2025 USA Fit Marathon

The Background

After the Houston Marathon, I took a week off of running. Then, I ran 5 miles each day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Sunday was to be special, as I would run with Luke for his first marathon at USA Fit.

For me, I was also looking forward to returning.  This would be my 4th running of the event, which included my 1st marathon finish in 2011 and running it with Jamie for his 1st marathon in 2023.

I woke up at 4am to the news that Luka Dončić had been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.  I downloaded a podcast from Bill Simmons on this and listened to it on the road.

HWY 6 was blocked off, and there was a detour.  Then, my GPS took me to the wrong place.  But thanks to God, I arrived only a few minutes later than I intended and in plenty of time for the 6:30am start. I met up with Luke and we chatted about our game plan.

The Race

For the first 7 miles, we strove to slow down.  We kept it between 10:30 and 10:50 minutes a mile.  Making it to the the turn around and heading back, the weather was beautiful, clear skies and in the 70s.

We made it to 10 miles and still felt good.  Then, we finished the 1st loop and half marathon.

Moving at more like 11-minute miles, we set out on the 2nd loop. We had a mental low point, but we kept running.

Then, at around 16 miles, we started to run/walk.  We had banked so much time at this point that there was no danger of not finishing before the 6 hour cutoff.

Luke amazed me as he pushed to run through the pain.

Making it the the turnaround at 20 miles, we chatted with a lady who had finished 82 marathons.  Her positive attitude lifted our spirits!

At mile 23 though mile 24 there were 3 bridge crossings.  As we topped the last of these, we saw our friend Jamie.

Nothing could have been better at that point than chatting and running with Jamie.  As we approached the finish line, Jamie ran ahead so he could capture the finish.

Less than a mile to go.

Running toward the final turn.

Approaching the finish.

Crossing the finish line.

Luke valiantly fought all the way.  We finished in 5:18.

Reflections

This was one of my favorite races I have run because I got to witness Luke's amazing journey to finish his 1st marathon.  His willingness to battle the pain and give all he had inspired me.

I was happy to finish USA Fit a 4th time.  

Thanks to God, the race organization, the volunteers, Terri, my friends and all my family for the support.   Special thanks to Jamie for cheering us on and running the last couple miles with us.  Luke, thank you for allowing me to be there as you accomplished your goal!