#3320 goes 26.2

Laura and I enjoying the victory (finishing our first marathon) and living to tell about it.

5 years ago, I was a gym treadmill trotter. It was safe and empowering. I started running because that's what my friends were (and still are) doing. I watched them run a marathon or two and was amazed at the people crossing the finish line. They were old, young, tall, short, slender and plump. Some had children greeting them at the finish line and others ran across with a friend by their side. There were runners with disabilities and some with chiseled physiques. Despite their differences, they all had at least one thing in common. They all set a goal and worked hard to accomplish it. I was in awe. In fact, standing at the finish line makes me cry like a baby. It's one of the most amazing things to watch--to see the spirit and the mortal body work together to succeed.

Then it happened . . .I signed up for a 5K and started running the neighborhoods up the hill from my condo. Each day I'd add a block to my run. It was hard, but it made me feel SO good. The next year, I signed up for a 1/2 marathon and bought a running belt. I ran 5 half marathons over the next few years and felt confident that 13 miles was my limit. 26 just seemed out of my reach (and CRAZY). 6 months ago, Laura convinced me to sign up for a full 26.2 and Tasha joined in the fun. Ever since then, I've been running during the work day when it's warmest. I have spent some time doing strength training. I've read running magazines and any running book I could get my hands on. We have run in rain, wind, snow and sleet. Early Saturday mornings were dedicated to long runs and I've been picking Jeff's brain for veteran tips along the way. I even got myself into a size 8 pair of jeans. PRAISE be!!!

If you don't want to read the boring details, feel free to skip this paragraph, but I want to remember and be able to look back on this experience. Friday evening, Laura and I drove to Ogden. We picked up our bibs and ate plain pasta (with spray butter, of course) in our hotel beds. The dang room was SO hot!!! I don't think either of us slept well and the 4am alarm seemed to come awfully early. We met Tasha in the lobby and boarded the bus. After waiting at the start wrapped in blankets, reading Us Weekly and standing in p.O.poTTY lines, we assumed our positions. Laura ran with us for just a couple of miles and then took off. Tasha and I were determined to finish together--knowing we would have a hard time alone. It turned out to be a beautiful day. This was an especially great blessing, as we've had a full week of rain. The course was gorgeous and we took special care to keep hydrated and full of energy. I think this was Tasha's best run. She was strong and consistent. I felt a little off for the first half of the race, but after the mid-point I knew we could do it and gained some momentum. We met some fun people along the way and finished strong. The best part was definitely the last stretch when we could see the temple and the finish line. Knowing that our families were waiting for us was especially wonderful.

This is my sweaty self post-race. I've been wearing my metal ever since (okay, not really).
I've learned a few things about myself over the last 6 months. I've learned that I am strong--mentally and physically. I've learned that I have weaknesses, but they can be overcome with hard work and the encouragement of others. I've learned that life isn't about winning--it's about trying. I've learned that I can do hard things. I've learned that my body is healthy and that's more important than looking like a Kardashian. I've learned that if I can run 26.2 miles, anyone can.

To all of my friends and family who have encouraged and supported, my heartfelt thanks. You will never know how much I love and appreciate your patience and kindness.