backI ran the Geneva marathon in early May of this year. About 4 days before the marathon I came down with the flu. I did my best to rest up and get well so that I could run it. The night before I made the decision to run the marathon despite my body telling me I was not physically able to. This was a big mistake as by the 20kms my body felt as it is was in the latter stages of the marathon but I still had another 22.2kms to go. My muscles were sore and I had little or no energy. No amounts of water, isotonics, or gels were making a difference. By 35kms my muscles were cramping so much they started to seize on me. Still I was determined to finish.
As I rounded the Jardins Anglais and on to the Mont-Blanc bridge I had nothing left and still had another 3 or so kilometers to go. It was here that I was greeted by fellow runners (who had finished the race) yelling and encouraging me on with chants of "Allez Chris!" (My name was on my race bib).
I then met my friend Anjali who handed me refreshing drink and told me Alicia was not far up the road. On my way up to Alicia I was joined by friends Dora and Amina. When I finally made it to Alicia she spontaneously passed her handbag to Dora and Amina and said she was going to run with me.
While running with me, Alicia gently coached me helping me stretch cramped muscles, massaging tight and seized muscles, and even trying to distract my mind from the pain I was feeling (although I must admit I was not a willing participant). Through the park we ran with an older man being with his little grandson running and leading him to the finish. As I rounded the straight for home I was cheered on by the crowds gathered at the finish and supported by five beautiful women (Alicia, Anjali, Carola, Dora, and Amina) to the finish.
As I crossed the finish line I could barely move. I was just so relieved to have finally finished. I doubt I smiled in any picture taken towards the end. I don't remember thanking everyone who came up to support me and inspire to keep me going. So thank you to all of you who came out to support me or hand me a drink. And a special thank you to you Alicia. Your spontaneous and heart felt gesture was more than welcomed and appreciated. You really made a difference and were an inspiration to me.
While running with me, Alicia gently coached me helping me stretch cramped muscles, massaging tight and seized muscles, and even trying to distract my mind from the pain I was feeling (although I must admit I was not a willing participant). Through the park we ran with an older man being with his little grandson running and leading him to the finish. As I rounded the straight for home I was cheered on by the crowds gathered at the finish and supported by five beautiful women (Alicia, Anjali, Carola, Dora, and Amina) to the finish.
As I crossed the finish line I could barely move. I was just so relieved to have finally finished. I doubt I smiled in any picture taken towards the end. I don't remember thanking everyone who came up to support me and inspire to keep me going. So thank you to all of you who came out to support me or hand me a drink. And a special thank you to you Alicia. Your spontaneous and heart felt gesture was more than welcomed and appreciated. You really made a difference and were an inspiration to me.