Running the Race

Well, we finally did it! It's been a long time of training, but Katie and I finally finished our second, and probably our last, half-marathon (But then again, who knows... I said I wouldn't run one again after the first one too). It was indeed a challenge. However, we enjoyed the company of two close friends who came all the way from the States to run with us. Out of the 25,000 participants, I finished number 13,845 (with a time of 2 hours) and Katie finished number 20,154 (with a time of 2 hours 24 min). I am glad we are finished and my knees are thankful as well.

Our race started at the front of the Château Vincennes in the eastern part of Paris. Just before the gun sounded at 10am, the four of us made our way to the crowded street with great anticipation. Clouds gently rolled across the cold French sky giving no good luck wishes but only threatening us with the ensuing rain. "No matter," we thought. "We have been training for this day, and we are ready." We exploded from the starting line with a pace with which snails could not surpass. Like a lost sheep in a stampede of cattle, we fumbled our way through the streets of Paris. With the Eiffel Tower always looming in the distance, we finally reached the half-way point as we neared the Notre Dame Cathedral. "So far, so good." However, the same clouds that had threatened us earlier where now pouring down their wrath. "Woe to you runners," came the shout from above. But we were not dismayed. We marched on with force and with new vigor. "Nothing will stop us." And nothing did. As the 21st kilometer (13th mile) came into view, we all dug down deep into our hearts and pulled out one last burst of energy. We all finished with force, and we are all alive today to tell about it.