I Really, Really Need To Go!!!

I mentioned in a previous post that I once ran a marathon and my goal was 5 hours. My finishing time was 5:10. Ten minutes past my goal. I still made my goal and here is why.

In Spring, 2001, I realized I was about to start the last year of my forties. I wanted to do something symbolic, something to laugh in aging’s face. Crazy me decides to sign up for The Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, PA, home to the famous Dunder-Mifflin Paper Company!

The race was scheduled for October 7. I had just short of six months to train. I signed up to train with the Leukemia Society Team in Training. We met every other Saturday In beautiful Lehigh Parkway, which has a really nice six mile loop. The first Saturday we ran, in a loose group, six miles. That was the most I ever ran at one time. Every other Saturday after that we added two miles to our total. By the end of September we were up to 22 miles. They figured if you can run 22, you can run 26.  We had our own training to do within the two weeks. It was A LOT. But I was ready for race day.

They loaded all the runners onto buses and took us 26.2 miles away from downtown Scranton, the finish line. Everyone was nervous. Everyone was excited. Everyone was freezing! It was a few weeks after 9/11 so there were a few politicians making speeches before the start. Come on, let’s go, it’s freezing!! The gun sounds and we’re off.

The plan was to run with my training partner, Jess. We chatted and joked and generally supported each other. We ran into snow around mile 10. Just flurries, but did I mention it was freezing?  We were doing pretty well, walking only through water stops. By mile 17, I could tell Jess was holding back for me. I told her to just run and I’d see her at the finish line. Now I am alone. I was near the back of the pack so there weren’t too many people to chat with. I remember about mile 23 being passed by an old lady fast walker! That’s okay, I am still on pace to make it in 5 hours.

That’s when it happened!! I had to go to the bathroom so bad…..and I am not talking pee! I was now in Scranton and everything was closed for the race. I had passed the last portapotties a mile back. I couldn’t run or I would have gone in my pants. That was not happening!  Luckily a guy saw me in distress. I told him what was going on. He told me about a Wendy’s open about three blocks off the race course.  Here is a time where being a rule follower goes out the window. I finally make it to Wendy’s and the men’s room is closed for cleaning!  Nooo! I go in the ladies’ room just as a woman is coming out. She looked surprised to see me. Then, ahhh relief!!

I run back to the course and finished the final mile and a half. 5:10 was on the sign as I passed the finish. I immediately begin the calculations:  three blocks off course twice, going to the bathroom, the rest room mishap. My calculation is that that took about ten minutes and one second! My time for the marathon 4:59:59! I made my goal. I hope you agree with me.

Running that marathon was one of the most difficult and rewarding things I have done in my life. At least that day, I was able to laugh in aging’s face. I recommend a marathon for anyone else in a similar situation.

Enjoy your day! It’s a great day for a run!