In Medias Race

15 weeks have come and gone faster and slower than I could have imagined. I feel like my summer has been consumed by training, and now it is over. It is similar to when I studied for and took the bar exam. There is a point, when you have done all the work you can. You just have to trust the process and show up. So, Sunday, I will show up and try to enjoy the run. 

I have been privileged to train with an amazing group of people. Most of us were strangers when this started. In some respects, we still are but we now share a bond of running through downtown Oklahoma City at 5:30 a.m. in 90% humidity, soaking wet from our own perspiration. We have seen each other at our physical, and sometimes mental, worst. Most of us would never have met if not for this. I do not know if we will stay connected after this race, but I hope so. For many of us, this is our first full marathon. More than even crossing that finish line myself, I cannot wait to support these other amazing humans across the finish line or meet them when I finish. I am getting misty just thinking about it. It is a bit like summer camp. Our lives will take us different directions, but this bond will last a lifetime.

Whatever happens, Sunday will be a triumph each person attempts the race. Many of us have agreed to try and cross the finish line together. I have a feeling there will be a lot of tears, some good, some bad, fueled by exhaustion and hunger, maybe some that we won’t be able pinpoint the source. It will just be a rush of exhaustion and emotion. This has honestly been one of the best experiences of my life. Less than a year ago, I wasn’t even running. I had a near breakdown and started walking long stretches to start, which turned into jogging. One invitation from a coworker may have changed the course of my life. I was intimidated to run in groups before this invite to a small Saturday running group. I remember feeling so awkward and uncomfortable those first few months, but something made me week after week. I knew I needed a change, and I needed the motivation. I still enjoy my solo runs, but I will always run with a group once or twice a week. 

I don’t know what comes after next week, but this is just the beginning. I plan to keep running. Even if I stop running, I can’t imagine not having a fitness goal to work towards. I will stick to running for now, but visions of trail running, ultras, triathlons have started swirling through my head. I have never pushed my body this much, and I love it. My delusions of grandeur could just be the post-training euphoria.

Since Sunday, I have had all of the feelings. I am nervous and a little scared. I am excited to do this with my friends. The energy at smaller races is infectious, so I can only imagine the vibes and energy from this crowd. I am proud of myself and my friends for completing such a monumental goal. No, we have not run the race yet, but we pressed through 15 weeks of summer training.  I am also ready to have it over – to have this goal under my belt so I can move on to the next one. I am looking forward to more sleep and a more manageable workout and diet routine. I know at some point during the run, I will be more than ready for it to be over. However, I hope I remember to savor the finish and hang on to the fond memories and moments from this summer.