Boston Half Marathon – October 2008

Jacquie Schmitt Runs “Boston Half Marathon” – October 2008

The race was early morning on October 19th.  At the time it was the coldest morning of the season so far- 32 degrees but sunny.  The race consisted of two loops through the city of Lowell and around the river.  For the most part it was flat, but there were a few hills that got your heart pumping.  Jeff, Sarah, and Jack (husband and kids) met me at mile 9 which gave me a boost to get through the rest of the race.  I kept pace with a total stranger the whole time-we kind of kept each other going.  We never talked until mile 11 when we both started to feel a little tired and sore.  He asked me what Charlie’s Champions was (it was on my shirt) and I explained to him all about Charlie and the Foundation.  I remember saying that whatever exhaustion and distress we were feeling now was nothing compared to what Charlie and the rest of the kids have to go through for chemo treatments – he couldn’t agree more and we finished the race together.  I never got his name, but he kept me going!   The finish line was in a Red Sox minor league baseball stadium-as you entered the stadium they announced your name, and you ran around the outfield and finished at home plate.  Jack was able to reach down from the stands and give me a high five as I was finishing-of course I was crying (you know us Schmitts) and couldn’t see clearly where I was going, but I made it!  I finished the race in 1 hr and 44 min- a personal best!

Keep fighting Charlie-Man, Love Aunt Jacquie