Dearest of Dears,
We have met the challenge! Jacqueline and I completed our first marathon. We implemented our training program and finished exactly when we thought we would. We kept a 12 min pace for the majority of the race, slowed down considerably towards the end and finished in 5hrs 31 minutes.
We stayed together through the entire race. Jacqueline helped me through all of my hard times, coaxing me on, yelling at me to keep going and I did the same for her. We are a great team. Big Sur is often refered to as the most "beautiful marathon in the world". As to the beauty of the course keeping your mind off the pain, Jacqueline believes this may be an overstatement (I cleaned it up, her exact words were "that's BS")
This is a link to our race photos - FYI
http://www.marathonfoto.com/index.cfm?RaceOID=19002008S1&LastName=GLIOZZI&BibNumber=4528&Mailing=10696
Now the really good news! All the Wellness Communities around the country gathered together for this marathon. Together we raised $510,000. That is an awesome amount and it was thanks to the generousity and thoughfulness of supporters like all of you that made this happen.
Peolpe asked me how I came to run the Strides for Hope Marathon and I tell them I am a frequent flyer at the Wellness Community. I cannot thank each of you enough for your gift. Drs treat cancer, but the Wellness Community helps you learn how to live through it, with honesty, grace and dignity. They have helped us so much.
Our post race emotions are raging, similar to having a baby. First I cried, then I laughed and 24 hours later I still do not think that my head has re-affixed itself to my shoulders just right. A few aches and pains, but my body is still high from the adrenaline and endorfins (sp?).
Sunday I run the Devil Mountain Race with Richard Thomas. It is a 5k race to raise money for Children's Hospital of Oakland.
At the highest point of the race, Hurricane Point, I said a prayer for everyone I know with cancer, or has lost a loved one to cancer or those who have passed before their time due to illness. I cried and the ocean and the gulls cried with me. It was a powerful voice. It is my small way to give back to so many that have helped me.
God Bless All of You and Your Familes- Health and Happiness Always,
Love,
Debra