I Waited for Him at the Finish Line...

Yes…it’s true. I was at the finish line, waiting for Chad when he finished his race. Let me explain

If you have kept up with this blog, you will know that Chad and I have this little saying when we run in the same race: “I’ll see you at the finish line.” Since I am 64 and he is 39, it’s a no-brainer that he will be waiting for me when I am done!

I had signed up to run the Monumental Marathon in Indianapolis this November, and I really thought I was going to be up for the challenge. I had a training plan, I made a pretty good effort, but injuries, old age, sore ITB issues and a multitude of other reasons made it logical to downgrade to the Half-Marathon. 

(Had I run the Marathon, Chad would have definitely been waiting for me at the end!)

As the race neared, common sense told me that I would not even be able to complete the Half-Marathon.

(Had I run the half, Chad would still have definitely been waiting for me at the end!)

So for this race, I had a different perspective. I walked Chad to the starting line, and he gave me the traditional hug and said, “I’ll see you at the finish line, Mama.” I cried and hugged him, wishing I was in the race with him.

I was already waiting at the end of the race when he came around the corner from completing his first ever 26.2 miles. The tears flowed; I jumped up and down, yelling Chad’s name, and then ran to greet him at the finish line.

This mama was so very happy and proud that her son set a goal and reached it.

He called me at mile 24, crying and not knowing if he could make it to the end. I think I encouraged him by telling him to “run your race,” “keep on keeping on,” or some trite statement like that.










November 2, 2013 was another “monumental” day, because Chad’s wife, Stephanie completed her first 13.1 mile race. Chad and Stephanie’s dear friends Cody and Shonda Kuehl also finished their first half marathon that day.

Observations: 

1. I keep thinking what a time of rejoicing it was to see those four people run, finish, and greet each other at the finish line. I will probably make it to heaven before them, and what a day of rejoicing it will be to see those four people run, finish and greet them at the finish line!

2. It’s no fun just being a spectator when you should be in the race! It was prudent of me not to run; I would have probably injured myself and extended my current recovery time. Cheering spectators are great; I just don’t want to be one until my race is over!

Will I see you at the finish line?