I thought that love for running would stick around, and the weight would stay off. But, as life happens, we know we don't always get what we want. I ended up gaining my weight back, and although I still thought I was a runner, I had quit and not even noticed.
Last year I was challenged to join Team World Vision and participate in the Rock'n Roll marathon and half marathon. My pride got the best of me, and because I had done a marathon before, I knew I could do it again. So I trained. I went running every day like I was supposed to, did most of the group runs (or at least the distances), but when it really came down to it, I wasn't really trying like I had hoped. I had trained to walk uphill, and run downhill, which isn't always helpful. I ended up with plantar fasciitis for the first time, but figured that was from the weight I had gained back. Anyways, even though I thought what I was doing was enough, it turns out on race day that it wasn't.
Race day came, and I thought I was ready. I was excited and nervous, but knew that I could finish the 26.2 miles, even if I walked more than I wanted to. I had spent the night before looking up old times and comparing them to my current times, and all was good. Or so I thought.
The morning of the race, everything went wrong. I cramped. I had to stop at the bathrooms every mile (even though I wasn't sick, I just couldn't hold my water!) and thing after thing set me back. But I wasn't about to give up. The moment of truth came when I hit the split mark, where marathon runners go straight, but half marathoners turn left. Something didn't seem right, but I had been watching the clock, and although behind, I had just hit my stride and should have still been okay time wise. But I wasn't.
The officials had closed the course just minutes before I got there, and I was rerouted to finish the half. I was devastated (which is kind of frustrating because a half is still incredible and something to be VERY proud of!) But I had set out to finish a marathon, and had donors who had supported that last mile.
I finished the race (in tears) and thought about what I was to do. People had paid to see me finish, or so I thought. So, I called home and got the greatest advice. Go finish. So I did.
I went to McAlister park and walked (at a nice, slow pace) 11.1 miles, until the sun went down. Then I went to the gym to finish my final 2. All in all, I went to bed having finished that 26.2 miles!
But what I learned is even greater. The race isn't about me! It's not about me crossing the finish line. That's just pride! The reason why I did this was to bring children in Africa clean water...and I did that!
So, I'm doing it again! This is my redemption year! But that part is just for me.
The real reason why I am running is because I believe that every person deserves clean water. I'm running for water for children in Africa, and running for their life and my life (because I need to make some changes to my health.) I'm very excited to begin this journey, but I am stepping out on faith. There is a fear in me that I will not finish, but this time, that's okay, because it's not about me. It's about the children, and I run for them.
Speaking of that...I'm running late, so I'll finish up later, but continue to follow me on this blog as I take you along my journey.
Our Northern Hills Team on race day
At the "finish" after many tears. I wasn't done yet!
