Category: Family
Posted: 2007-11-04 22:59
MCM POST RACE 2007
The Marine Corp Marathon was an amazing experience!!
We left our homes Wednesday night Oct. 25, 2007 and flew to DC. We were concerned with the fires burning all around us in Southern CA. Tess had been evacuated from her home in Escondido and we had fires burring in Irvine and Camp Pendleton, even the 5 fwy was shut down! But we were on a mission and nothing could stop us.
We arrived in DC Thursday morning and were greeted by rain…we worried because we had never trained in the rain. My sister Tess assured us that every year it rains and then on race day it is clear and beautiful. We trusted her and sure enough that was how it happened. Finally, we woke to sunny skies on Saturday morning and worries of running in the rain turned to simple thoughts of running. I had a lot of anxiety and at times thought about just doing the 10K. My knee had continued to give me trouble and I was worried that it wouldn’t hold up throughout the 26.2 miles…. needless to say I was a nervous wreck!
By race day (Sunday Oct. 28 2007) most of the nerves had turned to excitement. The hotel was filled with runners that morning. We all made our way to the start line, the air was cool and crisp…it was a perfect day to run. We lined up behind the 5:30 finish time; it took us about 20 minutes or so to actually cross the start line after the start shot. The crowds were amazing cheering us all along the route. The young Marines encouraged me every step of the way, they offered water, power aid, oranges, GU, and encouraging words like “keep up the good work Mam,” “Your looking strong Mam,” the whole experience was amazing. We ran through all the beautiful areas of DC…Rosslyn, George Town, Watergate, Capitol Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Smithsonian, Pentagon, Arlington, and finished where it all began at the Iwo Jima Memorial.
I was able to keep my pace right where I needed it to be through out the marathon. I crossed the bridge at mile 20 at about 4 and half hours into the race, and ended with a finish time of 6:31:48. My knee did give me trouble throughout the run, but the Ibuophrine that I took at 6:00 am did its job. I plan to re-hab my knee and beat my time next year... I’m hooked!!
Ali pulled out just after the 10 mile marker (due to
health concerns, she is fine).
I know that my nephew Rick was proud of all us of that day, and I was proud and honored to represent him.
I remain always Faithful to your memory Rick.
Norma Pate
Finishing times for Camp Gannon Runners
Staci Kail 4:03:48
Rita McKinney 5:09:35
Bob Pate 5:13:25
Tess Gannon 6:10
Norma Pate 6:31:48
Mia LaLonde 6:31:48
