Last I left off, we had just settled in for a very mentally taxing 26.2 miles (or 42.195 kilometers there) running the streets of Berlin, with about 58,000 other runners.
This marathon was different in so many ways for us. Different country, larger in size than any other (fun fact, we were part of setting a new world record with a record number 54,280 crossing the finish line that day!) While that may be a cool thing to have been a part of, for a duo bike team, it caused many challenges.
If you are not familiar with a marathon course, they have water stations along the way for those who do not run with their own water supply. My husband always has his own that I refill along the way, so we do not stop for water. We try to stay right down the middle of the water stations, which are on both sides of the road. It can be a very chaotic part of the course. Normally, the cups are paper, so when they are thrown after someone takes a quick drink, it does not hurt too bad if one slaps you in the face. In Berlin, the cups were a hard plastic. So, each time we passed through, I would take cover. That was a crazy experience in itself! I am pleased to say we made it through the water stations injury-free.
Part of what I enjoy during the marathon is documenting and sharing the experience from my unique point of view. I often “go live” on social media because I know others enjoy seeing us in action along the course. This time, I just did not have much opportunity to document the experience in the same way. I was too busy ensuring that others, as well as my husband and I, stayed accident-free.
There was never a time of open road where we felt we could relax during our 3 hours and 24 minutes along the course. There were people dodging in, out and around the entire time. There were several near misses as people thought they could hop over the front wheel of the bike as we were moving. I would not recommend.
Another thing I enjoy is interacting with the crowds during the marathons. People get very enthusiastic when we come by in the bike. If I raise my arm and ring my cowbell in the crowds, they erupt in loud cheering and screaming. It sometimes gets a bit overwhelming for my husband as he is running. While it is awesome to hear and feel the support, ironically it can have the opposite effect on him. It gets VERY loud. The crowds for this marathon were nothing in comparison to New York, Chicago, and Boston. Those are hard to beat.
As we saw the Brandenburg Gate in our sights, we knew we had gotten close to the end. I felt a huge sense of relief as we finally crossed the finish line. My husband and I just embraced one another and cried for a moment. All our months of training had paid off. We completed our fifth marathon together as a team. Team Humbly Courageous.
Many would see us and think that my husband is just a pusher, doing all the hard physical work. Obviously, he is, but he would never want someone to see us that way. We have been a team from the beginning, and this passion of ours is no different. We support each other, encourage one another and step outside our comfort zones together.
It is not easy to roll by in that giant bike with all eyes on you. We get all kinds of looks and comments. I doubt there is one we have not heard. Mostly, it is admiration, and what we hope most of all … is that it raises awareness for Muscular Dystrophy and serves as a symbol of hope for others. Our favorite thing is when we pass by someone in a wheelchair and their face just lights up, as if to say, “hey, maybe I could do that too!”
While I may not be able to run on my own two feet, it is our humble courage that provides me with the closest I will ever get to running a marathon in this lifetime.
Next week, we will celebrate 25 years of marriage. While Berlin had many challenges, it was symbolic of our life together. There is always a way to get to the end. You just have to be willing to find it.
Until next time …
Amy Shinneman is a former National Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, disability blogger, wife, and mom of two boys. You can find her blog at humblycourageous.com and reach her on Instagram @ashinneman.