A jog in the park

"Alright! Way to go pink shirt!"
"Good job number 1407"
"Looking strong red hat"
The guy across the road from us at the 16km mark was clearly a seasoned marathon supporter.
Our hands were sore from clapping and we'd only been there 15min. Mr. Marathon however was showing no signs of stopping- he had words of encouragement and cheers of support for everyone.
"It's a great day for a run" he called out.
And he was right. Standing down in the Don Valley along Rosedale Valley Road, the sunlight was streaming through the crimson, orange and yellow coloured trees casting dappled light on the backs of the marathoners as they passed by. The air was cool and crisp and the excitement tangible. It was enough to make me think, for a fleeting second, that I wished that I was running the marathon too.
Months ago, Meg had told me that she was going to run her first marathon...the Toronto Marathon...and that she was going to do it with Team Diabetes. Meaning, that she was going to fundraise money for diabetes research throughout her training.
My pancreas and I were touch and thrilled. Running a marathon is a huge undertaking, and to have someone want to run for my cause, for diabetes, for me....well, talk about bringing a tear to your eye.
Needless to say, when I caught sight of that bright Team Diabetes jersey striding confidently down the valley towards us, my eyes stared to well up and I could barely mask the warble in my voice as I screamed "YEAH MEG....wooooo hooooo......GO MEG....."

And then I really new, that I wished that I was running with her today.
As soon as she had passed, we took off towards the subway and raced down to Union station. We arrived at the corner just in time to see her pass by again - still looking as strong as ever.

"GO MEG! GO TEAM DIABETES! YEAAAAAAAHHHHH MEG!"

I was so proud and so happy for her. She had trained so hard for this and I knew it hadn't been easy. But it looked as though her hard work was paying off, she was rockin' today. She was making it look like a jog in the park.
We started the walk up University to secure our spot at the finish. It would be another few hours before we would see her again. In the meantime, we cheered, hollered and yelled from the sidewalk as runners trickled by. We saw the winner whiz by- on the home stretch as most people were reaching the halfway mark. I think I heard later that he had finished in 2 hours 29 minutes.
The time passed quickly and it wasn't long before we were standing at the finish line waiting with uncertainty. The clock read 3:53. I knew she wanted to finish in under 4 hours, but time was ticking. Was she okay? Was she still feeling strong? Where was she?! Would she make it?
We watched as other marathoners crossed the line - some elated, some obviously hurting, some running as if they had just started out on a Sunday jog, some holding hands, some with their children, some sprinting like their lives depended on it and others being helped by family and friends.
Then there was Meg, just steps from the finish line at 3 hours and 58 minutes. And still running!She had done it!

By the time we caught up with Meg, she was receiving a much deserved massage at the Team Diabetes tent. She was sore, but in great spirits and surrounded by her biggest fans - her mom, aunt, uncle, boyfriend, best friends, my mom and aunt, me and of course, my ever-thankful pancreas.

What's that pancreas? You think you're ready to run....a marathon you say? We'll lets not get ahead of ourselves, but maybe we could start thinking about a half.

Thanks Megs - you're an inspiration and a real Team Diabetes champion.