It took a lot of preparation, many training miles, friends to run with, and fluid intake but I successfully completed my first full marathon! Sunday morning Nancy, Karen and I rode a shuttle from the hotel to the start line at 5:20 in the AM. I didn't sleep that night. The thrill of the race was overwhelming. After stocking up on Lara bars we huddled under the heater by the band to stay warm until the race began. I absolutely love the eclectic group of people who unite for the purpose of running. Races are a spiritual experience for me. The fans and runners cheering one another through the joy and pain of each step to the finish line. I think that God roots for us in the same way. Encouraging us to persevere through the difficulties in order to continue on for the glory of His Kingdom. I find that the pain is more tolerable with a smile.
I was encouraged the whole way. Motivated by one man leading a blind man through the marathon, a woman who lost 139 lbs, a leukemia survivor, little kids holding out their hands for a high five, a crazy runner who stopped to dance with the bands along the way, free GU at mile 19, and friends and family whom I dedicated miles too. I ran, and ran, and ran and found joy in each step. A single arm in the air and we were greeted with loud cheers from strangers. The hope of finishing became a reality. As I took those last strides I was overwhelmed with emotions. The last mile I ran for myself. I kept praying, "Bring me home God. Bring me home." This resulted in me choking back my ugly cry in order to finish. The verse Joshua 1:9 beat in my heart, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be dismayed or discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." On the home stretch I was greeted by a lady holding a sign that read, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I shouted out an Amen to her and joyfully ran through the finish shoot. It was the most rewarding feeling to have accomplished such a physically draining and demanding run.
The ladies were passing out the medals and I bowed my head before them so they could put it around my neck. I didn't have the strength to do it myself. This also made me feel like an Olympic athlete. I then requested to stand on a box, be handed a beautiful bouquet of exotic flowers, and have my national anthem played. D. E. N. I. E. D.
Running is an addiction. I am eager to sign up for my next marathon, anticipate the training and am hopeful to beat my time. I know this addiction doesn't seem normal. But, I've never been fond of normalcy anyways.
"Believe you can do it. Think no other way but 'Yes you can.' The human body is capable of considerably more physical endurance than most of us realize."
- Paul Reese
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