Why wonderful?
Oh, I don't know.
Because they had pink port-a-potties with potted plants, lemon-scented hand sanitizer and fur-covered seats.
Because I ran into Linda, a fellow 2012 Medtronic Global Hero.
Because there were marching bands, harpists, and string players along the course.
Because the first year there were 1000 women. In the second year there were 2000 women. And in this third year, there were 3000 women. A wonderful success story and a testament to the vision and skills of my friend Ross who organized the event.
Because Doug, my superman, was there at the start and along the course to carry my diabetes stuff and make sure I was ok. And ok I was. My blood sugar was 7.8 at the start, 7.2 at 7k, 6.3 at 14k and 6.2 at the end. It was my best blood sugar race ever.
Because the last few k were really tough and I was increasingly overheated and nauseated...
...but I pushed through and then felt immediately better once I stopped, drank chocolate milk, and put a soaking wet and freezing cold washcloth on my head.
Because I had friends cheering me on along the course, friends running their own races who waved every time we passed each other on the out and back route and friends who waited at the end to say hi and ask how my race went.
Because Kathrin Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, was on hand all weekend to chat and was at the finish line to high five or hug all the finishers.
Because I completed my 11th half marathon.
Because things got tough, my pace slowed and, when I saw that I needed to push for the last three kilometres in order to make it in under 2:30 I pushed for the last 3k and made it under 2:30. In fact I made it in 2:29:57 to be precise.
Because it felt wonderful to be part of such an important event that celebrates the women who took 4 hours to finish as much as it celebrated the winner.
Because I did it!
Excellently well done! And it sounds like you had a great time doing it, too.
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