Mark did not train like he wanted to, and we came to an understanding that he would walk this. We felt walking strong would carry the day. Speaking of the day, it was ideal. The morning was cold at the start - in the 30s, but would warm up once the sun came up.
We, started with a jog, not a run. I could tell almost immediately it wasn't going to go well. Mark was not looking comfortable at the start. Quickly we started walking, and got in with the last pack of the race. There was a pace leader, and she was a surly woman. She made it clear we had to keep pace, or the truck would come by, and we would have to leave the race.
I think this panicked Mark. He started to panic. He would run a little and walk a little. I felt badly for him, but there was little I could do. He complained he wasn't feeling well. He didn't look good. He also was right in front of the truck, and the pressure of the truck was getting to him.
Mile 2 the truck passed us, and Mark in frustration and sadness told me he couldn't go on. He was almost in tears. He was so upset and sad. All I could do was walk along side him, and gently rub his back and assured him I love him.
I talked to him about how most people never make it to the start line, and that making it to that point is an accomplishment. It was tough for him to hear that, because all he thought was he was a "quitter." Mark is no quitter. He knew that yesterday was not his race, and he just did not have it.
Sometimes we get too stubborn when things aren't working, in trying to make them work. While I am sad for him, the lessons he took were, that sometimes it isn't our day, and he knows what he needs to do the next time, and he will nail it. Tough lessons, but sometimes those are the best.
In the end, I am proud of him, and I love him very much.
Charlie
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