Submitted by Jeanna Shamblin Coyner
The alarm went off at 4:30 a.m. at the Coyner home. Time to grab a banana for breakfast, a quick shower to help us wake up, and then we were on the road to Clay High School to race in the Elk River tail Trail Marathon.
When we arrived, it was still dark, but cars were starting to roll in. The tables were arranged to where we could pickup our packets. Into the high school we went to put on our shirts and bibs for the race.
Soon, the buses were ready to start transporting the participants to the trail. I’ve never been the quiet type, and this was not a day to start. I asked the bus full of adults if they were from West Virginia. The answers blew me away. I heard Oklahoma, Arizona, Kentucky, and Massachusetts, to name a few. We all had one thing in common – our love for West Virginia’s beauty.
The temperature was perfect. Warm enough from the scorching summer temperatures, but cool enough to know fall was knocking at the door. Many took photos of the welcome sign of the Elk River Trail. It was a perfect backdrop to enhance their photos. The bridge held many racers as we waited for the buses to bring the other participants.
The anticipation was building. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” was blasting at the start line. Pulses were pounding. Then, we were OFF! Running, power walking, or a quick stroll was acceptable. We were there to finish, and that we did.
Satisfaction was felt as we loaded on the buses heading back to get our vehicles. Suddenly, a lady boarded and asked, “Is there a James Coyner on this bus?” My husband raised his hand. She presented him with a trophy! Jim won first place in his age group! The bus erupted in applause. I was so proud, because I am the one who pushes him to do these crazy 5K’s.
Once at the high school, we assisted some of the visitors in planning the rest of their stay in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia. We said our farewells, and headed down the road realizing the early wakeup call was well worth it, and grateful for our ability to do what we do.
What an exciting morning. We started the race in summer, and ended at the finish line in fall. Now, that is a race for the books!
Jim Coyner is the husband of Jeanna. He is retired from 43 years in law enforcement and served in the U.S. Army. Jeanna Shamblin Coyner is the great granddaughter of Frederick and Stella (Cunningham) Colebank who had owned the Volunteer in Hartland and lived on Sycamore Street. Jeanna is the great niece of Opal Colebank who retired from Clay County Schools, and was the first “Miss Marshall” at Marshall College (now Marshall University). Jeanna’s grandmother was Arlene C. Morris, and her grandfather was Clifton Eugene Shamblin. The Shamblin’s had once owned the Shamblin Hotel in Clay. Jeanna is the daughter of Fred Shamblin now of Liberty, Indiana.