Run Girls Run!

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!!

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Comments

[Mitch]

Way to go!

This is an awesome accomplishment!

You learned things about yourself that are priceless!

That's a beautiful thing.

So... what's next?

[Amy Sandvold]

I keep thinking about race day and about the positive energy and support. You could literally "feel the positive energy..." 5,000 people, mobbed together, music playing, side-by-side. We were in it together! It was all about support at different levels...my husband for getting up with all of our kids when I am out running before dawn...my friend Kasey who runs with me every day, thinking each morning about how 2 hours away, Angela, Jocelyn and Shannon are up and running, too...talking with my husband about the right kind of shoes and the importance of short runs, my father-in-law and sister-in-law about "GU and Sport Beans." I want to bring that positive energy to work with me! Since I have been running, I am a better teacher and person. I start each day energized, positive, and ready to teach. Thanks, ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -Amy (ABCCoach)

[Deb Olson]

Outstanding! I am proud of you and accomplishing your goal; I know how hard it was in the end. Your story made me think of how the little accomplishments along the way lead to bigger and bigger things; such as a reluctant learner where you find the right trigger and they are totally utterly engaged.

[Angela Maiers]

Right on friend! I thought the exact same thing. I absolutely felt the energy oozing from everywhere. If we could support one another in our work by spreading positivity and inspiration, we would all be better workers, friends, and citizens. There are no words to describe how it felt to be that supported. What a amazing thing to bring back to the people in my life! I am so glad you were there with me!

[Angela Maiers]

Mitch-thanks you much for the support. I am ready for anything and everything now! I can not wait for the next run!

[Angela Maiers]

Deb,the Japanese have a great word for little accomplishments leading to big gains. It is called kaizen. Your post is a reminder of how every little, even pain staking steps move you closer to the finish line. Thanks for the support! Kaizen friend!

[Kent A.]

Congratulations on proving what can be done! It is showing that toughness and the ability to stick through rough times. You have the knowledge you can achieve anything you can set your mind to. Great job!

[Angela Maiers]

Kent, your story is an inspiration to me and a testament to the capacity for anyone to achieve anything they set their mind to. Thanks for the encouraging words, and keep up the pace!

[Shannon]

What a sense of accomplishment! I love you girls and am so thankful for this whole experience! Like you said Angela, no one can ever take this away from us! I really needed that in the middle of the run! Jocelyn, I love your energy and persistance. You always believed in me, and always have patience with my quirks. Thanks! Then when we were done, Amy said no one could get up and do what you did today. That was so powerful to me! All of the training was worth it! I'm glad I met Amy and Kasey! Running, it's great to start the day off with something for myself, so when I'm full I can give back to my family and classroom. Angela, "one more mile" paid off! Thanks for waiting for me, pink ladies! You are the best!

[Kasey Eller]

Hey to all my runner girls!!!!! We did so awesome on our run!!! The positive energy in each of you made it so great! I never thought it possible to consider myself a real-life actual runner!!! Thanks to Amy for all of the before-dawn runs and to Angela, Shannon, and Jocelyn for running like rock stars!!!!!!!! We ARE better people for pushing through the hard times-isn't that what Angela calls, "HABITUDES"?????????? HA!! Great run ya'll!!!

[Angela Maiers]

Girls, same time next year....ABSOLUTELY WE CAN DO THIS! Kasey...we have all the right HABITUDES!!!!

[Sandy Raike]

I'm so amazingly proud of you Angela. I can totally believe you did this, because you have the attitude, belief, and faith necessary to accomplish a goal like this. You are an inspiration to me. Thank you for being who you are - an amazing woman who gives so much!!
Love you!

[Angela Maiers]

Sandy-WOW! Thank you for those words. They went straight to my heart. It takes amazing to know amazing! I am so lucky to have friends like you!

[Brianna Grant]

Running is a powerful thing - congrats on an amazing run and life changing experience! Go, Runner, go!

[Angela Maiers]

Thanks Brianna! It truly was an amazing experience. We are getting ready to go for this years race! I can not wait until the weather warms a bit and hit the road runnin!

[Amy Sandvold]

You know, we did a half marathon...next year is the FULL marathon. See you then!!!!!!! Same place, longer run. -Amy

[Angela Maiers]

Yeah, yeah....We will see. With you-anything is possible! Run, girls, run!