Anne Martin's Staging Area

Wow! What started off as an itch in my brain to see if I could run a half marathon at the ripe ‘ol age of 57, turned into the best girls weekend imaginable. Fate created a space where the race fell on November 10th. For those uninitiated into the meaning of this hallowed date, it is the Marine Corps Birthday (Nov 10, 1775). Seven other women Marines with whom I had trained 35 years earlier thought it an auspicious date for us to get together as well. They came from all parts of the country – New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Colorado – to join me in my Monterey hometown. While not as young, with leaky bladders, screws in our knees, cancers in remission, and menopausal weight gain, we encouraged and supported each other through our virtual training sessions in the months leading up to the race. Those who could run or walk without further damaging our bodies, did so. The others chased us throughout the course and cheered us on. We had an absolute blast. The distance was harder than I had hoped, but I did better than I thought I would, and was so grateful for minimal hills. The entertainment and crowds along the course was motivating and encouraging. The homemade signs cracked me up, even when my knees were screaming at me. This is a great race – well organized with plenty of runner support. I thought that might be the first and last time I run this race, but now that the stiffness has dissipated, I’m thinking I might have a few more left in me…only if my fellow Marine buddies run it again with me, though. Thank you Monterey Bay half marathon organizers. You helped these old lady Marines have new stories to tell well into the next 35 years!