It's been a couple of days since the marathon and I was showing off my medal to family members and was asked how I did it. I could only respond, "I just did." I still have to remind myself that I finished a marathon. I went 26.2 miles without a break, finishing ahead of the sweepers, the vehicles that start picking people up because they're falling further and further behind. My time was actually pretty good for a first-timer, 6:43:59. Yes, I just beat 6:44 by one second…
I'm feeling pretty good right now. Between the ice soaks for my feet the afternoon of the marathon and taking ibuprophen a couple of times in the last two days, I'm pain-free and feeling relatively good. Which is why I have to remind myself that I actually finished a marathon.
I heard this song today and as I listened to the words, it was as if the song was talking to me, telling me that that medal was mine. No one just gave it to me. I didn't buy it. I earned it. I went 26.2 miles in 6 hours and 43 minutes, 59 seconds. Not too shabby for a 55-year-old first-timer…
"This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no."
All Things Elda 