Going Together

“In Africa we having a saying, 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.' ...Before I go back home, I want you to consider us, Katie. Ponder what it would be like if we went together. Not alone and fast but together and far.”
― Robin Jones Gunn, Coming Attractions

Saturday I ran the Utah Valley Marathon. I have run another marathon and also several half marathons as well as lots of 10K's. There was something unique about this run. I had spent much of the training working through an injury. Lots and lots of hard work in physical therapy, podiatrist, ortho doctor and exercises recommended. Times in the training where I simply had to stop because I couldn't run further. I have been trying to find the balance of training while respecting the TLC that my injured IT Band required. Why not just stop? Steve and I were visiting about this last night. He was talking about my determination that he has supported for almost 30 years :). Something very special and part of my persistence with this run is my two friends that were also training for this marathon. They are my neighbors so the ease of training was literally right outside my door. I don't take this blessing lightly at all. I also knew I didn't want to do anything that would create long-term injury. All that being said ... I am SO GRATEFUL that we did it!! These amazing women (and wonderful friends) supported me every step of the way. When I needed to walk a bit up the hills - they were there for me. When I needed to stop and stretch to reduce the pain they were there for me. They easily could have taken off and run and got a much better time on this day. No, they stayed with me the whole 26.2 miles. When I mentioned to them - I am holding you up I can call Steve and Georgie to get me so you guys can go ahead -- Brenda shared there is an African saying: 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.'   We were in this together.  We laughed and met people along the way that inspired us as well. One man was walking barefoot to create further discussion and action for all those children who do not even have shoes. Story after story we heard. One man told me my shirt should say - Brave Runner instead of Blind Runner. I can tell you that running blindly is easy with guides. I put my trust in them and we run. Running with the uncertainty of when the injury was going to flare up and what level of physical pain could I run through did feel brave. I have done lots of hard things in my life. However, I haven't pushed through physical pain like this before. I am so very grateful for this experience. It pushed me in new ways and in the end I (thanks to the WE) stepped up to the challenge.

Selfie near the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls - the day was beautiful and just right temperature.

WE DID IT!!!!!

Along the way was Steve, Georgie and my parents as well as Brenda and Suzette's families.  The cheering and encouragement gave us such a lift.  After we were done and visiting, Georgie had settled into her space.

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. -- Helen Keller