"When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go."
~Carol Burnett
I had a dream... It started as a dare, and quickly became a dream. What's the difference? To me, a dream is something that has very little chance of becoming reality. The odds are stacked against it; the dream is the underdog. I've always cheered for the underdogs, and I've always believed the improbable could really happen.
My dream? To run a half-marathon. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I've always hated running. In elementary school, I was always third from last in long-distance running. I just don't think I'm built to be a runner. So, I challenged myself to meet this running demon head on.
Many obstacles blocked my path on my journey leading up to the race. Little, or no training time, lack of sleep, sick child, crazy-busy schedule, nobody to go with me, or to be at the finish line, etc. The day before the race, my friend, Brenda, said., "So many doors have closed for you. Do you ever think that maybe you shouldn't run this race?" I thought for a brief second, and said, "No." I've had those times in my life when a little voice has told me, "Not a good idea... Something is wrong; don't do it!" I've listened, and obeyed. This was different. This was more of a mocking... "You can't do this. What are you thinking? Your not in good enough shape. You hate running. You will never finish." I wasn't about to give in!!!
The morning of the race, I was up at 4 am. All set, ready to go... I opened the door to over an inch of SNOW!! Snow on October 10th?!?! Great. Slushy, icy roads, and hour and a half drive in blinding, blowing snow. Was this a sign? No, just another annoying obstacle laughing at me. About 30 minutes into my drive, something happened that has NEVER happened to me in the 10 years I've been living up north. I hit a deer!
After surveying the damage, I got back into my car, very carefully due to the thick ice and snow that accumulated on my running boards, and called my husband. He was amazing, and supportive. I LOVE THAT MAN! My hands stopped shaking, and I started to see the humor in it all. Nothing was going to stop me... THE RACE MUST GO ON!
I made it to Ashland, found a parking spot after a few attempts, and headed through wind and snow to get my racing number. Took a school bus to the starting line. "Geesh, this sure seems like a long ride! I've got to run all the way back? What did I get myself into?" Off the bus, and into the shed to retrieve my timing chip. One hour until race time. Suddenly I noticed something. The snow... it stopped. The sun was shining! "Thank you God! You allowed Satan to tempt me. He wanted me to quit, but I never did. Thank you for the sunshine!!"
Many thoughts ran through my head during the race. Some doubt crept in, but I quickly gave it the boot, and concentrated on the beauty around me, and breathing. Miles 1-5 were challenging. I felt like my lungs were trying to keep up. It was so cold! Miles 6-9 were great. I was actually jogging more than walking, for the first time in my life! "Woo hoo!! If only my Phy. Ed. teacher from school could see me now!"
Suddenly, at mile 10, I hit a huge, unbreakable wall. It felt like my legs were filled with cement. Cramps that began at mile 5 were hard to ignore. People were walking faster than I could jog. Now, some of THAT is due to the tools I was born with. My legs... are short! I watched long-legged people breeze by. NOT FAIR!! I have to take twice as many steps, at least! And my huge leg muscles... I'd like to see them run a race with 10 pound weights on their thighs! Anyway, back to the race...
At mile 12, a kind lady handed me water at the hydration station. "I died back at mile 10," I told her, "I'm just having an out of body experience at this point." The only problem with that theory is that I don't think an out of body experience involves the amount of pain I was feeling.
Crossing the finish line was great, but having the medal put around my neck, which all finishers receive, was one of the best feelings, ever. I will never forget that moment, and to be perfectly honest, I am tearing up just telling you about it. My dream had come true. That, my friends, is priceless.
The hour and a half ride home was filled with reliving moments of the race in my mind, and... coughing. Glad I was by myself. I'm not a smoker, but the ol' lungs got quite a workout. Once home, I painfully made my way to the house. Quite a sight, I'm sure. The steps were now my enemies, and every step I walked was a reminder of the 13 miles I had conquered. The steps up to my house may have been my enemies, but ibuprofen suddenly became my best friend.
As for the medal? It's around my neck, and I'm not taking it off; you can't make me! ;)
You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
3 comments:
Congratulations on your first half marathon. It is great that you have been able to overcome so many obstacles. What is next?
Well, my brother is convinced that you'll talk me into the kortelopet. I've completed the Birkie, and swore I would never do it again... I have my medal. Time will tell! I definitely want to enter 10K runs, and half-marathons, though. There's no fear factor involved in those, as in the Birkie!!!
Never say never my fleet footed friend! You may just come down with Birkie Fever...it's quite contagious and since you've had it once...well, it simply makes you more susceptible;) Thank you for sharing the journey! Whistle Stop (check;) Miss and love you! Rachel
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