrats, Jeri!