On November 1st Abby & I participated in the Rails to Trails Marathon in Norwalk, WI (near Tomah). Admittedly, we did not properly train for the event following our May half-marathon and the injuries incurred at that time. So we did end up walking a good portion of the 26.2 miles but we completed it as promised ;) I had a time of 6 hours 46 minutes and Abby completed it in 6 hours 4 minutes.
The route itself was very beautiful and seeing the "real" runners in action was incredible. I started the trek an hour early since I had registered as a walker and the runners passed me at mile 6...completing in 30 minutes what had taken me an hour-and-a-half! The route was an "out & back" format, so these same speedy runners were passing me on the return at the 11 mile mark - man were they fast. The first place finisher completed it in 2 hours and 55 minutes (note that's less than half the time it took me). Wow!
The route also featured a 3/4 mile tunnel that was only lit by glow sticks & some camping lanterns...that was challenging & I was walking-no way I coulda run full-speed in the dark.
As you can see by the third picture, we did end up with some ailments. I counted 13 blisters on my feet/toes and the photo is of my left, big toe which is now black and the nail will be falling off :( Marathons are not good for the body! At least not this old, out-of-shape body :) On the positive side, I did not have any pain with my previously bruised/fractured leg.
Additionally, we made it more of a family event with other family members completing the Rails to Trails 5k (3.21 miles). Thanks to Cindy Cheney (Our Mom) and my children, Mariah & Katrina Strese and Carmen & Shane Crandall for being there to cheer us on.
Thank you to all of you who have supported us throughout the year with moral & monetary support!!!! We are currently awaiting responses from the Family Readiness Groups to see what events/activities they would like our raised funds to sponsor. As soon as we receive word from them we will share with you how your generous donations are being specifically used and hopefully the FRGs will be able to share photos with us. There are security restrictions so we can't guarantee we will be able to get these but we will definitely try.
God Bless you and your families during the upcoming holiday season and please remember to pray for all the soldiers & their families that will not be able to enjoy each others company during the holidays!
Love,
Kelly & Abby
