We all had to outdo ourselves and overcome obstacles. Only 2 months ago, André told me that he just couldn't run for long. Not only did he run the 10 km but he's now hooked on jogging!
Rosanna's challenge was to run 10 km without walking! She started by running 10 minutes, then 20, then 30 and, finally, a very proud woman passed the finish line saying "I did it, even if it was hard, I never stopped".
Manon too surpassed herself. The day before, she wondered why on earth she had signed up for the 10 km. Well, she succeeded brilliantly.
Nathalie was quite overcome with pride and satisfaction when she reached the finishing line and I'll never forget how her face lit up.
As for me, in the space of an hour, I think I went through all the emotions. Pleasure at seeing thousands of people in the streets. Doubt, when I felt a pain in my knee in the middle of the race. Fear that I wouldn't finish, telling myself repeatedly to keep going a little further, not to give up. Exhaustion when the end is in sight and you think you can't run another step. The final sprint which takes all you've got. And, finally, the joy, the immense joy at having succeeded, at having finished, at having beaten my personal best. And the happiness in seeing your friends finishing too!
We'll never forget our feelings that day. And now? Well, 3 days later, my friends had a little jog during their lunch hour. Our friend Sylvie who walked her first race has taken up jogging. Next year, she wants to run!
That's the magic of getting caught up in physical activity and fitness. It's catching! You can be sure we'll go on spreading the Good News.
Team Kili-2012 would like to offer their deepest sympathy to the family of the athlete who died during the demi-marathon on Sunday. Our thoughts are with you. We must make the most of each moment. Who knows what life has in store for us.
*****
Translated by Pamela Gauvin
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