Today was my second attempt at conquering the 26.2 mile feat, the Marathon. When I chose to run Baltimore marathon, I barely had an inkling of hope that I could even survive the training again without injury or mental collapse. However, since making the decision to run, I moved to Baltimore.
Here in Baltimore, I found a home. I found friends willing to run, and if not run, support my crazy dreams, and ridiculous efforts. CJ trained some of the longest runs with me, for which I am eternally grateful. Also Frank, Everett, Gina.... there are not words for the gratitude, love and respect I hold for you. The aforementioned people are my Heroes, some of many that have touched my life. The inspiring love and drive that these people have is above and beyond what I would ever expect from an ordinary acquaintance or even most friends. I must mention Sophia, for she was the reason I attempted this marathon at all, a great friend and also an inspiration! Jessica and my parents, Allison and my other Jessica.... you are all, amazing!! Also necessities in my life.
The run: Mile 1.... oh dear god, 7:43... I'm going to die, I need to slow down... Mile 2: I feel really good... 7:22 pace..... Oh DEAR... Mile 3.... met Michael....ran the next very fast miles with him... only to PB my ten mile at 72:50... , swedish fish are amazing... wouldn't it be grand if they sold them for endurance sports with E'lytes in 'em..... Mile 11: Hey Kim!! SO awesome that everyone is out cheering... this is spectacular!!!!! Michael is falling behind and my Half marathon 13.1 mi time @ 1:36:XX??
Ok so about here, Im running essentially alone... my quads are aching a bit, already!!?....but nutritionally and cardiovascularly... still Good to Go.... (Yes I was amazed and wondering how long this would last).... Mile 14.. Mile 15... Mile 16... Holy Momma... still holding 7:30 pace and feeling pretty good... only 2 GUs left .... Am I really going to be able to maintain this pace? Mile 17 ...Mile 18... and Lake Montabella.... WOW, flat.... long, very windy, sunny.... Pain sets in.....legs are heavy.... GU time, re-dose on E'lytes... keep pushing.... hills are next.... one foot in front of the other... Mile 19... This is Where you decide who you are, as a runner, don't give up....Sign reads "Its like child birth, Keep Pushin'" Darn, they're right,.... I can do this.....
Mile 20... why am I doing this again, oh yea.... for the people in my life that have helped me be able to do this!!! :
"Dear John Gibb, I miss you, your death was unfair, unexpected..... I WILL push through for you... the pain you endured at the end of your life was unjust... for you I can be strong, for all that you gave me and taught me, I can at least do this."
"Dear Mrs. Christy, Why do diseases cripple and take away the ability to experience life, to ever run again, at all, and then to suffer until you inevitably are taken from those that love you... For you I run, because I can...
Dear Nicole, The words don't exist.... I miss you, Every day of my life that I struggle I think of you, such a beautiful life that had no right to be lost, I Will run for you, and for your family, because I am here, in part because of your love and kindness and because I Can.
Dear Veterans, of all War, but especially those of Iraq and Afghanistan, I can't even pretend to imagine that I have a clue what you've gone through to keep my life as easy as it is, that I can run down the street in safety, that I can I enjoy my freedoms, For everything that you have endured and for what you continue to endure....I am grateful and empathetic toward you and those that love you. I Will run.. because I CAN....
Dear People, because everyday in this life, the hard days and the beautiful easy days are all a gift. Because we get caught up and forget how strong we are, how lucky we are...Because I am Strong and Lucky I will Run....because I CAN....
Yes, I CAN DO THIS... everyone who has been in my life, effected my life brought me here to this point and I grateful.... Keep Going....
Mile 21... Pain in my legs quickly approaching 8/10.... heavy, weak.... refuel and keep moving forward...
Mile 22, you've felt worse... get over it.... keep it up... one foot in front of the other...body check..,.. the pain is in my muscles... lactic acid building, but still functioning like a fine tuned athlete.... thank goodness for my training partners!
Mile 23.... sweet, 5K left.... This is what counts....this is it... Boston.... dreams....being able to give back through my running.... Don't lose it now... you CAN do this...
Mile 24....How am I going to do this?... body check: legs, OUCH, heart... tired but strong.... mind... weakening...come on power through... no injuries, no sickness... you lucky girl... and a perfect fall day.... 2 miles... and runner X comes up....
"REady to take this home" Me: I hope so.... X:"Two more hills and then let it out.... you got it, you look strong! Me (thinking): I don't feel strong.... but if he can share support with me, I owe him to try.... and he's right, I got this....
Mile 25: OMG.... Im really going to run this whole thing... Im going to Make it! OUCH.... eyes filled with tears for a second..... really hurting 10/10... but upper body is ok.... heart still beating, lungs still going.... feet still landing and muscles firing coordinated... alright.. I'm alright
Mile 25.3: Am I there yet?, how much further, I can't take this... just 30 secs of walking.. NO! do it... just move your legs and you'll get there....
Mile 25.5: Really, thats it.... (wow those half marathoners look good... I am jealous!!!)
Mile 26: 1/4 mile to go... owww... can I cry???.. Nope.... Do this... too many people suffer for you to let this go now.... dreama big, nothing can stop you until you let it...
Mile 26.1: OMG.... i can see it... (trying) and NOpe... legs wont go any faster... and thats ok.... Making it....
26.2... : THANK YOU FRANK, THANK YOU EVERETT, THANK YOU CJ!!! Tears, smiles and lots of pain.... oh crap.... my legs don't work.... a few hands to hold me up .... security guards to help me balance... Halleluia!!
5 min later: Tim a PT downtown, saved the day and got me a REGEN: chocolate milk stuff.. yucky... but 15 min later... guess who could almost walk normally?? :)
2 hours later: FEED ME!!!
And here we are...
Yes, I may be nutz, but my intention is good.... and in time, I will bring this good to others... I am so thankful to my friends.... my heart could literally burst.... <3
Thank You for my LIFE... I never would have expected so much Love to be mine... <3
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