Rhino Ascents: Portland Marathon, Gloria's Perspective

The following is a short journal submission originally composed by Gloria for her writing class. She is required to submit one entry per week for the duration of the term. I thought this one was pretty good, and sort of adds a side note to the marathon blog I posted a couple of days prior to this one.

Gloria:
It's dark but the street lights help to illuminate the faces of those closest to me. My husband is standing to my left, rocking back and forth, blowing on his hands to keep them warm. The weather report said it would be in the mid-forties this morning with no chance of rain. They're spot on so far. I give my bare legs a cursory once over with the hand warmer my husband handed me. It gives me minimal relief, but that's ok. I'm so excited and just want to get started. I glance at my watch yet again and see it's almost 7am. The crowd gets a little louder and those near me are wishing each other an excited "Good luck!" and a positive "See you here later, ok." I look at John, wanting to say something but no words come out. I can only smile, wrinkle my nose, and feel the tears well up, just a bit. All this training had better get us back here as well!

I hear a muffled announcement up front. I laugh to myself because I can't understand a word that's been said. Finally a loud "Five, four, three, two, one, GO!" reverberates off the buildings. I now hear and understand. We're all cheering because we know the first wave of people is off. We start moving, slowly at first, cheering as each wave is given the countdown for their start. At last, with my heart pounding, I look down in amazement and see my own feet crossing the starting line. We've made it - Our first run in the Portland Marathon!