One Runner's Story

When Manuel Harris (top row, center) was selected in July as one of our Lucky 14, he welcomed the chance to work with a professional trainer to prepare for the Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Half Marathon.

He and the other 13 winners didn't know each other, but as they met each week at the Sheraton Carlsbad for their training run they began to form a bond. Now, as race day nears, Manuel shares the strength and confidence they've helped him gain.

Overcoming Self-Doubt

by Manuel Harris

Left my house and it was RAINING, with the only waterproof jacket I own. 
Got to the hotel and it was POURING!  I was thinking, "Maybe you should go back home."

But then I thought, “I don't want to be the OLD MAN that was SNORING,” and Melanie was there.
Was I crazy?  Did I BUMP my HEAD?  Well, if she was willing, it was only fair.
I didn't want to go home and GO to BED.  Besides, we were already soaking wet.
I knew if I did, I WOULDN'T GET UP TILL THE MORNING.  And, I'd be disappointed, I bet.

So, Melanie and I took off to the east and turned down The Crossings Drive.
It was downhill, so it was an easy start. I was warming up and felt alive.
Turned right on Palomar Airport Road and past the flower field.
On Paseo Del Norte, we turned to the south and that rain refused to yield.

Up that darn hill, it seemed easier with her; I couldn't believe when we reached the top.
I was feeling so good as we ran through the puddles, I didn't want to stop.
Poinsettia came up and we headed west, down to the 101.
But then we turned south!  Well, this was something!  A new stretch of road to run.

Through the sludge at Ponto, to Avenida Encinas, I was starting to feel a little pain.
We crossed the Coast Road and turned to the north; my legs were feeling the strain.
"Go on without me.  Don't let me hold you back," as the breeze caressed my face.
#8220;No worries,” she said as she loped effortlessly along. "I like this easy pace."

Well, my jacket was tied around my waist as the sun was peeking through.
We were at the campground with four miles to go; I could see a patch of blue.
We were through there in a hurry and I knew my legs couldn't last.
The run past the campers, bacon frying, and I was fading fast.

But, Melanie was very patient and wouldn't let me think that I was dead.
Then as we were starting up the rise, what was that up ahead?
Was I seeing things?  Was I delusional? Was it a running garbage bag?
No, it was just Laura with her sugar sweet smile, encouraging me not to lag.

But, I felt pretty drained and I was tiring faster, ready to call it a day.
Like a graceful, beautiful, and sleek gazelle, Melanie pulled away.
Past Cereza, there was Cannon, marking the homeward turn.
Here comes that hill and I was about done.  My calves started to burn.

But, I wouldn't give up and I told myself I was really having fun,
‘Cause as Siene had said, "The faster you go, the sooner you are done."
Then, I'd caught up to brave Casey and her dad, with faithful Bernie at her side.
When I thought I was finished, they cheered me along and I knew I hadn't died.
Just focus on the six feet of road right in front of you.
One step at a time is the formula to getting yourself through.
I was at Legoland Drive before I knew it about a quarter mile to go.
Taking baby steps, but still running, even though I was going slow.

Heading to the finish, a welcome sight. It was Dan!  What a guy! 
His added energy and his challenging words, made me feel like I could fly.
Together we ran those last few yards.  At the finish, I ended strong.
I felt a sense of accomplishment that had been missing for so long.

Now the rest of the gang may not have been there, to run the 9 today.
But their whispers of encouragement were with me all the way.
With the help of my other teammates, along with all the staff
I'd make it to my lofty goal, of finishing the Carlsbad Half.