42.195 Km / 26 Miles and 385 Yards

I wasn't much of an athlete when I was young, although I did play rugby (not very well), and at university I rowed in a four. When I came to the US, I started hiking, but it wasn't enough to keep me really fit, so I joined an after-work exercise and jogging class. My carpool members were in the class, and I either had to join in or hang around waiting for them.

I was surprised to find that I enjoyed jogging. Back then it was very popular, and there were 10 km/6.2 mile races most weekends through the spring and summer. I ran lots of them and still have a few of the T-shirts that were given to competitors.

When I was nearing my 40th birthday, I decided I would celebrate it by running in the Seattle Police Marathon. (The history of the marathon and how the distance -- 42.195 km/ 26 miles and 385 yards -- was chosen is very interesting. You can read about it here.)

I faithfully followed a recommended training regimen and was confident that I was well prepared on the day of the race. Even though I'd comfortably completed a couple of 20-mile training runs, I knew the real challenge would come somewhere in the last six miles -- and it did. Runners use the term hitting the wall to describe the condition where one's body glycogen reserves have been exhausted and it becomes painful to continue.

I did hit the wall in the marathon, but kept going, albeit very slowly. I had to -- my wife and children were waiting to see me cross the finish line, which was on one of the major streets in downtown Seattle. The last couple of hundred yards were uphill. I waved to my family as I passed, and tried to smile. My daughter S ran out onto the course, grabbed my hand, and dragged me right up to the finish. It was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life.

Completing that first marathon affected me more than I could ever have imagined -- it gave me a lot more confidence in my ability to deal with all kinds of challenges.

p.s.
Medals weren't given for my first marathon. These are from later races.