Mission Accomplished!
Lucky 13 complete Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Half Marathon
Four months ago, 13 individuals overcoming health obstacles accepted a challenge to participate in the Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon. For weeks, their sweat, tears and, more importantly, team support allowed them to attempt what they once thought was impossible.
We are glad to report that everyone who participated in the full program successfully finished the 13.1-mile journey. Congratulations!
The latest from the Lucky 13
2/26/13 - Last Thursday, Joe Spirito hosted a celebration at his Oceanside winery, Fifty Barrels Winery Group, for everyone who had a hand in the Lucky 13 program. The group enjoyed a wide array of appetizers and hors d’oevres as they laughed and chit-chatted over a glass of wine. The room was tiny, but I (Matt Page) thought that was symbolic of their tight-knit bond. John Knieff created a Facebook page as a forum to keep everyone in touch. He and other Lucky 13 teammates have joined Coach Siene and members of In Motion Fit for weekend workouts. He hopes by recounting his success that he can inspire everyone to stay on course with their health goals. It’s amazing to see how one program can bring out the very best in everyone.
Kay Adams:
"At 66 years of age, after a decade of limited physical activity, I was offered a chance to be one of Tri-City Medical Center’s LUCKY 13!
With the help of our coaches and the support of other Lucky 13 teammates this experience turned out to be the highlight of this new year. As I was about to cross the finish line last Sunday, I looked up and saw 4 smiling faces (Coach Siene Freeman, teammate Bill Townsend, daughter Kerry Adams and granddaughter Kristy Ryan)* and the tears started to well. I can’t believe I actually did it and can’t believe how easy it really was. Training for the Carlsbad Half Marathon was just like eating an elephant – one bite (step) at a time. If I can do it – anyone could!"
Kasey Burcham:
"I must say that I am very happy with the race. Looking forward to La Jolla in April and hopefully finish out the year with AFC. I felt very lonely on Monday night without my group and that will take some time to get used to. I wish them all well and hope we can still keep in touch."
Richard Barrett:
"My wife, 2 daughters and 1 granddaughter all finished the Half Marathon with Lynda and I crossing the finish line together. I feel a real sense of accomplishment as I had never considered going anywhere near that distance before. Before I started the training, I was not able to walk more than 2 miles without having to stop for pain in my right hip joint. I had no hip pain at all during the race so the workouts at the Health Center made a huge difference for me. Also, I had my annual physical last week and my Cholesterol was the lowest it has ever been and my blood pressure was significantly reduced.
On a side note, my granddaughter was met at the Denver airport, when she returned home on Monday, by her boyfriend and he proposed to her right there. She said yes. So we will be going to a wedding in Colorado in the spring."
Renee:
"Thanks Matt for your involvement with the Lucky 13! You were with us along the way training for the big race! Congratulations! I too have been inspired to keep on running! I've been restless the last couple of days wanting to just run, run, run! (I think I've caught the 'run bug'!)
Hopefully I will see my fellow Lucky 13 out running along the coast again!!"
Joe Spirito:
"Overall Lucky 13 was a great experience for me. The race was tough but fun, the training prepared me for it and brought out my competitive nature to want to do even better. That being said, I have decided to continue running, I have signed up for the La Jolla Half Marathon and will be completing the Triple Crown this year."
John Knieff:
"With a lot of encouragement from my team and coaches I feel better than ever. In fact, I will be doing my first backpack in about 3 years in March. A 24 mile overnighter, I really can't wait. This has been a incredible journey."
