Bermuda Triangle Challenge - Part 2 - Expo and Bib Pick Up

 

We met Karen and Christine from Marathon Tours and Travel at the breakfast buffet. As they chose lox and other savory items from the buffet, I explained that I have my own oatmeal and would do fruit and a bagel until Sunday.

"You do what you know works!" Karen said.  

Although the forecast called for rain all weekend, we were treated to wall to wall sunshine. I wore capris and my On the Runs t-shirt to help spread the word about this amazing podcast.

I received a Facebook message from our Bermudian friend Carol asking when I was going to the Expo. I shared with her that we were going at 10 but planned to relax at the hotel. We planned for an 11:30 meet up. I felt the pre-race butterflies begin to flutter. I calmed them with my meditations. I felt antsy but after yesterday's travel day that included over 8,000 steps.Between walking around the airport, souvenir shopping, a stop at Miles Market and the stairs at the Pickled Onion, I knew I needed to stay off of my feet. At 10:00am we headed into the Expo.

 

At the bottom of the stairs that lead to the Expo, we bumped into Deborah Pharoah-Williams and her husband Howard. We quipped about his cooking during the pandemic videos and experienced the joy of seeing people in person instead of social media. I wished Deborah a wonderful race weekend. Howard was support crew and also a race volunteer. We picked up our bibs and race swag. They out did themselves with backpacks and water bottles with a focus on sustainability. A couple offered to take our photo. Part of the adventure of an international race weekend is striking up conversations with other runners. The energy was electric as we exchanged stories of past Bermuda Race Weekends and our goals for the weekend! The couple who took our photo was in their late 70's. He is hoping to be running at least until he is 80 to be 'the last man standing' to take his age group!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miles Market was out of Ruth Anne's favorite Bermuda granola. There was a vendor selling granola who makes granola with his wife out of their kitchen. He suggested we take a taste and it was out of this world! We bought a bag to take home to Ruth Anne. We walked around the Expo and bumped into our dear friend Tony Bean who was taking photos. We hugged and laughed to be together again.

 

 

 

The Bermuda Bookstore booth had a sign that said Deena Kastor would be at the Expo at 1:15pm. We went back to our room to change into our bathing suits and shorts. I waited in the lobby for my dear friend Carol Griffith to arrive. She was running a bit late because she got detained by another runner!

I still get goosebumps remembering this magical moment:

I presented her with a copy of my book "Adventures of Runnergirl 1953." I put my hands on my heart and said, "I don't know if this is possible, but would you be able to come to the finish line to cheer me into the finish?"

"What time do you think you'll finish?"

"Around 2:10."

"Let me check with my husband who is planning to pick me up. I'll message you later today."

She presented me with two made in Bermuda beaded bracelets. "These are for you and Ruth Anne," she said. I was choked up.

We hugged again and wished each other a wonderful race.

 

 

 

 

More relaxing by the pool time before lunch. As we walked from the pool to the hotel, a group of a dozen or so 20-something runners were eating sandwiches on the steps. They were from Boston! We exchanged running stories. They told us about a wonderful sandwich place "just down the street" but to save steps, we had lunch outside at the Crown and Anchor Restaurant. They served the best beyond burger and cole slaw I have ever enjoyed! The service was impeccable. 

We returned to the Expo where Deena Kastor was giving a speech:

I felt goosebumps and chills all over. There was my shero in 3-D living color!

After her pep talk to the runners, she went over to the Bermuda Bookstore booth's table for a book signing. Her deep blue soulful eyes met mine as I shared my journey as a most unlikely runner and how I happened to find myself at the age of 70 years old taking on the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. I told her that I've shared my story on many podcasts incluing, "On the Runs." When she said, "Thank you for bringing your inspiration to our sport," I melted inside and put my hand to my heart. When I presented my dog-eared copy to her along with my notes in preparation for race day she said, "You're a good student." 

"It sounds as though you have a good space in your head for tomorrow, but just remember, if any of that mental preparation isn't working, just take in the views."

"I've done 3 Bermuda Halfs here and know how magnificently beautiful the Island is." 

 "Oh you've been here before. This is my first time!"

 She signed my books:

 

 

and I asked if we could get a photo together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Of course!"

A professional photographer took our photos and he sent them to me.

I thanked her for being an inspiration to me and helping me to prepare for tomorrow's race. She wished me a wonderful day.

The clouds and cooler air moved in but it was amazing to sit and relax by the hotel's Infinity Pool where we met fellow runners. We shared stories and hopes for race weekend. Of course we talked about the weather.

 

I made 5:30 dinner reservations at the Crown and Anchor. Runners with bibs filled the lobby getting ready for the Front Street Mile. I had a traditional pre-race meal of salmon and salad. Tom and I returned to our room for showers, meditation and a good night's sleep. I reveled in the magic of the day, listened to the gentle waves from the canal beneath our balcony and calmed my pre-race jitters with a series of meditations and affirmations. I received a message from Carol that she would be able to stay and cheer me into the finish. She wished me a good night's sleep and said she'd see me in the morning!

 

Tomorrow would be my victory lap!

To be continued....

From my heart to yours

In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

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Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

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