Here it is, less than six days before I start my first marathon. Twenty-six-point-two miles of foot meeting road, mental barriers being pushed to the maximum, my body physically breaking down, sweat like I have never seen, and an empowerment that I have never experienced. I never would have dreamed when I signed up for my first trail run 5k three and a half years ago I would be here today. It has been a roller coaster of mega-fun proportions.
I have so many emotions: excitement, anxiety, nervousness, thrill, worry. Up until a few weeks ago I was only running the OKCMM half. I had the thought to switch to the full for a few weeks prior to that. After talking with a few friends that said I was a good enough runner and as long as I got my miles in I would be all right it was set. I have my running partner to really thank. Kasi pushed me. Okay, maybe not pushed, but insisted. She has the utmost confidence that I will do fine. Then it finally happened, I switched.
A click of a couple a mouse and the push of a couple buttons are easy, it was getting on a good even keel with the training that has been the difficult part. I did not push it to extravagant lengths, I just jumped on the full marathon training schedule with runs in-between. Had I not had my amazing running partner at my side I would not feel as ready as I do. Kasi has been a huge influence, inspiration, and friend these past few weeks. We have definitely kept one another on track. The Saturday we ran 20 miles I proved to myself I could actually do this, even if it hurt; especially after running 17.5 miles without anything to drink due to a misread on the Landrunner’s schedule. As a whole, that run showed me what pain was real, what pain was my mind playing trick on me, what pain I could push through, and what pain had to be immediately worked out. It is also the only 20 miler I got in for training and if I did not complete it I would not seem as prepared as I currently feel.
I am sitting here trying to work, but my attention is focused on the Boston Marathon. Watching these runners has me emotionally baffled and in awe of everything they are mentally and physically putting their bodies through: the pain, the glory, the pride, the achievement. I could not imagine being that fast. I am not built for that speed. That does not mean I am going to quit. That means I am going to push myself physically and push myself mentally until I know for an absolute, 100% fact that, THAT is my limit. The power of the brain is an astounding force and the intense will-power you put into a passion the higher the bar is going to be set and keep rising.
Here I am, at the cusp of a hill pondering what the next view will be. What will I try to conquer once I have 26.2 under my belt: ultra-marathon, triathlon…? Whatever it is, I know I will have the most amazing support. That is one thing moving to Oklahoma City has provided the best group family-like friends a runner could ever ask for. Seriously, I would not be where I am without the encouragement and strength they provide/show through their own life and racing accomplishments.
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