I was very nervous before the New York City Marathon on Sunday, counting down the hours, then the minutes, until race time. But I wasn't running the race -- I was anxious and excited for my friend Nancy E. Battey, who decided to run the marathon one year ago to the day.
NEB, my friend for 20 years, was running the race for Team Tillman. Team Tillman was formed to support the Tillman Foundation, in honor of Pat Tillman. Pat, a linebacker for Arizona State University, went on to join the Army Rangers, dying tragically and heroically in Afghanistan in 2004, when his unit was ambushed.
I am thrilled that I was able to cheer her on and actually see her on the course -- around Mile 17, First Avenue at 69th Street. Even better is that she saw us! I was so happy to give her a hug that I found myself crying with joy and anticipation.
NEB's goal was to finish the marathon in under five hours. Her 12 months of training paid off -- her time was 4:58:19! She was listed in the New York Times on Monday Nov. 3rd, for completing the marathon in less than five hours. Unfortunately the New England edition of the New York Times did not carry the list, but the important thing is that NEB got her copy!
Congratulations, Nancy! I am so proud of you!
