This well-organized event features
a mostly flat and beautiful course showcasing downtown San Diego. It includes
highlights from the America’s Finest City Half Marathon course without the
stifling summer heat. I am grateful that my friends, Donna and Lisa, were with
me for this race. They piled in my car at 5:30 a.m. and we headed downtown.
Lisa wanted to cheer me on from the
start line to the finish line. I explained that it would take us two hours to
finish the race and that we would have to leave very early. I was surprised
when she told me she still wanted to come. She took photos and even captured a
video of myself crossing the finish line. Knowing that she was at the finish
line was very encouraging throughout my race.
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| Lisa and I |
Donna and I were both trying for a
two-hour half marathon, so I looked forward to experiencing the race
course with someone. She encouraged me up the challenging hill at mile 9 while
she powered through effortlessly. Cramps in my right calf forced me to slow my
pace and stop occasionally for the remainder of the race. I urged her to run
ahead and meet me at the finish line, but she stuck by my side. I know she
sacrificed minutes of her race time by staying with me. Her
actions mean a lot to me because I understand how neurotic runners are about
race times-I know I am!
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| 2013 San Diego Half Marathon Finishers |
I choose my friends for solely
selfish reasons: I wish to emulate one or more of their admirable qualities. They
are strong, encouraging, and beautiful people. They work hard, but also know
how to have fun. My grandmother used to say, “Show me your friends and I’ll show
you who YOU are”. If that is true, then I think Grandma would be proud of me.
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