Most High School Seniors are getting Senior-itis, but our Marie decides to set a goal- a Bucket List before graduation- of running a Half Marathon. She loves the trails so she and I set our goal for the Trail Half, which is par
t of Trail Marathon Weekend over on the Potowatamie Trail near Chelsea, Michigan. The Poto is a hilly, scenic trail, and we had a beautiful day to run.
They sent groups out in waves self-seated by mile times, to allow the 700 runners to space themselves out along the trail. We got in with a good group and worked a nice, steady pace. This course is hilly!
By the 2nd aid station around mile 7, the trail flattened out a bit and Marie picked up the pace. It was tough to stick with her for awhile! We ran the last 6 miles a little quicker, even though I was beginning to feel the pain in those last few miles. It got hilly those last miles, too!
We finished in just seconds over 3 hours. Marie received her “medal” which wasn’t metal at all, but wood. The giant chocolate-chunk cookies and cupcakes at the finish line were the “icing on the cake.”
Seeing her run for fun and to accomplish a goal has been so rewarding for me. She is graduating and getting ready for college, and I know she’s got what it takes to achieve anything she sets her heart and mind to.