Wow!! Yesterday was the culmination of many months on the road. Pounding the pavement in search of the strength, and endurance, to go the distance. The mileage was there months ago, and people were asking what I was training for. My answer was simple……..I love to run. As I crossed that finish line, my passion was cemented forever. I LOVE TO RUN!!!!!
The day was perfect. 45 degress with no wind at 630 in the morning. My friends, and I, gathered near the starting corral. Nervous. Anxious. Ready to RUN. Once that gun went off I ran. We moved through some very nice neighborhoods, up and over some hills, around the bend and up and over more hills. I ran, faster than I had ever run 13.1 before. I knew there would be trouble ahead. I was literally on cruise control for about 18 miles. No pain. No discomfort. Breathing normally. Around mile 19, I guess I hit that wall. I walked for about 45 seconds. Luckily, I met a woman named Natalie around mile 6. She was a marathon veteran of 27 races. She convinced me to run from water stop to water stop. I did that. I ran to each aid station.
Around mile 24 I remembered all my friends. Those on Twitter. Many on Facebook. Everyone here locally. I ran to the finish. Crossing that finish line only ranks behind the birth of my children as the greatest moment of my life. I will never forget the joy of sprinting .2 miles to the sounds of a great crowd. I heard my name from both sides. I heard the announcer say my name. I was a “first time mrathon finisher”!!!!!!
As I moved through the finishing chute, a little girl was about to hand me my medal and I politely asked her to turn it around so people could read it. She laughed. I was thrilled. Overwhelmed. Proud. Exhausted.
I never was a runner, but now I am a marathon runner. Still glowing the day after. The pain and discomfort well worth the growth that occurs during the training and the race.
The itch to run is even greater. The passion burns deeper. Thanks for your support.
