In Medias Race

I am officially a marathoner! I am still processing what it means to accomplish this goal for myself. Running a marathon was something I said I would like to do “some day.” Now, some day has come and gone. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Yes, it was hot, difficult, painful, and I may have cried towards the end, but they were mostly good tears. The last six miles were incredibly difficult. We hit a long uphill incline with no shade. It lasted for 3 to 4 miles. Everyone I know who participated hated that stretch. However, I have some of the best friends in the world. My family met me around mile 20 with fresh snacks, Biofreeze and encouragement. At mile 22, another friend got up with me and had a cold energy drink waiting for me. He walked with me for about a mile until we met up with his wife who had more water and a towel. After I left them, I ran into three other friends. Finally, in the last mile, my cousin and aunt saw me and texted me the last few words of encouragement I needed. Over a month later, I still get misty-eyed remembering it.

This personal victory has provided me with an enormous confidence boost. I think I have always had this confidence; it was just dormant for a while More than that though, I was inspired by everyone around me. Everyone runs a marathon for their own reason. Some people really just love running; it is just what they do. Others need a goal to get into shape, some had something to prove to themselves or others, some dedicated their run to a family member or someone they knew from the bombing, others just wanted a challenge, and some were not really sure why they did it. I know I did it to boost my confidence, prove that I could. I did not expect to have so much fun along the way. I am sold. I don’t think I am in good enough shape to do a marathon again anytime soon, but I will run a full marathon again this spring. The Memorial Marathon will be held again at the end of April, and I plan to be there.

I do not have much more to say at this point. It took a month, but I can walk again without a limp. I need to get back on a running routine and into yoga, but otherwise, I have recovered. I am not sure what to write about next, but I know this was only the first chapter.