Part 2
This is where the rubber meets the road. This being the rubber of my running shoes on the road in Berlin Germany. Throughout the process I have talked many times of achieving my goal of running my 54th marathon a mere 108 days after open heart surgery. I have prepared myself as best I can both before and after surgery and that is the skill part. I know what it takes to run 26.2 miles and I put a recuperation and training program together to achieve my goal. It is not like I could go out and by a training program off the shelf and apply it. I am sure few people have attempted such but one thing you can say about me is that I definitely one of a kind.
I am still waging a battle with the FAA to let me fly a few more times before I retire. At least they can’t stop me from running so with both my Cardiologist and General Practitioners blessing I have arrived in Berlin today. The race is not until Sunday and knowing me it will take around 5 and 1/2 hours to complete. The weather is looking to cooperate with a low around 50 and high in the mid 60’s so no excuses for me not to put my best foot forward and get “R” done.
In my mind the hard part is behind me. This is my third Marathon this year with 7 accomplished last year and one more to do in Oct in Des Moines to round out 2014. I feel that I am very in tune with my body and plan on starting out real slow and slowing down all the way to the finish. I want to be able to keep my head up and enjoy the tour of the city by foot and try my best to keep a smile on my face.
This is where the determination part comes in. There are going to be miles where I will second guess myself. Doubt my abilities and have every part of my body beg me to stop. It is Berlin and I am sure there will be cold beer at the end and I will use every fiber of my being to cross the finish.
I would ask you to wish me luck but as you know.
Luck has nothing to do with it.
It is pure skill and determination.
I will update sometime after the race.
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