27 February 2013

6.7 at 67

For the marathon in Jacksonville, Florida this year I ran in the relay with nine family members. I ran the third leg that measured 6.7 miles with my daughter to celebrate my 67th birthday. Like last year, the day was unseasonably cold at 34 degrees despite being in the 50's or 60's before and after race day. Nonetheless two teams of five family members in town for my niece's wedding (she's the one in her headpiece and who is now honeymooning in Italy) linked up with each other to run/walk the five legs. Here's how we looked before shedding layers at the start of our respective legs.




We had fun and supported a great cause since this is the National Marathon to End Breast Cancer and 100% of the proceeds go to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for breast cancer research and treatment. Our teams were named "Peg's Pals and Peg's Pals ll" in honor of my Honey's sister and my friend, Peg, who died of breast cancer five years ago. We joined 10,000 others, including survivors, for this marathon, half marathon, 10K, and relay. A welcome home tribute, a hot tub for the brave and a barbecue for all, followed at my sister-in-law's.




I ran well, had fun and look forward to next year. Running three times a week to ready myself for this yearly event keeps me healthy and happy. How to do this until 100 injury free will be the topic of another post.


15 comments:

  1. mary, you are a constant source of inspiration, in terms of running and in terms of community.
    (i'm already having hip problems associated with running at 42. i can't imagine making 100 in any way.)

    xo
    erin

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    1. Thanks, Erin. The suggestion for injury free running is a run/walk method touted by olympic marathoner, Jeff Galloway. But more about that later.

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  2. Replies
    1. We do have fun with it but we are committed to this cause since Pag's death.

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  3. Congratulations! No small accomplishment. Up until 4 years ago I did half marathons myself.... I have various t-shirts and medals of which I am proud!

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    1. You should be proud! I've done the whole or half myself up to now but my niece who got married really wanted us to run the relay.

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  4. Congratulations on a significant accomplishment! I no longer am able to run, but I can still walk fast and hike for long periods. It's something I hope to do until... whenever I can't any more. Then I'll find what I CAN do and will continue to keep going. Great post! :-)

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    1. I get inspired when I read your posts about your great hikes. Good for you, good for us!

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  5. Sounds like a great time, especially with your family. How nice your niece is honeymooning in Italy. Is she staying in your home while you're in FLA?

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    1. I'm now back in Italy to host them for 3 days of their two weeks here.

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  6. What a great way to celebrate turning 67, Mary! Good for you!!

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