11 May 2008
Post Race *Fin
Posted by Bob Estes under: Bob Estes .
On May 10th at approximately 11 AM I crossed the finish line. My first 25k is officially completed. I ran as I had expected until about mile 13 at which time I hit the wall – hard. I’d heard all the horror stories about having cement legs and needing to will every step forward. What I experienced was not as dramatic as that. Those last 2.5 miles were pretty tough but never once did I believe I wouldn’t finish. After crossing the finish line and receiving some congratulatory hugs from my wife and daughters I sat down to remove my timing chip and almost didn’t return to the upright position due to my leg cramps. I did of course stand back up and made my way to the post race party where I had my free barley pop and enjoyed this small victory with many of my friends and family. I have sore and weak legs today and some fairly juicy blisters. But, I also have a finisher’s medal and the pride of completing this goal.
I had put so much effort into training for this 25k after returning to running from my back injury that I had not paused often enough to give thanks. Were it not for God, family and friends I wouldn’t have been strong enough to complete the training or this run. My wife has been especially supportive and patient as I struggled through the training and sometimes pain that resulted from the training. I know it sounds cliché but, she really is my best friend and I am her biggest fan. I can’t imagine having done this without her support encouragement and understanding. Thank You!
Thanks to all those folks who spent time organizing and volunteering for this event. I was impressed so many times with the support of perfect strangers at the aid stations handing out water or GU with an encouraging smile and uplifting “you’re looking good” or “keep it up.” Some of my more memorable experiences were at the crest of the last hill on Butterworth where a young man wearing a Coopersville Cross Country shirt extended his hand and let me know that I was doing good and I had great form (even though I’m sure it was anything but great!) I ran past a young girl of maybe 4 or 5 years old with her parents telling all of us stragglers that we were all winners. There was the lone woman on the Fulton Street Bridge that told a group of us how inspiring we were to her. Those were the things that helped me savor those last few 100 ft to the finish line. Thank you!
I wanted to thank my fellow Road Warriors and coaches Mike and Terry for their inspiring stories and being examples of hard training even through adversity. You are all GREAT and deserve those finishing medals and pride that goes along with them for a job well done. This has been one of the most challenging and positive things I’ve participated in physically since my weight loss. I am truly blessed to have made such great friends. Thank you!
To Kristen, Brooke and all those involved in the 5/3 Riverbank Run: This Road Warriors gig was incredibly motivating and helpful for me. You all gave me a great opportunity and I hope I represented what you were looking for. I wish you all success with future participants and events. Thank you!
I will continue to run and participate in this great event. I’m sure you’ll see me out there enjoying the outdoors running or biking through GR, working out or swimming at the YMCA. I will be looking to improve on my time in the 25K in May of 2009. Until we meet again - Happy running!
6 Comments so far...
Shelly Says:
12 May 2008 at 7:32 am.
Bob–you ran an awesome race! We are all proud of you–especially showing what it is like to persevere even though for awhile there you weren’t sure if you’d be able to run with your back injury. Keep up the great training–I will see you on the bike or in the pool–and hopefully sometime soon back on the roads (I currently cannot put weight on my left foot–so I understand that post-race achiness!!!)! You’ve been an awesome Road Warrior teammate!
Julie Hurley Says:
12 May 2008 at 9:19 am.
Bob you did great!! I’m so proud of you — especially since it looked like you were definitely out of the race this past winter. You did awesome!
Steve Kelly Says:
12 May 2008 at 1:17 pm.
You have been an inspiration to us all Bob. The way you never quit and battled back will be something I take away from this all. Keep it up!
Nick Says:
12 May 2008 at 4:49 pm.
What they said. You did great. All winter long. You never gave up.
Deb Pieri Says:
12 May 2008 at 5:47 pm.
Hey Bob. . . you’re awesome!!! Patient and persevering to the end. What a fighter! It has been wonderful getting to know you and I wish you many years of happy running! Thank you for always encouraging me and everyone else!
Chris Wilkins Says:
13 May 2008 at 10:43 am.
Bob - we are all so proud of you! After all of your back and foot issues, I didn’t think you were going to be medically able to even do the race. But YOU DID IT! And we are all so happy for you - WAY TO GO BIG BRO!!! Next year, maybe I’ll do the 5K walk 
I feel so inspired!
Sis - Chris