I Lived A Dream

As I begin this post I’m not sure where to start. So I will start back in the 60’s. Like many of my age I remember watching the Summer Olympics. And the one sport that amazes me was the Marathon. To see these runners compete in a race of 26.2 miles just was something to see. So many of them would keep running even after getting injured. As John Stephen Akhwari of Tanzania would explain after finishing last with a dislocated knee in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. "My country did not send me to 5,000 miles to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race."
For some reason I always wish I could accomplish a great feat like competing in marathon or half marathon. But I NEVER would allow myself to dream that one day I could compete in a race of that type. But one day when I was visiting my friend Trisha Pena. She was showing me her medal that she was awarded for competing in two Rock and Roll half marathons in one year. I cannot tell you how proud of Trisha I was. But for some reason seeing that “26.2 Musical Miles” medal. I knew that I had to try to earn one. I even ask Trisha IF I could ever do a half. Would she do the first one with me? So after my weight loss and finishing my first 10K. I knew I was ready to start training for my first half marathon. So without anyone knowing I starting walking longer and longer distances. To the point in October I was thinking I was ready. So I took Trisha to dinner one night. So I could ask her if it would be ok if we did the Las Vegas race together. I know that she was not ready for that. But she said yes.
So on December 4Th we headed to Las Vegas. Arriving in the in the afternoon. As always a great room as was waiting for us at the Imperial Place. After shopping for our supplies for the week. It was time for bed. The next morning it was time to head to the Mandalay Bay for the start of the race. Trisha and I were in corral number 31. We had about a hour wait. I will never be able to tell how nervous I was. About 8:30 it was our turn. As we left Mandalay Bay the course headed north bound on Las Vegas blvd. That day the streets were lined with supporters cheering us on. That is one of the great things about this race.
As the race reach mile seven I started have trouble with my left leg and back. I was in so much pain. But I was so lucky to have Trisha by my side. Even thou at times I wanted to stop and quit, Trisha would not let me give up. Once again she came through for me. When we reached downtown that were we made the turnaround and headed south on the strip to the finish line. Trisha and I crossed the finish line with a time of 3:36:39. I was hoping to turn in a time of 3:30. If all the trouble I had I very happy with that time. And to say I was proud of myself would be a understatement. To say that I was able to achieve one of the things on my bucket list is so great.
But that was not the end of this trip. To celebrate Trisha took us to see Barry Manilow. And I have to say that was one of the best shows that I ever have seen. Then it was my turn. To say “Thank You” I took Trisha to see “Phantom- the Las Vegas Spectacular.” Wow what a show. Words will never do this show justice. Take it from me if you are ever in Las Vegas you need to see this show.

Then we were off Circus Circus for dinner. ( Don't laugh at me) Were we had reservations at The Steakhouse. I had found out that it was the top steakhouse in Las Vegas. The steaks and drinks were great. Trisha being the wine connoisseur that she is. She introduce me to Riesling wine. I never had this wine before that night. But now it is my drink of choice. It was a wonder way to end a wonder trip.

As I close this post I have to say "Thank You" to Trisha. Trisha I would never been able to do this with out you help. And thank you for believe in me and never leaving my side that day. To God thank you for giving me my friend and letting me live one of my dreams.