TARC Spring Classic Trail Marathon (Weston, MA)
Finish Time: 4:59
Pace: 11:24
Temp: 59 degrees
Conditions: Dry and Sunny
Run For: Pam
Recap:
Trial races slow your normal pace and they can be hard. They can also be very peaceful and something you can come to enjoy. I have always found it very soothing to run in the woods, out on the trails. The race today featured a half marathon, full marathon and a 50K. It is a 10k loop and each group does the appropriate number of loops to get in their distance. The marathon does 4 full loops and a couple shorter ones to get to 26.2 miles. I didn’t get off to the best start during loop 1 because it was pretty crowded and at around mile 3 I ended up tripping on a tree root and hit the ground pretty good. I was holding a water bottle which I used to land so my hands were actually fine, but my right knee hit pretty good and got a little cut up. There is nothing like coming in at the end of the loop with some blood running down your leg to make you feel like a slight bad-ass! I was able to get cleaned up and the knee was only a little sore so it was back out for the remaining loops. Loop 2 went well but loop 3 and 4 were hard and I was feeling the knee but there was no way I was going to stop.
I specifically picked Pam’s story to pair with this marathon. I have run this marathon and the 50k before and I know it’s a hard course. You need to be strong and tough to get through it and that is how I would describe Pam. She is extremely tough and strong and I have been so fortunate to see this first hand with TC Cycle. I have seen Pam struggle with Crohn’s disease and a lot of the other things that try to prevent her from doing what she wants and live her life. I say “prevent” because Pam refuses to let it take control. She hits obstacles, runs into road blocks and is thrown curve balls more often than not but she doesn’t let that stop her. She never quits and continues to fight each and every day. Some days are harder than others, but she has this determination to conquer each and every obstacle. Pam also takes on challenges that scare her and make her question what the heck she is doing, but she fights like crazy to achieve her very best. I can honestly say that I look up to Pam and she is such an inspiration to me in so many ways.
Today’s marathon was hard, but I was able to draw strength from Pam and tough it out for another one completed. Thank you Pam for being the most awesome, most determined and strongest friends I know! I am honored to be able to share your story and to run 26.2 miles for you today. You pushed me through the tough miles today and helped me get across that finish line. Thank you for all you do for those who battle and for what you do for me.
Marathon #7 is done and I’m happy to now rest and recover for the next one! This 26.2 was for you Pam! 26.2 For You!
26.2 FOR YOU 