The Best Race Ever!

I'm back from Florida, and my half marathon experience. The 26.2 With Donna was a class act. The sport expo was great, with many freebies, lots of exhibitors and interesting guest speakers. There were tons of volunteers throughout the weekend who were friendly and helpful.

I was fortunate enough to meet Donna Deegan, the breast cancer survivor responsible for putting together the team that started this race. It was the 4th annual this year. She's a petite bundle of energy whose radiance and positivity is contagious.

There is so much to say about my experience during the weekend that I will have to write several blog entries to get it out of my system. This race is different from any other races I have entered. The atmosphere and sense of community pulling together was evident from many perspectives. The athletes; many of them cancer survivors, had a special bond. There were more volunteers than I have

ever seen for an event like this. And the spectators! They were fantastic, and lined most of the route with posters, and noisemakers, and lots of words of encouragement. Music groups were playing at each mile. Inspiration boards, signed by the runners, lined the beach portion of the run.

Everyone pulled together and played an important part in the common cause. There was pride, purpose, character, love, determination, courage, support and empowerment. And the couple of miles I ran on the beach........well.....all I can say is the ear to ear grin is still on my face!

The energy I came back with was transforming. It was my best race experience ever! I will definitely go back.

 

End of the race                 Running on the Beach    Nearing the half way point