MY FIRST MARATHON!

The journey started Fall 2009. I started running. Why did I start running? I remember bending down at work and getting back up hurt immensely. I was 23 and my body seriously felt like it was 50. I was completely out of shape. When I started running, I was terrible. For years, I always had a goal to run a half marathon. So, for 2010, I made my goal to run not only my first one but two that year. I completed both of those.
1st - OKC - April 2010
2nd - Fayetteville - December 2010.

I then just ran for fun. I wanted to just like running instead of running to train. I did for most of the year. Then I got the itch for another long distance race... in comes the itch for the marathon!

I trained, signed up, and FINISHED!

My goal: 26.2 in 4:20
My finish (according to my watch): 26.2 in 4:20!!!!
My chip time: 26.59 in 4:23

I'm glad I have a watch... I guess I should go by the posted time but I am proud that I know I did do a full marathon in my goal time :)

Yes, I will do more. I will do more half marathons than marathons probably but I will do more marathons. The race day excitement is so addicting. I literally love it.

I also want to say a few things to anyone reading this. A marathon might sound intimidating but I want to be the first to tell you:

 YOU CAN DO IT. You can do WHATEVER you put your mind to. 

I was actually inspired to do a full because of my favorite show - The Biggest Loser. These people go from being completely inactive and overweight to completely turning their lives around. All because they have a drive, a desire, and they have support. They are running a marathon by the end of the show. If someone can go from not being able to walk a mile, to finishing a marathon, surely I can do this. I started on my journey determined to do this. 

I have fallen in love with running. I'll be honest, it took a while. However, I have to say that one of my favorite things to do, is to wake up long before sunrise and head out on a long run. It's quiet, it's peaceful. I can hear God. We talk. I have a clear mind. The world is right. I love it so much. I finish and I have such peace. I understand that some people just don't feel the same way about running. That's fine, but I want to encourage you to find that activity that allows you to let go of everything. To simply have a conversation with your Maker. To clear your mind of everything that seems to be a big deal. To push your body to limits that you didn't believe were possible. It's an amazing feeling when you take care of yourself and when you conquer goals that have endings impossible to imagine. 

I have to say also that the only way that I can complete the things I do is through Christ. Christ gives me strength. When my body is sore and tired, my Savior heals me and makes me strong again. He is my ultimate running buddy. 

I also have a wonderful earthly support system. Without the people in my life that support me, that ran with me to get me hooked on running, that follow me throughout my races, that take photos, that send encouraging words and prayers... Without these people I wouldn't be as strong. I have major blessings in my life.

 The Lord has blessed me with such support that I must share that with others. If you are reading this, I would love to run with you. You are not too slow, too out of shape, or too anything to get started. It just takes the first step!