Now that I can walk again, I am ready to talk about my marathon experience.
I did it!
I ran (and walked) 26.2 miles.
A year ago I made a “Bucket List” of things I wanted to do in life. Running a marathon was one of them! Running has been a very powerful spiritual analogy to me during my four years as a runner. Life is a marathon. It is not a sprint. And in this marathon of life, some miles are joyful and easy and your training comes in handy. But many many miles are hard or lonely and you fear you cannot keep going. I wanted to prove to myself that I can keep going in running and in life. I am not running either race alone. I have cheerleaders and spectators who care about me and will help me finish my race well in all ways. This matters. Even when you are experiencing your toughest miles and you feel like you are emotionally hitting a wall, someone cares, someone sees, someone is cheering you on. Look for your spectators and cheerleaders — and keep running.
At the Expo getting my bib!
I ran as “Taco Belle” because I have to be silly.
Lisa and I shivering in the cold at the starting line.
And nearly seven hours later… The finish line!
Iced up and dressed to the nines.
My finest cheerleaders!
My team!
And as if that wasn’t enough, my sweet friend Jake brought his allowance money to the finish line and bought me a rose to celebrate my race. Not wanting to be outdone, my boyfriend followed up with this bouquet as well! 🙂
Thank you for cheering me on, friends. You make my miles of running, and of life, so much more enjoyable. Here’s to future miles!