If you are looking at this picture and thinking, holy crap, these two looked like they just rolled out of bed, you would be correct.
The Handsome Husband dropped us off exactly 2 minutes before the Tacoma City Marathon started. There wasn’t even enough time to pee.
We hopped in line, then found out we had to run over to a race official and let them know we were starting early, hop back in line and then ask the lady behind us to take our picture.
We turned around as the announcer was saying something over the loud speaker, snapped this photo of a soldier with a backpack on and then we were off.
Amber is a jogger, I am a walker, so after jogging the first mile I basically thought I was going to keel over right then and there. But I didn’t.
Instead somewhere around the second mile and once we were on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, we picked out a couple of “slow joggers” that we wanted to keep our eye on. Or in other words, our carrots. We wanted to try and keep up with them the whole race.
But somewhere around mile 3 they picked up their speed {or we slowed down, not sure which} and we lost them.
And then we found Nick, a soldier from Ft. Lewis.
Amberlina and I quickly went into cougar mode and struck up a conversation with him.
We each had a different game plan as to how we were going to finish the race. Nick would walk for a while and then run. Amberlina jogged {the entire time!} I walked fast and then did a little jogging.
We would catch up to each other for a little while then separate, then find each other and give encouragement.
But shortly after mile 12 I lost Amberina and Nick. Then, at a switchback around mile 19 {?} I spotted Nick. “Where’s Amberlina?”
She’s coming… Right around the corner.
I saw her, told her to keep it up and then didn’t see them until they passed the finish line.
Can you imagine running and walking 26.2 miles in fatigues and a 50 pound pack?
I forgot to mention that Amberlina rolled her ankle around mile 8 {ouch!}.
Nick was such a cool guy and had come to the race all by himself, so Amberlina and I took him to lunch afterwards. Even though it was hard, and none of us {even Nick!} had done any marathon training, we had a blast.
Mavis – 5:48:33
Nick- 6:13:54
Amberlina- 6:15:50
Yes, we are all in a world of pain today, but we did it.
Peace Out Girl Scouts,
I need a nap!
~Mavis
Heidi says
I am so proud of all three of you! Looks like you had fun and made a friend along the way. I did notice that Nick didn’t make his goal time. I’m guessing that he decided you two cougars were far more fun then making his original goal time. What a stud muffin 50 lb backpack and all.
Jane says
That’s awesome! Good job!! I am doing my first half soon. This was good motivation 🙂
Mavis says
Go Jane! Let us know how it goes.
Maia says
Awesome! I’m doing a half in two weeks and my training has been less than stellar, this gives me hope!
Mavis says
You can do it Maia! 🙂
susan hall says
What a great story! What’s better than running a marathon?.. taking a soldier out to lunch! Congratulations on both accounts ladies.
Tara says
Ditto!
Wynne says
Congrats! What an accomplishment! And how nice of you two to look out for Nick.
Lisa says
Way to go! Can’t believe you did 26 miles without any training. How fun that you met a new friend and took him out for lunch! You’re the best Mavis! I’m wondering where you all went for lunch.
Mavis says
Harmon Brewery. Nick had mention the place to Amber along the way and so that’s where we took him. Great steak sandwiches.
Jill says
Great job!
Today is the last day to sign up for the St George Marathon lottery. You should do that one, so pretty. Great crowds. Downhill.
Jules says
Way to go Mavis! I’ve done some half’s but am working up the courage to do a full marathon.
Kelly R. says
Wait. Does that medal say that the marathon was sponsored by beer? That is funny and all sorts of awesome.
Mavis says
Yep. The medal doubles as a bottle opener. Classy.
Anne F. says
You should try the Susan G Komen 3-Day next~~roughly 20 miles each day~~you probably have to train for that one, though. (o;
Kelly R. says
Oh my goodness, Miss Mavis. I find this very amusing because it would never in a million years fly here in the uber uptight DC metro. I wish I lived somewhere tht magical things like this were allowed to happen.
Kelly R. says
Hmm…I was just trying to reply on my previous beer comment. Apparently my phone had other ideas.
D'Anna says
WTG! You did it in under 6 hours, met a cute boy and got a fancy bottle opener so it sounds like a good time was had by all.
emily says
Holy crap! NO marathon training?!?! I am amazed! I have completed 3 triathlons each one with 3-6 months of training…and somewhere in the middle of each one I was pretty sure I was going to die. Well done, Mavis!
Kathy says
I am amazed! Congratulations to you, Mavis!
Nick (the soldier mentioned above) says
What an awesome day full of so many personal and group accomplishments! I’m honored to have met two lovely and very pretty ladies that were so kind through their encouragement throughout the race and went out of their way to take me to lunch afterwards. You guys rock Mavis and Amberlina, maybe I’ll see you guys at the next local marathon!
~Take Care
Mavis says
No Way! Hey Nick!!! It was so much fun to meet you. So glad you found us and we found you. 🙂
Abbi says
I ran back and forth with “Nick” the whole race. I was the one he raced to the finish the last .2 miles. He’s fast after 26 miles!
Quite the inspiration. Congrats to all of you. Now you need to join us Maniacs and learn to party while running! 😉 (Maniac #5102)
See you at the races! Abbi
Mavis says
Hi Abbi, he was such a sweetie! Glad you finished the race too. 🙂