by Katy Durand
Editor’s note: Katy Durand is a 16-year-old El Segundo High cross country runner, and lacrosse player. She placed first in the 16- to 19-year-old division at the Los Angeles Marathon, on Sunday
I started in the open corral, trying to weave my way through the speed walkers. In the first miles, we went through Chinatown, where a dancing dragon slapped a smile on my face. Then we ran through the tall, downtown buildings, spotting the Hollywood sign, picking out which coffee shop I would dine at when I visited Silver Lake, and admiring Rodeo Drive. I felt I was getting a tour of the city I know so little about.
I grabbed every high five I could, along with handouts of gels, bananas, water cups, and red vines. One guy gave me half a doughnut. You might think this was a mistake, however, I think it was the best decision I made.
I had heard so many people talk about the wall they hit at mile 18, or mile 22. I thought this would never happen to me. However, mile 20 proved me wrong. Those last six miles were the most challenging of my life. At one point, when I thought I had gone around four miles, I looked down at my watch. I had only gone 0.37 miles. At mile 21, I completely zoned out, and I tripped over a black thing that braces the barriers. A guy helped me back up, and I briefly contemplated quitting.
I started reciting the slogan the El Segundo girls cross country team came up with before we went to State, and climbed the frightening hills of Mt. Sac earlier this year: “How bad do you want it?” I wanted it so bad.
At the top of the final mile hill, I could see posters with my name on them, held by my family and friends.
I crossed the finish line with a giant smile on my face, and signaling number 1 with my hand.
Then I burst into tears. A medal was put around my neck. I had won my age group (16 to 19).
I hugged my mom, thanking her for all she and my dad had done, especially for getting me a new race bib at 4 a.m. that morning because I had somehow lost mine. ER
