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| Houston Marathon 2002 |
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| As viewed by Brian Fontenot |
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| As we neared the starting line, it became apparent that there was plenty of room for any brave soul wanting to be near the front.� The national anthem was sung and suddenly we were all compacted as the start neared.� Then a cannon went off which drew surprise from both my training buddies, Chris and Mike � Chris and Mike trained with me or trained me during the previous 3 months.��� One lone female ran with the male runners, either lost or determined to be no different.��� The beginning of the course was a gradual up hill slope and then we entered an overpass or ramp or both that seemed to go on for about a mile.� Eventually we joined the female runners or they joined us, though separated still by a partition.� Strangely, a few male runners were on the other side, either having jumped over to get a more clear path or started with the gals for the beginning.� |
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| A few items lay scattered on the pavement such as goo, and a lone long sleeve shirt.� I decided to bend down and pick it up.� Perhaps a mistake should I fall, pull something, or just the energy which might be needed later.� I ran with it until throwing it over the ramp. |
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As we headed down hill, I became separated from Mike and Chris.� Fearing that I would be left behind, I picked up my pace and tried to catch them.� I ended up in front, mainly because it was difficult to slide over.�� Eventually we entered the bottom of the ramp and were in a run down neighborhood.� I briefly stopped to get some power aide, barely slowing down and gulping it with one swallow.� I also decided to take my Vail Colorado shirt and throw off into somebody's yard.�� Then taking off to catch the guys.� We rounded a corner, and Hispanic people greeted us and were clapping.�� Then we continued to the third mile and approached a badly out of tune band.� This really fired me up as I raised my hand and shook it.� The mood was that of the start of a football game and we were the team.� It was quite motivating. |
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Next, we ran through crowds and I saw a sign with Go, Brenda, Go on it.� So I yelled out my name , and the people holding the sign called out my name with the chant.� This was quite entertaining to Chris-at least he laughed.� |
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| Our pace was quite fast and I supposed it was pushed by me some.� Eventually Chris took the lead and Mike and I began chasing.� Still thinking that we would be stopping at mile 5, I continued on.�� As we passed the first timing station, I knew we were under 8 minute mile pace but did not worry because I figured we would surely stop.� We passed through the 4 mile banner, and I grabbed a Kleenex from a woman.� Not sure what it was good for in sub 40 degree, low humidity weather.�� |
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| We continued on, running round a bend and another aide station, I was running side by side with Chris with Mike right behind but for someone reason lagging.� We continued on and then it became apparent that Chris was not stopping.� Thus, we continued on, with the timers calling out 7:37 pace or something.� I felt great and decided to just run with Chris until I couldn't.� We began running a nice rhythm and for a mile it was easy.� Then we approached a ramp and Mike seemed to have disappeared.� Chris said that his wife, was waiting for him to get home so he could go to church.� He seemed to speed up as he said this.� I realized he was trying to motivate me but it may have already been too late.� We ran up the underpass and though tired, I hollered out to about 35 people waiting.�� They responded with thunderous applause which again amused both of us.�� It was so exciting, I felt somewhat emotional and a tear came.� This occurs as one nears exhaustion.� |
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Running up the ramp, I continued on and at the next station, mile 7, slowed considerably.� Chris did not slow as much and for about 1 tenth of a mile, a chase developed.� I eventually caught up and this made it easier to run.� But the pace continued at sub 8 minute miles.� He showed no fatigue.� So at mile 8, I decided to slow, get water.� I walked about 15 seconds, and then tried to catch him.�� At mile 9, I stopped again, and this time walked about 30 seconds.�
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To be continued ... |
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