Potomac Warriors before the Missoula Half Marathon (L-R): Mary Watson, Allyson Nelson, Jessie Salter, Katy France, Jen Nordberg and Tammie Dry. Not pictured Launa Henry.
MISSOULA – Six "Potomac Warriors" walked and ran strong during the Missoula Half Marathon June 29. The 13.1-mile race began at The Peak off Highway 93 and finished on Higgins Street in Missoula in front of the Wilma Theater.
Potomac residents Katy France, Launa Henry, Jessie Salter, Jen Nordberg, Allyson Nelson and Tammie Dry and her mother Mary Watson of California trained together for the event. They affectionately refer to themselves as the Potomac Warriors.
"I guess you could say the marathon happened on accident - if you believe in that sort of thing - because what started as a casual walk one to two times a week after dropping kids on the bus gradually turned into something bigger," said Dry.
Training unofficially began last winter when the group accepted the Frozen Feet Challenge, where participants are challenged to run, walk, or hike at least one mile every day for eight weeks starting in January.
That evolved into daily hiking and walking in snow, rain and sun on trails and roads around Potomac. Dry said as more ladies joined they began to feel stronger, their clothes fit better and they began to crave it, to need it, and so the training continued. The group grew closer and stronger with each other during their training and the race solidified that feeling.
"What felt impossible before began to feel doable and excitable in March when we all decided to do the race," said Dry.
"It was a challenge to push harder; walking faster and further," said Nelson.
A bit of friendly peer pressure pushed the group into registering for the half marathon. Dry and the other women agreed that their training allowed them to not just finish the race but to crush it.
Henry had never thought of participating in a half marathon. "I loved starting my days with these ladies and enjoyed the training way more than I thought I would. I can't wait for next year!!"
Henry was unable to participate in the half marathon this year due to an ankle injury while training for the event. "I was very upset to not be able to participate in the event and can't wait to get back to walking with all of these amazing ladies!"
Dry and her 66-year-old mother were able to walk and run in the race together. Her mother felt so great during and after the race they floated the river that afternoon.
Nelson entered the event after some "loving strong arming" from her friends.
The half was amazing for Nelson, whose training made the event comfortable and blissful.
During the race the participants were safe, hydrated and cared for, she said, complete with piano accompaniment. Passersby along the route supported the runners with signs, gummy snacks and beverages.
Nelson said the spectators and traffic control cheered for everyone and there were high fives and words of encouragement along the route.
"Before I knew it, we're running the half-the half we'd planned to walk! It was awesome," said Nelson. "The marathon is truly a community event."
France didn't train with the group as much as she would have liked, but still felt included even as she joined at the last minute.
"They allowed me to be a part of their group and I am truly blessed to have these women in my life!" she said.
For France it was a huge achievement.
"I think for all of us [it was] a super emotional and meaningful accomplishment," said France. "I think we all got a little teary eyed at the finish line."
The group looks forward to future training and runs together. Next year's goal for the Potomac Warriors is to run the full distance of the half.
Potomac Warrior Results: Katy France: 2:21:52.02; Jen Nordberg: 2:37:19.07; Jessie Salter: 2:40:04.75; Allyson Nelson: 2:40:05.54; Mary Watson: 3:06:10.63; Tammie Dry: 3:06:11.89
For full results visit http://competitivetiming.com/missoula-marathon/
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