Thanksgiving and the Shanghai Marathon

Sunday, November 25, 2007



As we all know, they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in China. But we did anyway! We played football and had a dinner and basically hung out. It was a good social time. I just wanted to thank everyone I’m in China with and how greatful I am for having met you. The people I’ve met here are some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. So thank you for that!

Today was the Shanghai marathon. There were 7 of us that registered for the 4.5k race and one that planned on ditching that and running the half marathon, Mike. Then there was Jon who didn’t sign up for anything and just came to jump into the half marathon, who would know? Then there was me. I planned on running the 4.5k but probably 2 min. before the half and marathon started, I changed my mind. It may have been a smart move, may not have. I didn’t train for the half at all. I was just in Sichuan for 5 days where I didn’t run and then came back and ran maybe 4 miles tops, not 13. But I did it anyway.

The beginning wasn’t bad cause the 3 of us stuck together for awhile. It wasn’t until 5k that I think we all split up. I was behind of course. I can’t even tell you how I felt during the race. I don’t even remember running the 10k to the 15k, or maybe they just didn’t have mile markers there. But I do remember after the 15k I started to go into a lot of pain. My toes felt like they were bleeding, and they still do. I started cramping in my left leg so I walked for a min. or so and then started jogging again. I tried to walk as little as possible. What killed me though and kept me going was watching little kids, maybe 8 years old running the half marathon. And there were multiple! I would never make my kids do that! But all I thought was, your going to let an 8 year old beat you? Crazy, but yea I was going to. But the kids kept me going. If they can do, I have to be able to. A little less than 2 hours later I crossed the finish line. My legs and feet were dying but it felt so good to be able to do that. I’m still in shock that I ran half a marathon today. It’s a crazy thought but I’d say it was quite the accomplishment:)

I want to say congrats to Mike and Jon for running the half as well! And congrats to Nick, Cat, Peter, Storm and Ian for running the 4.5k. I’m so glad and thankful that you guys all came out to run! And big thanks to Adrea and Jacy for coming to watch us and carry our stuff! Wouldn’t have been possible without you guys!