Salem, Oregon's
Running & Walking Club Site
Home of
Willamette Valley Road Runners (WVRR)
www.WVRoadrunners.org.

Obstacles and Determination: My Trip to Toledo
USA 24 Hour Championship at Olander Park, Sylvania, OH
September 15-16, 2001 by Fenny Roberts

This particular trip was not just another plane ride to another running event. Because of the events of Sept 11, 2001, my planned trip to Toledo, Ohio for the 24-hour Run Nationals was thrown into a state of chaos and confusion.

From the very beginning, trying to make my flight connections was a nightmare. As you know, most flights were canceled or delayed. I was supposed to fly out on Thurs, Sept. 13, at 6 A.M., from Portland to Chicago. That flight was canceled. I spent the rest of that day and into the evening searching for available flights. I was even switched to another airline, and then that flight was canceled. I was switched back and forth like this a couple of times. Finally, in the evening. Delta Airlines assured me there would be a flight to Toledo Friday A.M., but to be sure to confirm the next morning. Upon doing this, I was told that the flight was canceled.

Hope grew dim. Early Friday morning, I went for a run and went out to breakfast, then called the airport at 11:00 A.M. to try once more. I hated to give up my goal. To by utter amazement, American Airlines said one of their original Thurs. flights would indeed take off at 1:30 P.M. I threw my bags in the car and headed to the airport. After parking, I hustled into the terminal and found the lines very long and very confusing. I settled into a line, and it didn't look very good for me at that point. Then, a booking agent came over and asked if anyone there would like to try standby for my flight. I jumped at this, went to a much shorter line, got standby status and went to the boarding area to wait.

People were slowly bearded, and then they started called people on standby. Several of these boarded. I was apprehensive, and then my name was called. I was very happy! I literally rushed the plane to get on. I was actually on my way to Chicago, and then Toledo, Ohio. I had already overcome many obstacles.

The flight to Chicago was normal and on time. After landing, I had to catch a commuter flight to Toledo, then another problem: I was told to go to the wrong gate to catch the connecting flight. After seeing no other people around, I was told at another gate that my flight was boarding then. I had only a few moments to rush to the proper gate and barely made my flight. Another obstacle was overcome.

I made it to Toledo, got my baggage, and waited for the hotel shuttle. It finally came and I got to the hotel and my room after 1:00 A.M. The race was scheduled to start at noon the same day. It was tough to sleep because of all the stress and excitement. But I did the best I could. The following day, I couldn't seem to line up a ride with any of the other competitors, so I called the local Shaklee rep., Mary Flores, whom I knew. She offered to pick me up and take me to the race site. She really helped save the day.

I got to the race site, got my number, warmed up and did all my pre-race rituals, and prepared to run. Before that, I sang "God Bless America" at the race director's request. It was a moving experience, especially considering the events of Sept. 11. Finally, the race was on, and I could hardly believe I was there. .... So many obstacles to overcome in attempting to reach my goal, and now I was racing.

The run went well for the most part, except in the last four hours I had to do a lot of walking because of stomach problems and a groin muscle pull. But I did win my age group handily and still managed to run 93.23 miles. I wanted to go over 100 miles, at least, and would have it not for my problems. I still managed to be seventh woman overall, and I was generally satisfied with my race. I went from no chance to be there to winning an award for my efforts. I really couldn't complain. I achieved my goals, despite many obstacles, lack of sleep and injury problems. The story does not quite end there. I had to leave very early the next day to fly home. The new shuttle driver never showed up, so the motel kindly called a taxi to get me to the airport to start me on the journey home. Even then, I was not quite home safe. At the Toledo airport, one of the security people disputed my ticket, and that had to be resolved before I could fly to Chicago. Finally, the flight from Chicago to Portland was normal, and I touched down and made it home. I was weary, but happy. It just goes to show what faith and perseverance can do in overcoming obstacles. To be successful, you have to keep the goal in sight. Fortunately, I was able to do that.