My Better Half Marathon

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The Silver Strider Ambassador Series

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The My Better Half Marathon

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Love on the Run

by Judy Fisher
with photos by Bruce Fisher

 
Seward Park – 2/9/25
Runners are drawn to holiday runs – Christmas, St. Paddy’s Day, Fourth of July…whenever. Participants are jovial in the spirit of “Let’s have fun!” And on this Valentine’s Day, smiles and hearts abounded! I was looking forward to My Better Half with heart all aflutter, since the Half distance now seems almost like a marathon, i.e. never-ending. I was so apprehensive that I waited to the last minute to register and then found that the race was FILLED! So, I wait-listed and then received an email that I was IN! No backing out now!

The week had been cold and rainy, but I had to train, right? Two hours of running in the rain/snow turned me into a frozen zombie – running only to generate a little body heat. The most effective way for me to warm up following an icy run is a good ole’ warm shower. After a few minutes of this stinging, uncomfortable heat, I felt faint and went DOWN!  I struggled to get up, then felt light-headed again … and again went down. I finely got up and out of the shower. What was going on? Apparently heating cold blood too suddenly can cause fainting and it’s not a problem unless injuries result from falling. I hit my back on the way down. Running My Better Half was now on hold.

But race morning found husband Silver Strider photographer Bruce and me at the start line at Seward Park. I was unsure of my running ability, since my back remained tender and stiff. I made it to the halfway point when I informed Bruce that I was quitting – I was too slow and uncomfortable. But after a five -minute break, I decided to continue on. I finished the race. 

Race Director Porter and his crew and all the volunteers made this race a true Valentine’s Day celebration!  Almost 1,000 runners in the 5K, 10K and Half crossed the finish line. A beautiful lovebird medallion for all finishers, a Tunnel of Love to run through, and hot oatmeal with all the trimmings was provided at the finish area, which held a very welcomed HEATED tent!

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Results in photos by Bruce Fisher

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