Total Posts: 386
2.0 Years Ago

I have become fully aware of how different my imagination is from reality.

Before the start I was thinking that I will try and go slow and that finishing was the goal so a 12 minute mile is what I would pick. Then the strangest thing happened. The race began. I ran the first mile then settled into my walk run segments. By mile 13 I was starting to get tired and had to start walking more than running. Much more. The forecast had been for 45 degrees at the start warming up to 61. What actually happened was that it got nowhere near that warm, and it started to drizzle with a cold wild out of the North. Now if you are from Kenya and can finish in a little over 2 hours that’s not a problem. With those of us “back of the packers” it got pretty hard. Especially since the streets had a mixture of water and oil on them whenever you put you foot down it seemed like I would go back 3 – 6 inches. I think with two miles to go I thought I would be able to make it. When I crossed the finish line I still had about 27 minutes before they officially closed the course. A 13:50 per mile average wasn’t as fast as what I had hoped for but I was so glad to see the finish line.

I especially want to thank my wife for being my support through out this whole ordeal, Lawrence for going 16-18 miles during the race to encourage me and block some of the wind off of me. Renee for driving my wife Sharon around to our meeting spots and encouraging her. Kelli, Kevin and Tanner for meeting me along the way and encouraging me and arranging for the singer in one of the bands right in the middle of a song to say “Hey there’s Bob Owen, way to go Bob” as I ran by. Will, Cathy, and Matt for braving the elements to cheer and support me. Last but not least for all my prayer warriors and co-workers at Dallas Seminary, especially Rick, Kevin, and Eric. I feel so unworthy to have such good friends and a lovely and fetching wife. I think if I had been the race director I would have given them all medals as well. I don’t know what’s next other than trying to get over feeling like a piñata. I think before I try another one I want to find out why I had the chills for an hour afterward and why I had such severe stomach cramps. One down and twenty five point two left to run…..ah oh there goes my imagination again

Bob

p.s. To think that 3 years 8 months ago I was having my heart attack. How merciful is the Lord.

Total Posts: 667
2.0 Years Ago

Philippians 4:13

Total Posts: 108
2.0 Years Ago

Total Posts: 6
1.9 Years Ago

Total Posts: 386
1.9 Years Ago

bob

[+] enlarge

Total Posts: 10
1.9 Years Ago

You were a "real" runner the minute you made that commitment, slapped on those running shoes, and put in the hard core training for that marathon. You may never be a Kenyan, but this is an achievement that no one and nothing can take away from you. And in the years to come you'll have those hard times in life that we all have, and you'll be able to look back and say, "Yeah, but if I can make it through 26.2, I can make it through this..." Completing the marathon is truly a hallmark event and a true inspiration! Congratulations Bob!!!!

:-) Wear that medal with pride!

Total Posts: 64
1.9 Years Ago

I am convinced that marathoning is like childbirth, you will forget the pain and starting planning the next one!!

Keep up the great fitness work. It is a challenge with many many benefits as I am sure that you know.

Blessings from Oregon,

Nadine

Total Posts: 386
1.9 Years Ago

bob

Total Posts: 715
1.9 Years Ago

What can I say? Your accomplishment is tremendous. Surely deep down there is a sense of pride hidden beneath all that humility. Not a selfish pride, but a pride of accomplishment. Your post is an inspiration for me. I turn 54 this month. I began training again after a 30 year layoff in April of 2006 unable to run one lap around the local track. 9 months later I am running 5 miles per workout and am scheduling my first 1/2M for March. I know I will not be physically able to run the complete 1/2 partly due to my present weight, but with your story here I know I can complete it. Congratulations. You accomplishment a great feat in IMHO.

Total Posts: 128
1.9 Years Ago