The Des Moines Marathon was held Sunday in my hometown. Normally, this would not have been a big event for me. But on Sunday, this annual event was HUGE for me.
It is on this magnificently day that I ran in and yes…completed my first marathon!!! Although my body is tired and sore, my mind and spirit are alive.
It is still hard for me to believe that less than one year ago, I was unable to conceive running 1 mile without stopping. Running was something that I told myself that I could not do, would not do, and was unable to do. I am NOT a runner; never was and never will be.
Yet, when I sit in front of teachers and children, I speak of the power of believing in yourself, seeing success, and moving through life with an "I CAN" and "I WILL DO IT" attitude. This summer one of my good friends called me on the carpet for that., As a runner she challenged me to live up to my words. I should talk the talk if I can’t walk the walk. (or in this case run the walk). We got a wonderful team of amazing women together with just a few simple training secrets: believe in ourselves, see ourselves as a runners, and take every step with an I can and I will do attitude. Several months later…I found out this stuff really does work!
Running across the finish line this morning was so much more than a physical accomplishment, it was a testament to the human mind. It was not my body that got me through the race, it was my mind. The race was won, before I put one foot on the pavement this morning.
As I reflected on this journey, the things that got me through the hardest miles, the mornings I did not want to get up at 4:30 to run, these are the things that came to mind:
- Envisionment
- Risking
- Enduring
- Persistence
- Trust
- Faith
- Friendship
- Teamwork
- Goal Setting
- Optimism
Each and every one of you have a "runners" story. A time in your life, where you have had to journey through tough and challenging times. Think about how you triumphed, what got you through the mental, physical, and emotional challenge of the work? What words are written on your slate? l Make that list. Write it down, and as you look back and celebrate "crossing the finish line", what words come to mind?
Of all the lessons we teach our children, aren’t these the most important? There are no metals, ribbons, awards, or stickers that can replace the experience of knowing that you did something challenging and got through it because you had the courage to start and the strength to finish. I am now proud to finally say: I AM A RUNNER!
I dedicate this post to "my girls": Shannon, Jocelyn, Sandy, Amy, and Kasey and my family who without your love and support, I could not have done this. Special thanks to Amy and Tom at the Runners Lounge. You beleived in me, when I still had doubt. Thanks for being there at the finish line!
*We are still not ever done with the journey-next year we will be back for 26!!
