It turns out that the 2008 Gasparilla Distance Classic was not my Boston-qualifying race.

That’s OK. I’ve got plenty of time for that.

I was doing pretty well through mile 20, and then it all went downhill. I didn’t hit “the wall.” But my left knee felt like it had hit a dead end.

It was my right knee that gave me grief last year, so you can imagine my surprise when my left one felt like it was shattering with every step I took. The last six miles were grueling. It’s a miracle that I even finished.

I managed to eke out a 4:05.

I will never forget this race--not because it was a bust, but because of my amazing friends.

About an hour and a half into the race, as I was running downtown, I saw them. They had posters (PK Rocks!). They were screaming at the top of their lungs. They were jumping up and down. They were decked out in sweatshirts and jeans, braving the cool morning temps.

And they’re not all morning people.

I ran in awe. It was just what I needed to get pumped for the middle stretch.

I coasted down Bayshore, where I’m used to running all my long runs. I stuck with the 3:40 pace group, lead by Pacer Dave. Pacer Dave told corny jokes, shared funny stories and kept a watchful eye on everyone. He was a great pacer.

As we headed south of Gandy toward the dreaded Gadsden Park, I gritted my teeth in anticipation of the worst. That is definitely the hardest part of the course.

And then I saw them again. There they were, screaming and shouting, offering me orange slices and Twizzlers. They must’ve had a mini grocery store, but all I wanted was those oranges and Twizzlers.

Seeing their faces was just what I needed to get me around the park. As I looped around, my bud Jess came looking for me, running alongside me.

And then I saw more friends.

Todd was in his running clothes, ready to get me back out to Bayshore and keep pace. I couldn’t believe it!

Then, my left knee gave out. It was excruciating pain. I was completely deflated.

Todd tried his best to keep me going. But I could not.

He hung in with me for a few miles as I limped-walked. Then we parted ways as I trudged slowly down Bayshore.

I managed to run by the wall of kids lining Bayshore, decked out in yellow shirts, offering high-fives the entire way. Those kids got me running again.

As I approached the last mile, there was Jess. She ran with me. Then we found Emily, standing in the median with her huge poster cheering me on. She ran with us in flip-flops. Then we saw Corrie and Daniela, waving and cheering. They joined in, too.

They had all the spectators lining Bayshore cheering me on as they ran with me toward the finish!

Todd and Michelle were at the finish line, hooting and hollering.

I managed to jog it in for all of them. And for that, I will always be grateful.