Major mistake...
my apologies and the rest of the story.
I found a major mistake in last week's story—my apologies. I did not finish in under 6 hours (I wish!). It was supposed to read that I finished before 6 p.m., which meant I made it to my daughter's dance recital in plenty of time.
Now, on to the story...
Jeff and the kids wrapped me in a sweaty hug, then rushed off to get Delaney to her dance recital on time. Mom stayed behind, watching as I hobbled to the picnic table bench and collapsed onto it.
“You look good,” she said as I rummaged through my bag for wet wipes.
I smiled. No medical tent this time.
After the JFK 50 miler, pins and needles had crawled across my lips, nose, and arms like invisible ants. Ninety minutes I'd spent in that medical area, wondering what was wrong with me. Not today.
Today, my legs were heavy, my knees and feet screamed with each step, but everything else hummed along just fine. Thank you, body!
The wet wipes turned brown as I scrubbed mud from my calves and between my toes. A quick clothes change, a clean hat pulled low, and I was already thinking about Delaney's performance.
I scribbled a quick message to my new friend on a yellow index card and placed it on her drop bag. I wanted to learn more about her 100 mile finish, and I hoped we could connect.
At the Fittnell Farms food truck, I loaded up on post-race fuel. Their gluten-free coleslaw made me close my eyes with the first bite. It was the best I'd ever tasted.
I shuffled to the car in a daze, but I was grinning. Mom slid into the driver's seat without a word. I couldn't trust my feet on the pedals.
“I'm going to make it,” I told her as we pulled away from the celebration.
While Mom drove, I spooned coleslaw into my mouth, guzzled water, and let the accomplishment wash over me. Fifty miles. Under twelve hours. My second time conquering a distance that had once seemed impossible.
Now to see my daughter dance. I'd kept my promise.
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Isn’t it funny how some food you’d never consider for post-race sustenance is the best thing you’ve ever tasted? After my 50M a million years ago, my non-runner friends made a pot roast dinner (😳) to celebrate. I’m not even a meat eater but that salt and fat was just what I needed. I can still taste it.
Mistakes are easy
Owning up to them is hard
Then a good night sleep❗️