As I exited transition for the run course I saw two of my friends (Julian and Jaytoya) from college cheering me on that made me smile. I tried to run but my legs hurt too much and then Mary Ann caught up with us and rode her bike 6 miles on rims (that’s dedication) to catch up. As we entered Central Park I remember thinking that I would never want to do a triathlon again and I think I even told my trainer that I would want to take up bowling instead. During the walk during Central Park there were so many hills. As we progressed through the course volunteers would often say “you are almost at the next mile (or aide station).” Most of them lied. They would say things like “just around the corner” and “just around the corner” was actually around three corners. But none the less we kept going. As we got towards the end, I saw my parents again and my friends from college (Julian, Jaytoya, and Stephen) again. Then I finally entered the finisher chute and I heard the announcer say my name. As I passed the finish line, two CNN producers were there and I got some cold water and a cool towel which was exactly what I needed. My run time was 2:00:52 which is what I expected I remember my muscles were so sore.

I walked towards the area where the rest of the 6 pack was waiting and remember seeing Scott (fellow six packer) motioning to me (I was kind of in a daze) and  he congratulated me. Other members of the 6 pack hugged me. It seemed so surreal. Most touching was Mary Ann crying and thanking me for allowing her to be a part of this journey. I was a triathlete, but it did not really set in. People were saying how proud they were of me. One woman who was waiting for her husband told me how she was following my story and my friend, Stephen, was amazed how much she knew about me. A few weeks Mary Ann told me how the CNN producers said that my story was an inspiration. I kind of shuddered because I thought I am not that inspirational. There are so many other people who are way more inspirational than me. During that day, it really did not dawn on me. I honestly, did not think that the race was that big of an accomplishment (especially given my very slow time). It was not until the next day as I waited at JFK Airport for my delayed flight and I started to check my e-mail and saw two messages from coworkers and one said, Congrats Kendrick, I was actively checking the website all day yesterday for updates. how does it feel to be an official Triathlete??  We’re proud of you man..” and another coworker wrote, “You’ve motivated some folks to tackle one next year. Let’s get started on training” and I thought, “I really did accomplish something. Maybe I am an inspiration and if not, I am a triathlete, how many people can say that?”