I did it, I did it, I did it!!!
I finished the half-marathon and made it through 13.1 miles!
My friends Nancy, Adriann and me at the finish line.It all seems like a dream - did it really happen? What an amazing experience. We ran straight through the first 7 miles, and then maybe walked for 2-3 minutes over the next 3 miles, but from 10 miles on we ran the rest. Even though we wanted to cry (and did) and even though our bodies said "Stop!" we kept going. There were signs of encouragement posted throughout Liberty park, but my favorite was "It's only pain" and it made me think of one of my favorite expressions, passed on from our friend, a former Marine, "Pain is just weakness leaving the body." Thinking that got me going again - combined with what my brothers say is me being full of "piss and vinegar", but I like to call determination. That last mile was a killer, but once the finish line was in sight and all the spectators cheering became audible, it was a such a rush and adrenaline and euphoria took over.
Crossing the finish line was amazing and empowering, and I didn't even pass out! It felt great, I felt so strong. But the most humbling and actually beautiful experience of the whole thing came when three of the marathoners, the front-runners (who started at the same time) passed us at the end of the park, running in perfect rhythm. They had doubled our distance in less time. It was awe-inspiring. And did I mention, humbling? Another aspect of the race that I loved was the many, many people who came out to support the runners. Granted, a lot of them knew people in the race, but a lot of them didn't. The people in the neighborhoods just came out to cheer us on with shouts and whistles and bells. Signs that read "Great job!" and "Go! Your name, Go!" It helped us so much! Just like in life, a little encouragement went a long way! The best was the several groups of little kids waiting in a line to slap your hand. You can bet I hit them all! I figured it was the closest I was ever going to get to celebrity or sports fame, so I better enjoy it. And it was awesome. Every moment of that run was. Especially the end, where I got to hug my husband and kids and friends. And then sit down. ;o)
6 comments:
Wow! congratulations! You look SO happy in that photo! You are so inspiring. I'm proud of you!
Are you sore today? :D
WOW, that's about all I can think! I'm so proud of you I'm crying!!! I love you!
That's awesome! What a great achievement! And Amanda's right, you DO look so happy in that photo. And deservedly so. :) *HUGS*
Gosh, thanks everyone! I really appreciate the support and kudos. Truly - those are some of the nicest things ever said to me. And you are all three amazing women, so if I made you proud - that is something big.
Amanda - I am not sore today, but yesterday - wow. I could barely bend my knees to walk down the stairs. It was a bit sad!
Sis - Thanks - I love you, too! So much.
Doc - I was very happy in that photo, but I was also crying - if you look closely you can see tears. I was just spent! It was a flood of emotions. *HUGS* back!
Hey you! Just checking up on your blog from my hotel in Florence. :) Can I just say that I'm also very proud of you for that run. I don't think I'll ever get up the discipline it would take to do something like that. Unless Aaron wanted to, he's got a strange way of inspiring me to do things I never would do. Same for my influence on him too though, I guess. He's never wanted to travel anywhere. But, here we are. It's so amazing being here. I can't wait to talk with you (and hopefully SEE you) to share our memories with eachother. I miss you so much! Love you!
your description of the race is so much prettier than mine. I should just cut and paste yours onto my blog!
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