Editor’s Notes: Supporting every step of the way
Trending
Last Saturday was hot. I just feel like I need to say that one more time -- though I couldn't tell you how many times I said it that morning.
Let me backtrack by saying I finished the half marathon -- two minutes faster than last year! But there weren't many people behind me. That sun was brutal. Brutal enough that the folks who were volunteering at water stops were pointing out which side of the road might provide shade up ahead.
Some of them had no shade to point us to, though. Those people were my favorites. The "you got this," "just keep going," "here, take two waters" kind of encouragement started a little earlier on the course, but it was a huge help.
So were the impromptu sprinklers and garden hoses set up by those along the course who knew we were going to need it.
In fact, the people along the course this year were incredible. I was moving (sort of). I had a mission. I was going forward with a purpose. They were standing still in that sun -- making sure every single intersection was safe. Making sure we were OK. Making sure there was water, Gatorade, ice -- maybe even a little music and cheerleading -- every step of the way.
I tried to thank them, but I'm guessing to them it sounded like "(GASP!) Thanks for ... thanks for being out here (gasp) ... 'ppreciate it ..."
A few seemed genuinely concerned for my wellbeing. After seeing pictures of myself taken by a volunteer who was stationed at an intersection just on the other side of the summit of 13th Street hill, I can understand why. I looked like I should have been getting treated for dehydration in a burn unit. Also, the person took three pictures, and my eyes are shut in all of them. I may well have looked like I was about to pass out.
I really wasn't. I was actually thinking "I did it. I made it. I can do the rest of this. Thank you, Jesus."
But the very red, very sweaty face had not diminished in glow much by the time I approached the corner that really does signal it's all downhill from there, and a bike patrol volunteer again asked if I was all right.
I probably gave him a little too chipper "I'm good!" because he said "OK, well, there's shade just around the corner ..."
Also just around the corner was the parade route that always has familiar faces. Nothing beats being half a mile from the end of a grueling race and getting two hugs from family members who have been reliably in the same spot to give the same hugs for YEARS. (Thank you for that.)
But coming in a close second is crossing that dingdarned finish line and getting a medal, a cold wet cloth and a bottle of water all at the same time you finally get to slow down. And knowing that a quick u-turn will lead you to air conditioning and free pizza.
The camaraderie of a bunch of people feeling the elation of having just finished something like a half marathon is incredible. There were, of course, a few more mentions that "It's HOT today!!" But mostly the post-race pizza lunch is a room full of happy people delirious enough to decide we're probably going to do it again next year.
Speaking of which, there was one person guarding an intersection who sticks in my mind, because he was so encouraging, clapping and telling me I was awesome. (I knew he was talking to me, because there was no one else anywhere near me at that point). I thanked him for volunteering to help make the race happen and mentioned he'd been stuck in that same spot without shade in the heat.
He humbly said something along the lines of "Nah. I couldn't do what you're doing. I'm the Pilsbury Doughboy."
It made me giggle, but I turned backward for a second and said "Yes, you could!"
I hope he knows I meant that. Yes, you can.
It's hard. This year was really hard. The only thing I can credit for having gone a teensy smidge faster this year is that the sun didn't really start trying to kill us until I was about an hour in. But if you put your mind to it, you can do it.
More than 800 people did it last weekend. That's about 20% more than the year before. That means a whole bunch of new people decided to see if they could do it and did.
Join us next time. It may not be easy, but you won't believe how proud of yourself you will be when you finish. And, as I was reminded again Saturday, you really will have support -- every step of the way.
***
Christina Myer is executive editor of The Parkersburg News and Sentinel. She can be reached via e-mail at cmyer@newsandsentinel.com