Bristol, as the sign says, you are indeed ‘A Good Place To Live’

I just finished running half of the Bristol Half and Half Marathon. My teammate was Mike, my husband. He ran the first half then turned over the ankle timer to me to run the second half. I am sure he would like for me to insert here that the first half was 7 miles and the second half was only 6.2 miles.

On this particular Saturday morning in Bristol Virginia, Tennessee, it would not have mattered if I only ran 1 mile because it was like running in a wind tunnel with the wind pressing heavy against me the whole way. The temperature was around 32 degrees but with the wind chill factor, it was about 22 degrees. So needless to say it was a challenging run in more ways than one.

At times, runners have to psych themselves out with distractions to finish a long race. This was one of those races for me because of the weather. I was talking to myself, blasting music in my ears and just trying to put one foot in front of the other. But, the thing that got me through was thinking about doing it for someone who could not, some-one whose life may have been touched by cancer or someone who has severe physical limitations. That thought kept me going, and my mind on the end goal, the finish line.

As I was running I could not help but notice the many volunteers that were standing on every corner, crossings and turns. They had to be freezing due to the frigid temperature, at least, I could move and get a little warmer, but they were standing still. They all had big smiles on their faces and were holding signs of encouragement for all the runner and walkers. What a selfless thing to do for our community, for cancer survivors, those families who have lost loved ones to cancer, and for all those families that have been touched by the disease of cancer. The Bristol community came out in full force, as they do on many occasions. This race was a great example of the holistic approach to wellness that I mention all the time. Exercising, volunteering, socializing and encouraging others are all about wellness.

After I crossed the finish line (Mike said I looked like I had my game face on, but I think my face was frozen) and cooled down for a bit, I was more than ready to head back to my car. Of course, they had volunteers driving us back to our vehicles. I got in the van with three other runners from Johnson City, Kingsport and Gray, Tennessee. They were so complimentary of the way the race was organized, and the many volunteers that came out to pull off such a big event. I was pleased to say that I have deep roots in this town.

We have people that care for other people, people that work hard to put food on the table for their families, people who show up at your door and pray for you when you are facing a difficult decision, we have what matters in life, we have each other.

The $40,000 raised for the American Cancer Society was in addition to a good time had by all. Bristol, once again, kudos for a job well done. You have again earned the title of “Bristol a Good Place to Live.”

See you in the gym!