At mile 20, Marine Corps Marathoners cross the Potomac River on the 14th Street Bridge. When I got to that point in the 2010 marathon, my legs cramped. I crossed the span knowing I had 6.2 more painful miles ahead of me.
Every fiber in my body screamed, “QUIT!”
But my heart said, “NO!” I had come too far and I had too much on the line. I had 13,000 reasons in the form of money raised for cancer research. I was going to finish the race.
I limped through Crystal City and past the Pentagon. The word “QUIT!” kept rattling through my head. I couldn’t go on.
Then I saw the white tombstones of Arlington National Cemetery up on the hill.
I thought about the warriors who were beneath them. I thought about the pain and sacrifice they endured. I forgot about my leg cramps. I ran up the hill to the Marine Corps Monument and received my medal.
I felt a second wind. I pushed past my pain. And I finished the race.
I think about that moment when things get tough. And I thought about it today on Memorial Day. I have no problems. I have no pain. I have my freedom to try because of their sacrifices.
All because the heroes on the hill.
My grandma always said,”Finish the race.” Hooray for you.