On Sunday, April 30, 2006, I completed my 200th marathon (26.2 mile) event in Frederick MD. My twin sister Tina and friends from my hometown of nearby Berkeley Springs, West (by God) Virginia, were also there to support me during the effort.
This marathon - nearly 20 years to the day of my first completion ・was even more special because it was also my (deceased) parents・anniversary which tied in with making it a hometown event.
While completing #200, I reflected upon the past two decades and further realized that marathoning is not merely about the training, the sweat, and the course. It truly is about the people I have met along the way and the experiences we all have shared. I have learned much during the journey, seen hundreds of sights, and shared racing trumphs(and defeats!) with literally over a million participants. Friends, acquaintances, rivalries and, yes, even lovers, have been made (and some lost!) over the miles.
I have never been fast, but have run competitively in the past. Since I have become even more involved with Coaching and Event Management in addition to my own participation, I enjoy helping others reach their goals while getting to see new places and meeting new interesting people along the way. So even though the excitement of award-winning may be gone, the anticipation of an enjoyable experience for me and others keeps me coming back for more.
Through it all, I have no fame and no fortune, and nothing that goes with it. But I still thank you all. For if it was not for each one of you, I truly do not believe I would have the interest in athletics that I do.
After 200 marathons ・about 30 of them barefooted ・in more than half the States and several countries encompassing 5 continents, a reporter recently asked me 展hat痴 next?・ After the Lincoln Marathon this coming Sunday, I honestly do not know. But no matter what it may be, I will do my best to continue having fun doing it!!