Ray's Philly Marathon (short but good) (Read 599 times)

i too ran Philly on 11/18, but as a rabbit. After running 2 BQ's this year, I decided to "give back" to the sport that I love so much. I had several friends from another forum meeting at the Philly race. I started out with a guy planning on running a 3:05. My best this year was a 3:35. I stayed with him through 6 miles and due to the traffic it took us just over 43:00. I told him at the 6, I was easing up a but and sent him on his way. I had 4 other guys planning on running between 3:20 and 3:40 but they all started farther to the front than I and I never caught them. I stopped at the halfway point to chat with my wife and the hubby of a lady running the race as well. I hit the 13.1 at about 1:48 clock and 1:43:30 chip time. I then went hard until 16 but failed to catch any of the other guys. At 16 I stopped and about 25 minutes later, the first lady came along. She wanted a 4:15 for a BQ and I ran with her through 22. She finished in 4:22:24, and didn't quite get her BQ but got a PR by 37 minutes. At 22, I waited for another girl who was running her first marathon. I escorted her from 22 to the finish like a proud father would escort his daughter down the aisle at her wedding. It was a very emotional time. After crossing under the clock, she broke into tears and hugged me. She quickly "cried it out", regained her composure, and began celebrating her accomplishment. Needless to say, it was a most rewarding day for me. My official finish time was 4:48:52. My Garmin said I went 27.12 miles (backtracking) and my moving time was 4:17:42. This was my second slowest marathon ever, but the most rewarding. I've had a "career year" in 2007 and it was time to relax and help someone else enjoy the sport.

Nice, Ray, what a wonderful way to give back. Sounds like you really enjoyed yourself at the same time

Wow, thats super nice of you!

That's cool, Ray. I find it refreshing to volunteer at races from time to time. The way you did it is almost best of both worlds! Thanks for sharing the story.

Grandmaster! Nice that you were able to motivate some turtles to the finish.

Thanks for sharing Ray. I sounds like a great way to finish off a banner year- and the people you helped aren't the only ones that got something out of it.

I looked for you at the start Ray, but never did see a green balloon. What an awesome thing you did! Wish I was one of those people that a "rabbit" would help.

We were by the Rocky statue from about 5:55 until maybe 6:20. Then, I let the balloon go, made a trip to the portapot, and headed for the start. I wish we could have met.

We were by the Rocky statue from about 5:55 until maybe 6:20. Then, I let the balloon go, made a trip to the portapot, and headed for the start. I wish we could have met.

Ray, I was at the statue at the same time!