My running friends & I met later for lunch and pedicures. Isn't that a great way to celebrate an amazing experience by having another wonderful experience!
I tend to be a little (okay a lot :) reflective so here is my start on the marathon:
Mile 21-26 were tough! I wanted to go faster but my legs said 'this is as fast as we can go for you at this time.' Sometimes, its nice we don't know what is ahead for us. I've said to Steve, 'Oh we were so close to qualifying for the Boston. He will remind me what I was telling him those last few miles - I don't have anything else to give! We giggle about that now but in that moment it was so true. I gave it my all and in the end it meant slowly putting one step in front of the other. Isn't it amazing what we get through in life sometimes just a slow step at a time.
We trained and were prepared for this run. We came there ready and enthused. What made the difference and why this will be a very special experience FOREVER is the friendships deepend with these three women. There was such a deep sense of caring for each other the whole journey. Incredible. As I share this experience with others, I am brought to tears and realize who I am sharing it with are feeling it as well. We ran 20 miles four together instep watching out for each other.
As I reflect back to the run, I think of all the people who cheered us on. We all shared how that hug from my parents just gave us a lift! 'You can do it' 'Good job' even the 'you're not dead yet' shouts from so many encouraged us and gave us energy. Having Steve, Adam and Cricket at mile 20 gave us another lift. So cool.
Connections. Cheering for each other. The importance of this in life for each of us cannot be overstated. In the end, what did I take from this experience is a deep appreciation for friendships and family and all the people involved, an appreciation for a healthy body, and a competitive spirit that says ... you did it! Should we try again a little faster? :)!
I hope whatever is going on in your day today ... you hear that chanting in the background - YOU CAN DO IT.
7 comments:
I would have loved to have seen you on KSL. That must have been a great day all around.
I am sure through Running, you do ponder lifes experiences and the analogies.
I love that you have such a heart for education about not just guide dogs but working dogs! Thanks so much! You rock!
Congratulations! So happy for you and giving you love from far away. I can relate to so many things you've said here and have come to the same conclusions. That's why I love being your blog friend. xx
My husband, a marathon runner, has said many times that mile 20-21 is the halfway mark in a marathon, not mile 13. Way to go in pushing even more than you thought you had in you. What a special experience to share with your running friends. It makes me emotional thinking about it.
I have chills. It is truly a gift to feel the way love from others can change our mindset. The belief and feeling of our legs saying, "I can't go on" matched with our minds full of love from others saying, "Oh, yes you can!" Beautiful! So happy for you!
Cricket's a TV star! And, and you, too, Becky. :)
Becky, I totally relate, seriously those last several miles are the hardest, but so amazing to complete them and then realize that in fact you did just accomplish such an incredible feat...you are amazing!
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