Larry's Story - First Marathon   My first marathon, OK Mark you've seen me run and you know I've never had a typing lesson. You just keep pushing. Since I was a teenager I've been interested in long distance running. My chosen lifestyle kept me a safe distance off of the tracks but interest never faded. After my motorcycle was stopped by an SUV that backed out in my path I had a broken body to heal. Mark was there from the other side of the country. I was determined to walk without crutches. I kept trying to walk unassisted outdoors in the parking lot of the rehabilitation center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Soon the treadmill and then an aid-free walk. After my release I was walking everyday, ice & snow what a winter in Michigan. I started logging my miles on Ontri's site as an aid to keep track of my workouts and any improvements. My jogging was very short distance and very dangerous. Falling concerned me but soon spring had me logging some miles. The first 12 months I ran 1000 miles and Mark made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Asking me to run a marathon was a dream that could come true if I kept working. Now I had a real goal and I started running hard instead of just logging miles. Daily e-mails or phone calls and I was calling Mark "Coach" and he was a good coach. We had registered early the race and Cleveland was on my mind every moment. You see my two daughters live near Cleveland and we would be staying with one while the same day as the marathon my youngest daughter was graduating from college. So much in one weekend. Mark and I found a parking lot near the starting line and the run in the rain made me want to get started. I'm glad the weather was bad early. We picked our estimated time and took off side by side. Mark was running my race and wouldn't increase his speed even after I ask. We ran, walked and talked together the entire race. The nights I lay awake while he was a Marine in the Gulf war seemed so distant. Now he is running beside me offering ideas, encouragement and humor. I had never been past 20 miles and kept my pace as close as I could. I wanted that finish. The wind was stealing energy I was saving for the last few miles. Other contestants were chatting with us as we met on the course. I was positive I would finish if I kept my pace. I wish I could put into words the feelings I experienced running toward the finish line and crossing. Never had I thought about what do you do when your so darn happy and proud. Mark right at my side and not a care in the world. Looking back I had completely healed, none of my nagging aches and pains existed I was so happy. The graduation and party afterward went as well as the marathon. That was one of the best days of my life. Thanks to Mark, Lynn, my daughters and all of the people on this site. I read your postings almost daily and utilize any tips that I think will improve my running. Yes we will do this again and Mark will run his race.      ontri.com - triathlon training for the rest of us Site Map