From Jerry Davis (Second from left):
Some of you know the bald guy - the ultramarathon-running, tutu-wearing Brit himself, Keith Straw. The guy to my left (in photo) is a fella named Rob, who I ran about 12 (of 26.2) miles "with". After running near one another for a good 5 miles, Rob and I finally introduced ourselves - realizing that we were going to be running together for a good while. At every mile mark, Rob turned and told me what we had run the previous mile in. Earlier on, those reports were like sweet music. That changed as "7:21" turned into "7:51" and so on. :) The guy between Keith and I was the race director. Thankfully, someone snapped this picture, as it is the only one I have from the day.
As a result of my performance at this race, which was made possible through the strong support of family & friends (prayer, well-wishes & company during the race), I qualified to run in the Boston Marathon next year! God is truly good!!
Jerry Davis' Story on the Delaware Marathon
You're probably all thinking, "Oh sure, he qualifies for Boston, and all of a sudden he has time to wax about his marathon experience!"
Well, maybe there's a little truth to that suspicion, but the real fact of the matter is, I am all but obligated to finally speak on "my" marathon experience. Reason being, it was actually not "my" experience at all, but the collective efforts of Tom Chaves, Donna Radl, Elden Monday, Keith Straw, Ethel Cook, Mike Reese, Tracy Tesfaye, Suzanne Koop-Larsen, Milo German, Deb McLeod, Tina Devlin and others, which enabled me to achieve my goal time.
It all started at 5:37 AM today. I mention that because I was to have met Tom & Elden at 5:30 AM. Those who have run with me for our 6 AM runs know that I am rarely on time.
Anyway, we got to Frawley Stadium in Wilmington, DE. after 6 AM, and I was not liking the fact that I was about to run 26.2 miles. As you can see, I am one of the less-affected members of our group. Prior to the start, I caught up with Deb McLeod, who sought some last minute words of wisdom -- while we were waiting to use the porta potty. If I had Keith's wit, I would have said, "Don't miss the hole". As it was, I told her to enjoy it (okay, so I wasn't totally honest). As you've heard, Deb completed her first marathon, and did so in an awesome time! Congrats Deb!!
Eventually, I made my way to the starting line, where I was joined by Tom, Suzanne, Mike, Ethel & Keith. It was there that we spotted a man in a Speedo and running shoes, and nothing else. In the words of Forrest Gump, "that's all I wish to say 'bout that!!"
Before long, we were off. Tom was kind enough to run the first 10 miles with me! Tom kept me motivated and feeling confident, and utilized his many years of marathoning to keep me focused on the task at hand. I can, without hesitation, say that had Tom not gotten me off to a good start, I would not be writing this ;-) (see paragraph 2).
Next came Donna, who picked up at mile 11. That woman can run! She knows one speed, and it ain't slow! We enjoyed a little conversation, but mostly I was quietly reflecting on the fact that I might not make it to mile 15 if I would try and keep her pace. Nevertheless, I am so glad that she pushed me so, 'cause as you'll see later - I promise this thing will end soon - I didn't have much time to spare.
Along the way, I spotted Tracy (we exchanged a high-five), Keith, Ethel, Mike, Milo, Suzanne and Deb. Thanks to each of you for the encouraging words!
Miles 15-20 were tough! I had become so accustomed to having a FastTrack'er beside me that I struggled big time. I muddled through though. I was grateful that I might complete another marathon, but I must admit that I was beginning to doubt that I would get the time I needed for Boston!
But then, just in the nick of time, I linked up with Elden! Tina, I now understand what you meant when you described how awesome of a running buddy Elden is! Elden used countless tactics to help me keep my head in the game. Right out of the gate, Elden told me to think about how good it would be to see my mom and dad on the sidelines at Boston. I wish I could say that particular tactic did the trick. Alas, I could only think of them for a second before my legs started talking to my head. Elden, too, set a great pace, and continually pushed me to give my all! I felt I was letting him down as I went from being by his side, to a few feet back, to a good 10-15 feet back. Still, despite my fading, he didn't give up on me!
As Elden and I approached the finish, Donna came in and used her invisible pom-poms and her break-neck speed to run alongside and ensure that we reached our goal time.
In the end, we managed a 3:20:00, which JUST qualified for Boston. God has truly blessed me to have connected me such wonderfully supportive people! Sure I'm excited to have "earned" the right to go to Boston next year, but more than that - and I truly mean this - I am excited to be able to call these people my friends!! I will treasure this day for as long as I live!
