This weekend, I took a much needed hiatus to Tulsa to watch my friend Kate complete her 5th marathon….yes, I said 5th. Every time she says this is my last for a while…like 365 days ago!!
It was the Route 66 Marathon.
She did awesome. I’m always amazed when I watch these races. Of course you know I watch all the details of the event and can’t imagine the adrenaline that the event coordinators are all experiencing. Yes, I see thousands of runners and what I notice are street baracades and event tents! Hey, its how I’m wired.
But, it is always so fun to meander the city and try to find my way around all the street blocks. Our plan is to catch each other at every 5 miles. Sometimes its a challenge and sometimes, I’m a mad woman working my way through the city.
Here she is at mile 10 (I failed at mile 4 and 6…she was running too fast!)…all smiles.
Still there at the uphill climb of mile 14….
It had changed a little by mile 21!
But, her finish line face shows tons of determination and the feeling of accomplishment!!!
I’ve not been there for all 5, but I’ve been at this side of the camera for more than one person and I can tell you I get emotional every time I stand at the finish line. Each person is completing something. An accomplishment that many put on a bucket list; one that some use to mark a significant day in their life. Some complete it with a group or another person to have a shared experience. Some complete as part of a journey to a greater accomplishment like 52 in a year or one in each of the 50 states. Whatever their reason, the expression in their eyes is the same.
finish line = success, a benchmark, an endurance race pushing the body to its extreme potential, complete elation in a moment of utter exhaustion
Way to go Kate! Thanks Tulsa for letting me tear up your city and consume calories in a way to support my friend who really needed them!
