HONOR THEIR MEMORY
CELEBRATE LIFE
REACH FOR THE FUTURE
I knew I had to do this inaugural event the first time I saw the ad with that three-part motto. What a magnificent vision: responding to tragedy and death with a vigorously life-affirming event. I want to support this.
The day before the marathon, I spent several hours visiting the Memorial and Museum. I can't adequately convey the experience. I can say that even if you have no particular interest in visiting Oklahoma City, I believe any decent, compassionate person would do well to make the trip simply to experience this Memorial. The horror of the domestic terrorism is surpassed only by how Oklahoma City has grieved, struggled and grown through it. This marathon plays a part in that ongoing healing and moving ahead.
Tawni Gomes |
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The course has a banner for each victim of the bombing |
Athletically, I did surprisingly well. I only wish I knew what made the difference. The emotional component? My recent training schedule? Eating less during the race and not feeling loaded down? And what about the only sports drink on the course—Ultima? Its yucky taste comes probably from its ample supply of complex carbs; maybe they did help me keep going today. I sustained only moderate blistering on the bottom of the stump.
For whatever reasons, today I achieved my best performance since San Diego, June 1998.
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Chuck's 50 & DC Marathons Starting Line UCSC/ACSC | YIA | AHS Class of 1974 Camp Wiregrass | Coral Gables Congregational Church Concerts | Is There Anybody Out There? | Presidential Election 2004 all images and text © chuck bryant
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