A Spectators Finish

Today was an emotional day. It was great weather for viewing the Mini and full Kentucky derby Marathon races. I have to give a big shout out to all those who participated, you all did awesome!! Maybe NVMC should see about doing a water stop next year. I realized today how we all need each others support. So here goes some of my view from the side line.


I got there so early to start off and picked a good spot, to only later realize that it didnt matter where I sat people would still manage to stand right in front of me and in my way. Oh well, thats life in a nut shell.

So back to the race. I got to see many different types of runners and people and it was amazing to see people with tremendous stories. There was a man leading a you blind boy to the finish, there were the wheel chair racers, which I have to say inspired me because the strength that it takes to get past the fact you cant walk or run but you can wheel your way to the finish is amazing. The strength of heart and the strength of the upper body amazed me.

I love observing people and their reactions to certain situations in life. As I was intently looking at the runners rounding the corner to the finish line I noticed all different types of reactions. There were those who so victory and achievement, some saw defeat, some were delirious, some unaware of their success, some just glad to be living. 12,000 runners and walkers coming across the finish line to their destiny. You see I have came to the conclusion that its not about how you arrive at the finish. But it's that you Arrive! You see many people sign up for the mini in hopes to finish the race. They have goos intention and are motivated at first. Then life gets in the way and for what ever circumstances they dont get to the finish. So you see the victory they reward is that you finish the race. You cross that finish line. Whether your blind, in a wheel chair, sick, healthy, old, young, etc Its that you finish.

Which brings me to some significant moments of that day that I will never forget. As I waited for my husband to round the corner I was absolutely worried. The day was a beautiful day but it was not ideal for long distance running because of the sun. So I was concerned. As I cheered for the full marathoners comming in and realizing that not just my family needs to be cheered for but for those fellow marathoners. We all need a little cheering on from time to time to not give up before we reach the finish.

After waiting for what seems like forever. In the distance I finally saw michael. I know his running stride and I could see that he was in pain. I know that he will never admitt that he was but what he didnt realize was he was almost there to the finish line. As we made eye contact I cannot explain the emotional realse of relief that I felt in seeing him because my worry was over but also seeing him in pain and knowing he needed me to help him along the way. We walked to gether for a bit and I grabbed his hand and I gave him the encouragement that I could and gave him a pat on his back and he started to the finish, I knew that took all his strenght. Mike has been taking the training easy so he was not as prepared but he wanted to finish.

He ran the marathon a couple of years ago and finished in good time, but this time was different even though he didnt finish with a better time, the fact was the he finished. I think that we sometime take for granted how many people dont have the strenght or the encouragement that could have propelled them to the finish. We must encourage our loved ones and others to finish the race. Finish the fight for their lives, finish was God is starting in them. What would this world be like if we were able to help and encourage each other in our goals and the races of life.

I am proud of Mike and though I will never understand the physical pain he felt running, I know that I can take pride in knowing that I was there to cheer him on and to see him finish!!!!