Introducing Wendy the Windmill!
Larry's Cousins in Maine send greetings!
Race Day Report New Jersey Marathon April 30, 2006
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Wow..... what a weekend! Larry has been training for his first marathon for months.... and the momentum has been exponentially increasing in the last couple of weeks! Now the big marathon weekend was already here and Larry felt like a celebrity at the expo. He was signing autographs and schmoozing with his fans. Larry even had the honor of meeting Katherine Switzer (the first official woman to run Boston) and she autographed Larry's Lighthouse with inspirational words and wished him well.
Marathon morning was a little nerve-wracking. Larry didn't get much sleep the night before.... and seeing so many fast humans... Larry wondered if maybe he was out of his league? The touch of doubt faded a little as he heard his name being announced on the PA. Wow..... I can't disappoint my fans. Larry thought. The wind was calm and the temperature was a little warm.... and Larry sauntered to the back of starting line. I have so many people counting on me..... and I've trained so hard.... nothing is going to stop me..... I can do this! The gun went off and two minutes later Larry was crossing the starting line. So many people couldn't believe Larry was running a marathon. Often the question was asked "Are you doing the whole marathon?" Why, yes of course! Larry is the official marathon mascot. And he is there to light the way for all us. The outpouring of support and laughter was truly amazing. And Larry felt proud that he could support and entertain everyone on the marathon course. The best comment that Larry heard was from a boy who said that he wanted to be a lighthouse when he grew up too! Wow.... that is the best compliment a lighthouse could get! The first 13 miles were a breeze..... Larry did half the marathon in 2:50. One more loop to go.. but the temperature was rising steadily and the inside of the lighthouse was becoming a sauna. And by mile 16 all the miles were starting to wear on Larry. Wow.... ten more miles to go.... and I am already starting to overheat. The pace was slowing but Larry kept moving. Every fluid station got so excited to see Larry a second time and he really needed the support. At one point Larry was responding to a guy on the course.... and when he looked down it was just a garbage pail. Boy, I must be losing it! Good thing it was only three miles to go. Running along the water reminded Larry of his roots and of his parents telling him... he was there to light the way for all the world. His finish was strong.... and I don't think there is a happier lighthouse out there! His smile even cracked the paint a little!
Larry finished the NJ Marathon on April 30, 2006 with a finish time of 5:51:58. Thank you so much to all the runners, New Jersey Marathon staff, volunteers, and Larry fans for all the support.