Mile 11

Matt had stopped to pick up some salt packets from a medical-aid station and his running group was now out of sight.

Savannah liked to run on her own. A few days before the marathon, she spoke to Matt about running together.

Savannah said, “I love running with you, but I love running with other people too. I love running alone too. I think for you to really love running, you have to learn to love running for yourself and with yourself.  I do hope you will eventually learn to have a balance of running with others and running on your own. I know TNT is all about group runs, but running should be a healthy balance of both”.

Savannah added, “I really hope you're not just running to run with me”.

A Dire Straits classic came up on Matt’s play list around the 11 mile marker:
“Somewhere your fingerprints remain concrete
And it's your face I'm looking for on every street”.

Matt felt a bit lost running alone and missed Savannah’s shadow.

Excerpt from work in progress fiction "Agony in Ecstasy: A First Time Marathoner's Story, Mile 11, i.e. Chapter 11

Mile 10

Savannah and Matt were running in silence. This is what they would have said:

Savannah – I'm so excited to see you again! I was jumping out of my seat. It’s good they have seat belts on the aircraft!
Matt – Do we have to wait for a race to meet? Now, I’ve got to run a marathon each time to see you? There’s got to be an easier way!
“So ...what’s your next race event?” They asked each other almost in unison.

 

Excerpt from work in progress fiction "Agony in Ecstasy: A First Time Marathoner's Story, Mile 10, i.e. Chapter 10.

Mile 9

The first time marathoners were nearing the 9 mile marker.

Coaches Don and Sue Romano were standing near the Tulane cheering squad.

From their direction, a blow horn screamed, “Go Team!”

Matt remembered Coach Don's send-off party speech:

"A marathon is run in 3 parts:

Run with your head for the first,

Run with your body for the second,

Run with your heart for the last!”

It was time to change gear for the next eight miles.

Excerpt from work in progress fiction "Agony in Ecstasy: A First Time Marathoner's Story, Mile 9, i.e. Chapter 9.

Mile 8

Savannah's Garmin 405 watch beeped as the runners crossed the 8 mile marker.
Matt began humming to himself as his favorite song started on his iPod Touch:
"And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
'Cause girl you're amazing
...Just the way you are"
Savannah caught Matt looking at her.

"Do I look okay?” Savannah enquired.
"There's not a thing that I would change", Matt replied.

Excerpt from work in progress fiction "Agony in Ecstasy: A First Time Marathoner's Story, Mile 8, i.e. Chapter 8.

Mile 7

Close to the 7 mile marker, yellow cups were waiting patiently as the runners approached the aid station.
"This is a good time for our walk break", announced Rome.
Savannah and Matt transitioned to a brisk walk.
They were following the Galloway Technique:
"Run a mile, Walk a minute".
Savannah took out a GU packet. She lingered for a moment, sucked in the nutrition and then washed it down with a quick gulp of water.

Excerpt from work in progress fiction "Agony in Ecstasy: A First Time Marathoner's Story, Mile 7, i.e. Chapter 7

Mile 6

The neighborhood was out on the streets with hand-written posters and cheering the runners.
"Looking good!"

"Nice legs!"

"You're almost there!"

"I have practiced holding this for 6 months!"
Matt almost stopped as he read, "Run if you are horny!"
A Vegas showgirl held a poster saying: "I like fast men in tight shorts!"
Savannah ran past Matt and blew a kiss.

Matt nearly blushed as he crossed the six mile marker.

Excerpt from work in progress fiction "Agony in Ecstasy: A First Time Marathoner's Story, Mile 6, i.e. Chapter 6

Mile 5

The first time marathoners did not have to look far for inspiration. Running ahead of them were distinguished Team in Training (TNT) honorees Sheryl Wendell and Eric Crow who celebrated five years in remission with the help of Gleevec. The wonder drug was developed by Leukemia and Lymphoma Society funded research.
Sheryl and Eric shouted "Go Team!" in unison as they crossed the five mile marker. Matt felt proud to be part TNT. For once he belonged somewhere.

Excerpt from work in progress fiction "Agony in Ecstasy: A First Time Marathoner's Story, Mile 5, i.e. Chapter 5