| Please accept this long-overdue expression of my deepest gratitude for your support in my AIDS Marathon pursuit. With Your help, I raised a little over $3000--$1300 more than required--for the Whitman Walker Clinic, which provides desperately-needed services to those suffering with AIDS. It feels wonderful to have made such a sizable contribution to such a worthy cause, especially considering the difficulties that many charities currently face (due to the emphasis On helping those who were affected by the September 11 terrorist attacks, which is also very important). You helped make this possible. Thank you very much!
The Marine Corps Marathon was a wonderful, unforgettable experience. I enjoyed feeling the anticipation as approximately 15,000 runners gathered to start the race. One person was so nervous that he bent down quickly to grab his storage bag and, not seeing that I was already bending down in front of him, knocked his head right into mine (as hard-headed as I am, it didn't bother me a bit!) The scene was a bit frenetic: I was not able to locate my group as the race started, so I joined the end of the "4:30" crowd. It took 12 minutes to get to the starting line, and for the first 11 miles, I had to bob and weave through the crowd, Which slowed me considerably. However, I ran the second half of the race faster than I had anticipated. My final time was 3 hours, 28 minutes (ranking 824 overall--not bad for a first-timer!) The 5 months of hard training paid off. I am eager for my next marathon (probably next Year), so that I might gain the 8 minutes I will need to qualify for the big one, the Boston Marathon.
Joining the many thousands who gathered in the nation's capital, 1 1/2 months after the Sept. 11 attacks, was especially poignant. It was a beautiful day, and patriotism was fervent. The mood was somber as we passed the damaged portion of the Pentagon, but pride was the overriding feeling as we ran among the great symbols of our free, democratic society (the Washington Monument, Capitol Hill, etc.) There were many military personnel in the race--as runners and as support staff (giving out water, "goo" packets, etc.) Many in the crowd were waving flags and holding signs with expressions Of Patriotism and support: it felt really good to have so many people cheering us on. It was a once-in-alifetime experience. Thanks for "being there" with me.
Yours in service and gratitude,
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