10.03.2009

never say never

Five years ago, I ran a marathon.


The first time I ever laced up my running shoes and ran a mile was just nine short months before this race. At the time, I thought it was the longest, hardest mile of my life. I never believed that I could run more than a mile, but I did. I ran 26.2 miles. As I made my final steps toward the finish line, screaming at my body to just keep putting one foot in front of the other, I promised myself that I would never do it again.

Five years later, I did what I swore I would never do again...I ran another marathon.


I never thought I would do another marathon.  Let's be honest, I only did the first marathon for bragging rights.  I already had the rights to brag that, I did a marathon.  And brag I've done.  Ask anyone.  They know because I've told them.  Bragged about.

However, this marathon was different.  I needed to do this marathon for me.  It took me five years to forget about the pain of my first marathon. It took me five years to realize that I could do this again. It took some peer pressure, but in the end this challenge was mine. I needed to overcome my fears and conquer this challenge by myself and I did. I wasn't entirely alone. I did have friends training with me along the way. I had family and friends encouraging me. I had a husband loving me in spite of the many hours I spent logging miles instead of tv time with him. I had children that inspired me to push myself and work hard for them. I had many reasons why I run.

I told myself that I was going to do this race now because I was ready. I was better trained and I was actually prepared to run a marathon. I wanted this race to feel good. I wanted to feel better than I did during my first marathon, but I never believed that it would actually happen.

This weekend, in the early morning hours as I sat on a school bus riding the 26.2 miles up the canyon to the start of the St. George Marathon, I realized that this was actually happening and I knew that I could do this.  I had three goals in mind as I started the race:

1.  Don't get sick (a common problem during my long runs).

2.  Finish the race.

3.  Enjoy the journey.

I knew that goals one and two I could do.  I was confident that I could manage through those goals, but number three would be difficult.  How could I possibly enjoy running 26.2 miles?  I never thought I could enjoy this race...especially the last few miles.

Never say never.

I didn't get sick, I finished the race and I enjoyed every second of the journey...I flourished the last few miles and sprinted past hundreds of people.  This race was my best run to date.  I absolutely LOVED it.  I loved the energy.  I loved the scenery.  I loved my body.  I loved running.  I loved being by myself.  I loved that I was doing it...AND...I not only did it, but I loved doing it.

I finished the race in 4:21:02, which was slower than I should have done.  Honestly, I felt a little too good at the end of the race, but I didn't care because I was happy to slow myself down a bit and enjoy myself.  I think I'll take this analogy and try to apply it to my life.  I maybe didn't accomplish as much as I could have, but I definitely had more fun, which was something I never thought I could do!

13 comments:

d.r. gib said...

very inspirational, thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

You did so great! I loved being there and feeling the energy of all the runners. Now does it make you want to do another one...to see if you can improve your time?

Anonymous said...

You are an inspiration to me and our whole family! Thank you for all you do.

Hawk Family said...

Congrats on your race!! I think marathon runners are amazing and I love your attitude. Glad it was a good run!

Phipps Family said...

Hooray! You are Amazing! I can't tell you how much I am going to miss running with you. It makes me so sad to think about it. Anyway, you should be so proud of yourself you did awesome.

Linda said...

Once again you have inspired me! Great job on another great accomplishment!

Dartay said...

You are awesome girl! Congrats on finishing! I can only dream of attempting more then a 5k, you're an inspiration!

Mandi said...

Way to go! That is a huge accomplishment!

Alison B said...

wow! Congrats! That is so exciting.

Jensens said...

That is awesome, congratulations!

Shelf said...

Congratulations!! What a great accomplishment.

Patty said...

You make me cry . . (They are proud (your goals are amazing), happy, exciting, congratulating (way to endure), spiritual (thanks for your thoughts) loving TEARS!

Tiffany said...

Brit, you are my hero!! Way to go! One day I'd like to do a marathon...but I think I'll start with a 10K and drag you and Cam along! :)