After training for over a year, injuring myself, getting back on track, and doing all of this overseas, I was finally at the start line. As I stood in the morning darkness surrounded by hundreds of excited runners, I listened to the National Anthem with new ears. I was so thankful to be there, in my shorts and tank top, ready to run 13.1 miles. The tune seemed to resonate inside of me bringing me on the verge of tears. I wasn’t about to start racing with tears in my eyes, so I bucked up. Face it, I was surrounded by Marines, it just wasn’t the time and place to start balling. At the sound of the starting gun, we were off. The first three miles were a mixture of happiness to finally be there, painfulness as I climbed up the second bridge, and a sense of accomplishment. After my racing partner stopped to use the port-a-john, I paced myself with two girls wearing Marine Semper Fi shirts who I mentally nicknamed the machines, as they just kept going and going at the same pace the entire time. I was amazed. Mile 10 brought some challenges as eating Gu (an energy gel), drinking my cup of water, and running at the same time while still keeping up with the machines was a whole lot to ask one person. At least it was for me. So let’s just say I decided to slow down a bit so I wouldn’t be wearing the Gu instead of eating it. At mile 12 the pure exhaustion hit and I had to remind myself why I was putting myself through this ridiculousness. The honest answer was I was too stubborn to quit. I put too much time and effort into it. I wanted it too badly. A new surge of energy came out of nowhere when I saw the sign for mile 13 and I could sense my husband right around the corner. He said he was sending out powerful vibes to me and I swear I felt them at that moment right when I needed them. I crossed the finish line at 2 hours and 14 minutes with a smile ear to ear. Sometimes being stubborn has its benefits.
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| Proud of my metal! |
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| Running to the finish line! |
Happy Running!
