Notes
I followed the rules, I played by the 'book' but the end result was not what I expected. I weakened myself by frantically and obsessively trying to find Tim. I was lonely and wanted him to help me feel better. I never saw him until we passed in Crystal City. Lesson Learned: Look to God, not people, to carry emotions. Search desperately for God, not a man. Around mile 18, my stomach fell apart. I needed to find a bathroom. Found one but waited in the longest line around the Smithsonian castle. Thank you God that there was just enough toilet paper left in the stall for me. Across the bridge, the shooting pain was intense--not sure if it was cramps from stopping at the porta potty or what--but God sent Eric, a high school teacher, "Messy Christian" and encourager, to walk the bridge with me until I saw Dad and Mom. I continued as best I could but in Crystal city the uncontrollable shivers and muscle spasms had kicked in making it almost impossible to walk, let alone run. When I found Mom and Dad again, Mom took my hand and jumped in the race with me. She walked beside me with her purse and stylish red coat...holding my hand and thus reminding me of all the reasons God knew I needed THIS particular woman to be MY mom. I crossed the finish line and proceeded to see my body fall apart...literally I have not experienced such humiliation and pain before so I'm thankful Mom and Tim were the ones who found me and got me through this low time. I finished in 5:08 and feel disappointed...but not devastated. Victory: I hosted a pre-marathon dinner for 16 the night before! I was at peace and confident because of the skills I've learned over the last year about being a friend and hostess. Victory: I maintained a good pace for the majority of the race. Victory: My family was there for me and I realized that I NEED them. Family isn't just a nice part of life...the relationships are vital and get us to the finish line. Victory: Lesson learned--I will not wear tight compression socks in a race because I had serious issues with circulation as a result; I will insist that Tim wear colors that are NOT black and white-- Impossible to find him! I will run with a friend because, as I learned 10 years ago before my wedding, it is NOT good for Kay to be alone (Genesis paraphrase). I will build relationships with people instead of focusing so much on myself and my race goal.
The marathon has humbled me. There is so much still to learn, but THAT is just off the top of my head.
ERIC BAXTER (M40) 4:39:49 9420 6482 / 1196 M40-44 4:32:27 CAPE CORAL, FL, USA 4:25:53
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Eric W Baxter
(239) 282-1022
121 SW 22nd Ave
Cape Coral, FL 33991-1393