Only months before I did not know I would be running any race, much less a marathon. In retrospect, even today, I can honestly say that when this journey began in April 2009 my only intent was to eat healthier and start a running program. However, as fate would have it, I was fortunate to have an individual take an interest in my training and he would become a steadfast mentor, coach and supporter, telling me that I could achieve any goal, even one as daunting as a marathon, if I set my mind to it. That special individual for me was Lt. Gen. George Flynn.

In April 2009, I was attending a lacrosse game at Brooke Point High School where my son, Marcm was thesenior varsity goalie. As I sat and watched the game with dozens of other parents and friends, I was invited to walk in Aquia Harbour on a daily basis with a couple of other parents. I accepted their offer since it was a way of working out and spending time with friends. So my journey began.

Each day we would meet at 5:30 a.m. and we would walk three miles. We continued the routine and eventually started jogging. It was slow at first but I knew if I kept working at it my stamina and strength would increase. Eventually I started running on my own.

Every Saturday and Sunday from April thru August I would run two hours by myself. I had caught ‘‘runner’s fever” and running became my time, my solitude. I never used a headset device; I would think of the co-workers whoencouraged me — Lt. Gen. Flynn, Col. Mortenson, Mr. Thornton and his wonderful staff, and my good friends Julie Abell, Esther Hildreth, Jim Scott, Doug Doerr and Master Gunnery Sgt. Joe Venable. I had the invaluable support ofnumerous others from the Quantico Young Marines and Stafford Boy Scouts of America Troop 840.

What began as an attempt to increase my overall health and spend some time with friends had evolved in to a passion, and eventually a quest that would culminate at the base of the Iwo Jima Memorial.

I believe that success in one’s life is not only measured by what one achieves but also the impact one has on others. Man’s greatest gift is that which he gives to others without expectation of anything inreturn. Lt. Gen. Flynn did this for me.

He encouraged and motivated me to strive for and accomplish a goal that I never dreamed I could accomplish. He held firm when I had doubts. He showed genuine interest and shared in my day-to-day progress. Lt. Gen. Flynn would periodically ask me how it was going and provide recommendations on designing a running program that worked for me. This also included mental preparation and tracking my progress. And it was Lt. Gen. Flynn who suggested I run in the Marine Corps Marathon. At first I thought it was absolutely crazy. But eventually, I began to think it possible.

As I continued running, and he took a greater interest in my running accomplishments, what was initially a crazy idea became not only possible but achievable. My blessing was having this great coach, mentor and advisor supporting me.

Furthermore, my husband and daughter were there for me. They would follow me in the car while I ran on the weekends from TBS to Camp Upshur (18+ miles), keeping time and passing me water when I needed it. The support of family and friends did wonders on building up my self-confidence. As each training day passed I became more and more convinced I could do it.

I listened to the General about running shoes, socks, clothing, setting my pace and the philosophy of running styles. I listened to the loving encouragement of my family. I learned a great deal about running. But more importantly I learned about myself and about the selflessness of others.

So with the support of my family, friends, and the General, race day arrived.

On race day, the excitement wasunlike anything I have ever experienced and I knew that this race was for me. I was going to run with so many others who shared my goal, wanting to do something special, even if it was only once. One woman who ran the race was 82 years old. (And she finished.) For me, all the runners I saw that day, both the young and the old, knew this was their mountain to climb and to simply do it was the challenge.

As I stood near the starting line, I knew my coach and mentor truly helped me understand what I was capable of doing. With a lot of hard work and a little help from my friends I was on the start line of a life event. Now, it was up to me to show my coach that I didunderstand what he had been telling me and that today, on this beautiful Sunday morning, I would take the first step on a 26.2 mile run and accomplish what only months before was impossible, then a dream, and now a reality. In running this fantastic course through our Nation’s capital, past the many splendid monuments and historical sights, I foundmyself spending most of my time watching the pavement change beneath my feet. I found that like the little train climbing the mountain, I reiterated to myself over and over again that I could do it and today was the day that all my training and mental and physical preparation would pay off. I was running the race for myself, sure, but I also was running for those that believed in me.

To all of them, thank you so very much for your support, coaching, mentoring and believing in me even when I did not believe I could do it.