Manitoba Marathon 2010

Sigh. Yesterday was the Manitoba Marathon. And I wasn’t in it. Next year.

The Manitoba Marathon is an annual Father’s Day tradition that I LOVE. I’m not a full marathoner, but I have loved meeting the challenge of a half marathon.

I had to pull out of the half last year because of a toe injury, so I was determined to run this year. I trained. Not well, but well enough. I had what it took to take part in the festivities of the day.

But it was a hard full week last week, and a hard full week this week, and I knew it. School was finishing with its usual flurry of marking, and there were lots of extra things on the schedule. And then I got sick. Not flat in bed sick, just feeling worn out and cold-symptoms sick. And I had to figure out what to do.

Registration closed the Tuesday before the Sunday and I struggled with my decision. I trained for this, I wanted this, and I’m not a quitter. (Sometimes to my detriment.) I knew I could pull it off, but at what cost to me, and to my duties the following week? Melanie, my ~~mother~~ receptionist reminded me of what happens when one ignores signs of illness and pursues a heavy schedule. She was right.

So I didn’t register for the marathon. I decided that wisdom would take precedence over determination.

But I was not going to let my decision ruin me for the marathon. I was up and out bright and early, and
enjoyed the whole thing from the sidelines. That actually is a lot of fun, too.

I enjoyed the runners. They were competitive. They were friendly. They were appreciative. They were enjoying themselves, talking with each other. At mile 9 some were already struggling—their determination is something
I’ll carry with me this week.

Manitoba Marathon 2010 contained determined and courageous runners that inspire.

I enjoyed the volunteers. Of all kinds. The official ones were great, managing traffic etc. Those managing refreshments and sponges had endless cheerful enthusiasm and encouragement. They were having FUN…when there was a gap in runners, they’d laugh and joke with each other. There were very unofficial volunteers…people who took it upon themselves to make the run more pleasant for the athletes. The karaoke was terrible…but was awfully fun! The energy of all those that helped out was infectious…I’ll carry that with me this week.

Manitoba Marathon 2010 had incredibly helpful and energetic volunteers.

There were about 4 runners who were on the course long after the “course closing van” rolled by, closing the course. That van was ahead of them. They were no longer on the official course. Officially they received no support. Unofficially, they got great support…the volunteers hung around waiting for those that refused to give up. And they had grit. They didn’t give up. When we would cheer for them, they’d smile, wave, and find it in themselves to break into a trot. When they slowed down to a walk, they still kept walking, head held high, determined. I don’t know if they finished the whole thing or not. But I do know they hung in there longer than many would have. I admire their grit…I’ll carry that with me this week too.

Manitoba Marathon 2010 had runners that were slow but committed and determined and inspiring.