Like all the RW6 participants before me, first and foremost, thanks to you for being such an inspirational leader, mentor and friend. You, Nancy, Bill, Patricia and Jamie are the most talented and coordinated group of PLs! You gave me confidence and made me feel like part of the family even though my participation was sporadic, as I was only training for half of the work (and fun?!) for the charity relay.
Thank you as well, Walt, for coming to my company last year to kick off our running club season representing LARR! You inspired a full room of colleagues and boosted participation in RR, in all we had over 70 participate in the Marathon or Half Marathon.
I've completed 2 marathons and this was my second LA half in support of the Fulfillment Fund. That said, the coaching reminders, the tips and tricks were still important. Whatever you said, I did it. If I heard it 2 or 3 times, even better. I placed everything out the night before, used body glide, packed advil with my gu and shot blocks, brought extra gatorade, and at the Expo I never tried anything new (like coconut water ;).
I got my best sleep on Friday night, knowing Saturday night may be tough with the time change. Even though I was only doing a 1/2, I still had the stress dream of falling behind the pace group. I changed my clock at 5pm Saturday because I kept forgetting when I would need to go to bed.
At Dodger stadium, I appreciated being part of LARR, taking photos and hearing strong inspirational words from Walt right before walking to the corral. Walt seemed extra serious, so I knew the heat would be extra tough, and I was nervous for the team. Of course, the big gold "W" balloon offset that and we did have the best waves and "wees" especially through the tunnel in the beginning of the race. It was also a thrill to see Kristi's face when her husband surprised her by joining her for the marathon fun - now that's true support!
I started to fall behind the group right before my 13 mile end point, so I didn't get to shout out "Way to Go RW6" for your second half, but you all looked strong, albeit a bit hot ;) I went to the finish line to see my buddy Cynthia finish, and 40 minutes in the friends & family area was so hot, I can only imagine how you all felt. So, CONGRATS and ENJOY your success!
I will be camping with the 3rd graders this weekend so will miss Walt's bodacious BBQ! I hope to see you at the totem pole in April for an easy 6 miler or so, and perhaps next year as well!
Best,
Irene
Today, the day after the LA Marathon, my lower extremities and my imagination tell me that running or even walking a marathon is the one and only way to safely replicate the experience of being hit by a Mack truck, but only from the waist down. Actually my head and stomach don’t feel that great today either, but I complain too much.
After struggling both mentally and physically with the RW6 pace for two years, I decided to train with Leah’s Walk 4 group this year. The training went very well. So did the marathon. 8 hours 9 minutes, which was 1 hour and 11 minutes less than my 9:20 all time record last year, but that was last year’s very long story.
About mile 7 I saw this lady on the sideline, a perfect silo, very short and very wide in an orange dress/tent. With a gasp, I said to someone in my group, “Oh my God, did you see that lady in the orange dress?” At which time another lady in my group right in front of me turned around and said, “John, just one year ago I was that lady in the orange dress.” For a split second a shot of about to be embarrassed crossed my mind but in the same split second my visual survey of all her curves prompted the instantaneous reply, “Wow! Congratulations! How did you do it?” It turns out she had the stomach sleeve procedure and then started training for the marathon. She indicated she still had a way to go and was planning to reduce further and do the training and marathon again next year, all this at mile 7 of a former fat lady’s first marathon.
About mile 16, I teamed up with another Walk 4 buddy who had overheard the above exchange and we decided to do a tag match walking with this lady to help her finish her first marathon. We all finished together. She did just fine, probably better than her helpers. Shortly after we crossed the finish I said to her that next year I wanted to see her cross the finish line looking so fine that I will not be able to resist the urge for inappropriate touching. She said that she would welcome that touching. (and she later approved this story)
I miss RW6. You guys are the greatest, but, Damn--I can’t wait for next year!
John Schilling
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Hi Walt,
Here's my story.
This was my 4th
Roadrunner season, and I've learned that the camaraderie and energy of the
group experience really helps. Thank you to everyone and especially our
wonderful Pace Leaders.
Prior to the race day, I
told my friends that my goal was to cross the finish line in a vertical
position before dark. But, in my heart, I really wanted to finish with our
group. I was thankful that we got nearly 10 miles in before the sun came
out, but the hot weather eventually did me in. I stayed with the group
until about mile 19, but started dropping back after doing more walking than I
wanted. The mind was willing, but the flesh was weak.
I saw Judi, Gail and
Dori between mile 19 and the finish line. Those conversations helped keep
me going.
One really encouraging
experience for me was a fellow wearing a San Francisco Marathon t-shirt at
about 19th Street along San Vicente. He didn't know me, but I must have
looked just about ready to keel over. He saw my name, pointed to me and
said very firmly, "Brent, you're going to finish this thing! I can
tell by the determination in your eyes. You're going to finish!"
It really touched me to hear him say that, and it taught me that you
never how much an encouraging comment will mean to someone.
I did cross the finish
line vertically and managed and to keep it under 7 hours. It was great to
see my wonderful and supportive wife, Anne, at the end. I proudly wore my
medal to work the next day, and my workplace made a big deal out of it with
lots of congratulations and even posting an announcement in the lobby.
So, thinking back on the
whole experience and considering my age, my weight, and that I'm being actively
treated for cancer, I'm pretty proud of myself and thankful to God for such a
great group of running friends surrounding me.
Brent Stutzman
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