Paula & Billy Proudly show off their Eagle, Globe, and
Anchor Finisher's Medal!
Anchor Finisher's Medal!
On Sunday, October 22, 2017, thirty-thousand runners took
part in the 42nd Marine Corps Marathon (MCM). Among the
thirty-thousand were two of Washington County’s own: WCCTEC School Resource
Officer and Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy, Billy Nichols and his wife,
Abingdon High School’s School Nurse, Paula Nichols.
Billy and Paula trained for the Marine Corps Marathon for
about ten weeks. They would run between three to five days each week, varying
distances daily and increasing distances each week. On Saturdays, they would
run between ten and seventeen miles. Paula had competed in a full marathon in
March, but Billy just completed his first half Marathon in September. The MCM
selects most of the runners through a lottery system. Paula entered the lottery
and was lucky enough to be chosen. Wanting to run with Paula and that their son
is in the military sparked Billy’s interest in competing.
Both Billy and Paula describe this experience as AMAZING!
From the crowds that lined the race course to cheer on the runners, to the
beauty of running all over D.C.: from the Pentagon to Georgetown, to the
monuments, and across the Potomac twice. “The Blue Mile is amazing, lined with
photos of fallen soldiers and at the end were people holding flags as far as
the eye could, ” says Paula. “We found ourselves running and trying to take
time to get pictures of the sites,” Billy adds.
The Marine Corps Marathon was started to showcase physical
fitness and generate community goodwill in order to promote high standards and
discipline of the Marine Corps. The 26.2 mile course runs through Alexandria
and Washington D.C. Entrants must be fourteen years of age and be able to
maintain a fourteen minute mile. Upon completion of the race, finishers receive
their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor Finisher’s medal from a member of the Marine
Corps.
Billy says, “Being able to complete this race and hold
Paula’s hand to cross the finish line, made this race one that will never be
forgotten.” Paula advises, “If I can do this, anyone can. Even if you start
with walking, you can increase your endurance, run time, and how much you can
tolerate. I did not run in high school. I only started running in the last five
years!”
Congratulations to Paula and Billy! We are so proud of you
both and thrilled for your accomplishment. You both are an inspiration to us
all.
