Look No Further for Inspiration – SD Marathon

After a brief absence from my blog entries, my recent trip to San Diego and being part of the Team In Training San Diego Marathon experience, brought me back with a whole new perspective.  On most occasions, I usually take a couple weeks to let a race or epic training trip sink in, gathering my thoughts and emotions then relaying the way the trip turned out.

 However, this trip was unique.  Not only were Kristen, my wife, and I privileged to meet and be part of this amazing group of athletes, which through fundraising supports the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, but I was given the opportunity to “pace” an amazing runner during the 26.2 marathon on Sunday.  Seeing that I’e never been asked to take on this type of responsibility, I couldn’t turn down the chance to help out as much as I could.

 No pressure, right?!

 My “runner” is an wonderfully amazing woman, Audrey Burgoon.  Our path’s met a couple years ago during a Airdyne bike workout, then solidified during charity Airdyne and ergometer events in and around the city.  As I got to know Audrey, I was able to become familiar with her determination when setting her goals.  In her five years of running competitively, she has amassed 22 completed marathons and I believe, 5-6 ultra-marathons.  Incredible for anybody but especially for someone who holds a 40 hr a week job in addition to running her own catering business.

 With San Diego being her first marathon, when hearing her goal time and expectations, I knew this was a challenge I couldn’t pass up – and San Diego…yeah, it wasn’t hard to twist my arm.                                                                   

With our itinerary set, we set out for our final destination on the West Coast.  Kristen and I have been to Ironman races all over the country, usually expecting each experience to duplicate the previous.  We know the process as athlete and spectator and have our routine down to a science.  Going to San Diego, however, it felt different…and as we settled into our hotel the first day, the difference presented itself immediately.  Out of the 32,000 runners participating in the marathon, more than 3,200 athletes represented Team In Training.  The vibe was so powerful as we were honored to be part of the Inspirational Dinner on Friday night which featured stories of cancer survivors, motivational talks from T&T coaches or mentors, and the festive and rousing excitement of all the runners!  As we sat through the dinner, Kristen and I couldn’t help but let go of our emotions and at one point, both realize tears streaming down our faces.

Triathlon legend, Bob Babbit @ The expo

 The 13 member Pittsburgh crew included two coaches, Chris Gibson, and Audrey, who was running in the event, not necessarily coaching the day.

 After including humbling trips to visit the Coronado Naval Base and spending some time with the wonderful men and women of the military and enjoying beautiful dinners with friends in La Jolla, just outside the San Diego city limits, race morning was upon us.  It’s a weird feeling not having to prepare bottles for my bike or make sure I have my wet suit…just my running shoes, basically, was the main concern.

A dream come true-inside Naval Search&Rescue helo

 The drive down on the T&T bus was exactly as the entire weekend had been – energetic and uplifting. Before we knew we were taking our places in our assigned corrals and with the sun rising over the Pacific Ocean, the gun to start the race let loose.

 The marathon goal time was to run a 3:30 which averages out to 8 min./miles throughout.  I knew coming into this run my fitness was right where it needed to be to stay strong and controlled the entire time.  Through the first 9 miles, we weaved through the streets of San Diego all the while keeping Audrey right on pace – actually, through the first 12 mile we were 40 sec. under the pace with some downhill and flat sections.  We both felt great holding conversations about the beautiful sights and sounds.  I kept check of her HR and really dialed in the pace. 

 It wasn’t until we hit the 14 miles mark things started to change.  The flat sections of the course came and went as we hit the highway along the coast to find long 4-5 mile uphill grades waiting for us.  The extra time we worked for quickly disappeared as the sun, without a cloud in the sky, became a factor.  We stayed strong on the hills and still kept on pace to hit that magical time of 3:30.  I was so proud of Audrey as she was fighting through some very tough breathing issues throughout the latter half marathon.  Her breathing worsened and we faced some very challenging times coming in the final 2.5 miles. 

 The home stretch is a beautiful, scenic backdrop around Fiesta Island, the birth place of triathlon.  Earlier in the weekend, while walking around the expo, I ran into triathlon legend and current Ironman commentator Bob Babbit.  His perspective of the sport is huge.  In talking he mentioned the last part of the course, Fiesta Island, being a special area because of the history in jump starting the sport of triathlon.  He said all the legends used to trained on this island and even a race series was held. 

Pittsburgh Group with Amazing Audrey next to Kristen

 As we approached the bridge to take us across for the final stretch, I could see exactly what Bob Babbit was speaking of.  The island was perfectly place surrounded by a lake and the roads seemed like glass as we navigated our way around the island.  It was at this point in the run, Audrey needed, and I was happy to respond, the most motivation.  The finish line was near and her ability to dig deep was so inspiring for me.  She fought through many demons on Sunday, coming to understand that her physical ability can only take her so far and from there on in, it was her mental that came through for her.  Although she came 7 min. short of her goal of 3:30 hr. marathon, I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of her determination to get to that finish line.  26.2 miles is a long way for anyone…the passion that Audrey showed, never succumbing to the voices that said to slow down or quit. 

 Three days from the end of our awesome journey to the West Coast, I think back fondly of the wonderful people who achieved their goal, either running or walking 26.2 or 13.1.  I can’t help but always have the lasting memory listening to the heart felt stories of survivors of cancer.  Kristen and I were so fortunate to be part of an event, that gave of a new outlook on what the finish line really means to us.  All my years doing this sport, whether marathon or triathlon, each race was to better times or qualify for other events.  But for this one weekend, all that was put on hold.  I saw the emotion of dedication not only making it through the miles but the dedication of honoring someone close or keeping someone’s memory alive through this amazing sport.

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