I should have posted more about training here. But with the updates on facebook, it felt like overkill to write an entire blog. Especially toward the end, with the multiple crappy training runs.
Oh well. It's done. I did it! 13.1 miles! Wow! I never, ever thought I would be able to say that I had run a 1/2 marathon. In fact, just a year ago, when I started running, if you had told me I would be completing one I would have laughed at you.
Here's a brief synopsis of how it went down yesterday.
I assumed I would not sleep well Saturday night, but actually, I had one of the best night's sleep I can remember having in a very long time. My nerves really weren't as worked up as I thought they would be either, Sunday morning. That is, until the speedway came into view as we were driving in. OH MY GOSH, the cars!! Look at ALL those cars!! It was a bit chilly as we walked in and I remember thinking, "Gosh, I hope we can find the car after this is over."
It seemed a bit chaotic as we entered the infield. People everywhere. Last minute potty breaks. As we entered the track, I got a good look at the crowd of runners. WOW! My incredible husband pulled me aside for a minute and prayed over me (WHOA!) and I knew I was ready.
We started about 10 minutes late, but off we went. The first half was pretty uneventful. Flat, mostly. I've been on the Nascar track before. Years ago, we walked 3 laps around for an Autism fundraiser. Running it was pretty cool. Out of the infield, through the tunnel & into another lap around the outside of the stadium. I was feeling pretty good. Over to the dirt track, down a small hill & back and down to the dragway. Now THAT was cool! nearly 2 miles of FLAT, being right there on the track where they SPEED down with only a parachute, really, to stop them. Still feeling pretty good and we're over 1/2 way there now. But I was getting tired. Walking more than hubs or I really wanted. Up through the parking areas for RV's. Then I see it. I don't even know what to call this hill. This bad boy. Whew! I'd seen him from a distance, anyone can, when driving past. It's a steady, steep.. I mean STEEP, incline leading up to the walkway that crosses Hwy 29, closest to the intersection at Bruton Smith & 29. Oh my word! God, give me strength! Even walking, it was a brutal, uphill climb! Whew, then we were cruising down the other side. Around the outside of the stadium again, for almost the entire wraparound. Down into a steep tunnel back into the infield. Let me just stop here for a second to mention, I never realized how much "road" goes around the stadium.. WOW! Flat? Not really. VERY hilly, up & up & then slight downs. WOW! That's tough. I hate hills! I hate the tiny itty bitty slight incline on my street. These things were killer! The infield is pretty flat & we twisted our way through up. Just before mile 12 we push our way back out to the track & being the final lap, the homestretch if you will. I'm exhausted but there's no doubt I'll finish. As we come out of the last turn, way up in the distance, I can see them. First I spot "Gigantore" my friend's hubby! He's kind of hard to miss at 6'7"! Then, I see them. My babies! They are smiling, cheering, holding up signs! My babies!! One of the reasons I breathe every day! I can see the pride on their faces and it just spurs me on. I grab hubby's hand & we run across that finish line!
I did it!
Hubs was incredible! He kept me motivated, distracted, encouraged. I'm not sure I would have made it with out him. My friends & babies waiting at the finish line. They encouraged & supported me. All the friends & family who posted support & encouragement from a distance. All the ones who prayed for me. I felt it! I truly thank each & every one of you.
But the real glory. The real thanks has to go to God. He gave me the courage to do this. He gave me the strong body to train & make stronger. At times during the race, especially when I saw the monster hill, I would quote various scripture. HE gave me strength! It is through HIS grace, HIS mercy, HIS love that made this possible.
"The Lord God is my strength. HE makes me run fast like the deer. And helps me climb high mountains" ~ Habakkuk 3:19
"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." ~ Philippians 4:13
Thank you, God.
Don't ever let anyone tell you can't do something. Including yourself!
No comments:
Post a Comment