Napa Marathon 2009 - A Season Without Regret

I spent a lot of time penning a thank you letter to our amazing South Bay Run Team Coaches. They are very smart people, you know. So smart, that when one of the coaches replied to me that "a lot of thought and reflection when in to this (letter)," I had to agree. So, I'm posting the majority of this letter as an update to my blog.

To preface this letter, I'll state that I am still injured, awaiting physical therapy which will right things right. I've got new shoes. I'm still aqua-jogging and our numbers are increasing as people are realizing the benefits of the cross-training sport. Yes, I'm calling it a sport.

Yesterday was the 2009 Napa Marathon, which I was scheduled to run. There were many of us out there who were scheduled to run, but couldn't do to injuries. Many others recently ran their events, and were in recovery mode. A whole lot of these people were supporting the team by cheering all runners and running alongside teammates - many of whom were about to set PRs or running their first ever marathon. All of us on the South Bay Run Team had raised over $130K for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society during the 2009 Winter Season.

This is my thank you to the coaches...

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Dear Coaches,

What an amazing season it has been - lots of injuries, but fantastic weather until Napa Marathon race day. You got everyone prepped with scenic training runs, rigorous track nights, hard core core-strength, and a sense of humor. I was really bummed for several weeks that I couldn't run Napa, but I couldn't have ended the season on a better note than helping to support a marathon with such an enthusiastic and caring group of people.

Margot, Amy, Dianne, Evelyn, and myself had a great time in the rain ringing noisemakers and cowbells while cheering ALL runners (of course, a little bit louder for SBRT). Honoree Patty joined us near mile 9 for a bit, before moving up the road. Jason hung out with us for awhile at mile 24ish until he shedded his coat and began running along side countless teammates while circling miles 23 and 25. It was great seeing Megan and Adam going back and forth, watch Tanja keep Brian on track, see Rich pick up where I left Andria off. Then Katie and Tyler at the end knowing they had been out there, too. Also out there braving the weather were Wendy, Honoree Ellen, Debra, Mike Z., and Honoree Doug on the Victory Party dance floor.

I saved my leg for the 5.5 hour + people -- it was GREAT seeing Rakhee, Andria, Jen, Toni, Arianna, and James, (I know I forgot the names of others) and running alongside each of them for a bit. Running Robin in to the finish after the 6 hour time was fantastic.

The best story that I heard from the day, was of Mike S. being told that he wouldn't make the cutoff - that alone was enough to boost his endorphin/adrenaline output into a 10 second overdrive. He did that damn thing, and finished sub-6. The most memorable moment I witnessed, was standing with Kris as the the personal multi-car, music-blasting escort approached with the last TNT runners -- then joining in on the final approach to the finish. The fact that Napa officials took down their finish line, didn't stop the SBRT from creating their own. There was SO much support for our team throughout the race that I was unable to witness, but I've heard the stories which makes it true.

Not only have you trained our bodies well for the marathon, but our spirit to encourge and support each other until the very last TNTer crosses the finish line. 26.2 is 26.2 no matter what the stride.

I know you always thank the captains and mentors for everything they do, but it's thanks to great team leaders that we have such a unique team. You guys ROCK :)

----j9 (in the ginormous orange poncho)

Additional kudos to supporters I may have forgotten: Apologies to those of you whose names I may have left out - please let me know if I excluded you and I will add your name to the list.