If my medals could talk, they'd probably have some interesting stories to tell.
It's tough to pic a favorite, but the Marine Corps Marathon medal is at the top of my list of favorites.
Care to hear its story?
Read on...
Let me start by saying that I never, in my wildest dreams or imagination, thought I'd ever be a marathoner. Heck, the fact that I became a runner is mystery enough, let alone becoming a distance runner.
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The MCM wasn't my first marathon (it actually was my ninth), but it had long been on my bucket list of races. The MCM isn't exactly an easy race to take on. There's a selection process, via a lottery. Lodging is tough to come by and is rather pricey. And, I'd bet that most of the participants have to travel a substantial distance to get there. But, it takes place in a very decorated city (and vicinity).
Anyways, this medal is not only a beauty to look at, but it has a great deal of sentimental value to me.
It represents many hours of training. I won't give you a detailed account of every long run, speed session, or total number of miles run leading up to October 27th of 2019. Suffice it to say that marathons require a lot of work. There's a lot of blood, sweat and tears en route to pinning on the race bib.
It symbolizes perseverance and grit. My race was a tough one...there was torrential rain, throughout most of the morning. At times, there was knee-deep standing water to wade through. My shoes and socks were thoroughly soaked even before crossing the start line. My body ached from the extra effort it took running (and walking) with sore, blistered feet. That's not even taking into account the hills (one of which was right before the finish line).
It pays tribute to not just the Marines Corps, but to all military personnel. Many have gone before us, and fought for our freedom. Many put their lives in danger, daily, while protecting the rest of us. It was an honor to take part in a race that honors them.
So, that's the story of this particular medal. As they say: always earned, never given. Mission accomplished.
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Do you have a favorite race medal? Or do you have several?
I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up
Oh my goodness, Kim, what a tough race! I remember you mentioning that it rained at your MCM, but I didn't know it was torrential rain like that. How awful!
ReplyDeleteThe bigger the pain and the sacrifice, the more we cherish our medals. You can be proud of that one. I hope you'll get to do this race again one day with perfect weather!
It was tough in the moment, but it was pretty awesome in retrospect. It was such a neat experience just being there...the rain just added to it. Overcoming that kind of weather is pretty empowering for 26.2 miles!
DeleteWhat a race - somehow the tough conditions seem fitting (though also...tough) in such an emotionally powerful race.
ReplyDeleteHope you get to do this race again, with nothing but clear skies.
I still have marathon #9 hanging out there, but nothing has really grabbed me yet. Nor have I felt an especially strong pull to do it right away (I was registered for the Air Force Marathon, September 2020...and that didn't happen).
DeleteWhat great memories associated with that medal, Kim! I know that's a tough race in normal circumstances, but wow! You really did gut that one out. Seeing the monuments ain't bad either. )
ReplyDeleteI would love to go back and do it in non-stop sunshine, but it still had its magical moments in all that rain. No regrets!
DeleteI would agree with you that those tough races are the ones we cherish the most!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! They really show us what we're made of.
DeleteI can see why that your favorite. You earned it and it was a great race.
ReplyDeleteAll my medals have a special place in my heart. Good or bad they were all accomplishments.
My favorites would be the Freihofer 5k one from 2012 – I paid for it in advance before knowing that I would be out of running for 5 mos prior to the race. And of course my first and only marathon – NYC 2019.
Yes, they all are accomplishments! The finish lines don't always come easy, but they all count!
DeleteThis is a great race story! Now I want to run MCM. The medal itself- apart from the story- is also really pretty!
ReplyDeleteWe really lucked out in 2019 with the medals! They're always nice, but these were so pretty with the blue glass ;-)
DeleteThose tough races are the ones that mean the most! I love your story behind your why
ReplyDeleteI totally agree...they do mean the most because we come away victorious for fighting our way to the finish ;-)
DeleteMarine Corps is such a great race! I hope to do it one day, especially since it's not too far away.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling if I live close by, I'd do it every year ;-)
DeleteI still remember reading your recap right after MCM. If there was ever a medal that was earned and not given, this is it.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I worked for that baby LOL ;-) (as did everyone on the race course that morning)
DeleteThis is beautiful Kim. I got teary reading it - what a way to celebrate a medal - and again it shows, that each medal has a story and some like this one remind us just how tough we are and that we can do hard things, no matter how scary they seem at first.
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed we ALL can do hard things! In fact the harder, the greater the reward in finishing ;-) I think I'm going do a series of similar posts, highlighting some of the stories behind the medals. There's a lot more there than "just" the race itself.
DeleteWhat a great story! I remember reading your recap but I also love this one too.
ReplyDeleteI vividly remember tracking you and so many others for this race and feeling awful for all of you out there because the weather was so miserable. Definitely a hard earned medal!
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