Letter to the Editor: A memorable half marathon

After completing my first half marathon on April 23 at age 71 with cervical spinal cord injuries which resulted from a triple rollover car accident on Interstate 80 in May 2015, as well as fibromyalgia, I know now that since I had to troubleshoot several things that if I had the endurance, could have completed a whole marathon. The Drake Runs are one of my favorites. The officials are always helpful and will adapt to your needs.

In the race, when I had completed about six miles, the officials offered me a ride back to the finish which I refused and gave me a bottle of water which I later lost out of my pocket on Franklin when running across the street. The residents of Des Moines went out of their way to help with water. When reaching Franklin, I got off track a little and by asking three residents along the way, was back on track.

It was a good thing I had put four GU nutrition packets in my gloves because I needed every one of them. Finally, after five hours, I made it across the finish line being met with an official who pointed me to the refreshments and asked me to wait while he got my metal.

To my surprise, Tanner Nissen, director, was bringing several guys to where I sat. It turned to be the football team who gave me a standing ovation after he told them my story. It is one day which is unforgettable and was humbling.

Sue Anderson

Newton