Flight Delays, Falls, and Finish Lines: A Marathon Weekend to Remember

Gysel Parajon(MM8995) – Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon November 24, 2024

What a whirlwind of a running weekend with flight delays. My first flight out of Reno was rocked by 70mph wind gusts so the plane sat on the tarmac for over an hour until it could go. But, I had a lengthy layover and made it to my first destination in Cotter, AR where I completed state 22 running the White River Marathon For Kenya. But, it was impacted by my gut throughout the day, including a late 8 minute start.

Early on in the race I had a good fall when taking off my top layer and losing my footing on the edge of the road. My nose grazed the dirt, I scratched my glasses, and gave my right knee a good gash. I didn’t know it at the time and kept going, running the double out and back flat course, slowing down later when my lower right hams tightened up as well as my right foot’s PF flared up. But, I finished, dead last run/walking.

After the race I drove back to the airport a couple hours away to fly again. The first flight was called back to the gate due to a mechanical issue. This time the plane sat for three hours before takeoff affecting my connecting flight and arrival time to Nashville. I eventually arrived in the AM and drove straight to the start. I had contacted the RD who was kind enough to wait for me to start and later on finish. The Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon was a hilly, challenging, beautiful course that I had been eagerly waiting to run. Along the course I saw other runners as the course is a double figure eight that goes in the opposite direction the second time around. Many asked if I was lost or going the right way.

At mile 16 I checked in with the RD as I was not going to make the finish cut-off and felt like I was going to pull one of my hams. I sat for a minute at the aid station to rest and refuel. He asked if I was sure I wanted to stop. I didn’t and he said I could keep going with my current pace. I was however going to be on my own. So I speed walked and skipped-ran the downhills to maintain my pace. It took me to nightfall to cover the course but I did it! State 23 done!! Thank you @monkeytrent for your hospitality. This has been one of the best experiences on my journey to 50 states!