I haven't always been.
In fact, I used to HATE it. I remember as a kid the worst day of the entire school year for me was the day we had to run the mile in gym.
I dreaded it.
I didn't mind running if I saw a purpose in it...like if I was bouncing a basketball down the court or running to save a volleyball from going out of bounds...but other than that, it seemed to be such a punishment. As a matter of fact, our coaches would use it as a punishment! Maybe that had something to do with my disdain?
But as I got older, I started to become surrounded by others who actually enjoyed it!
I always thought, "Oh that's nice for them...but I don't see myself ever liking it."
Then a funny thing happened. I started having children.
Then another funny thing happened. I quickly realized I needed to find a way to get back into shape. One that took short amounts of time, and that I could do on my own schedule. With nursing and sleepless nights I couldn't commit to exercises class anymore (which I loved) or a 20 minute drive to the gym.
So I bought some running shoes and decided to give it a try.
With some friends.
What I realized was that I actually liked it! I could go as slow as I wanted and chat with women I admire and respect. I could glean from them how to be better in far more ways than running. Since then, I have ran a lot.
I mean, A LOT.
It is the only exercise I really do consistently. Because I have grown to love it.
Over time, I started doing races. Not to win mind you, but just to feel the satisfaction of competing, pushing myself and the sheer camaraderie of others doing hard things together.
These races have kept me motivated over many years now. They have been a source of excitement and inspiration for me. They have kept me healthy so I can be the kind of wife and mother I desire to be.
Between Trev and I, we now have a whole stack of medals of varying distances and accomplishments.
They started as 5k's. Then 10k's. Then Half-Mararthons (13.1 miles) and now Marathons (26 miles).
4 of them to be exact. :)
They have also motivated my family. Trev has become a runner. He actually ran my first marathon with me. My kids run.
The kids even helped me train for my last marathon which was St. George last October. When I found out I got into the race, I told the kids if they would help me train over their summer vacations, that they could accompany me and Trev to St. George for the weekend.
That sparked a fire that got bigger and bigger as the miles they had to run/bike/walk/scooter stacked up.
So when the training was complete, we were all ready. The kids would even compete in their own Kids' 5K the night before I would run my marathon. The above pictures are from another race they did at their school. I didn't get any at the St. George race, but you get the idea. :)
They like to race. :) And just like everyone else, they particularly love the swag that comes along with it.
So our journey to St. George began. We headed down early in the day and went straight to the Running Expo and Packet pick-up. Next up, Kids Fun Run. They did a great job! They all ran it with Trev; seriously so cute and a total mom payday! So many hours spent running with them during the summer and so many "you can do it" and "Lightens can do hard things" statements - to see them work hard and enjoy their race was just so rewarding.
After visiting the expo and the kids ran their race, we drove the route up to the start of mine so I could get a visual of what was ahead of me.
The excitement and anxiety I felt was palpable. Almost suffocating at times. A perfect mix between fear and faith.
I ate well, and slept well that night. Until my alarm went off somewhere around 4:15 am and I laced up my shoes and hopped in the car. Trev dropped me off at the bus loading area and I rode the long, quiet, dark ride up to the start.
As the bus hummed along and I sat there contemplating in the dark, I noticed a lot of people putting on hats, gloves, and extra layers of running clothes. I only a sweatshirt and sweatpants. Nothing else for warmth. It was St. George after all, so I didn't think to bring winter running gear.
Watching others far better prepared for the elements only increased my nervousness.
As the bus rolled to a stop and we started to pile out, I felt the cold coming in. Then I stepped outside. It was FREEZING and SO WINDY!
First thing I thought, look for one of those silver emergency blankets and wrap up tight! Second thought was, get by a fire!
I did both of those things, and sat and waited for the race to start.
Trying to keep warm.
Pretty soon it was time to line up. I hit the Honey Bucket one last time, and then the gun went off. I began the journey. Everything about me was cold. My toes were numb for the first 5 miles. I vividly remember one girl close to me telling her friend that she needed to stop and walk within the first mile. Oh my heart ached for her. Poor thing.
There is truly nothing like a marathon. It can feel great at times and awful at others. There are people all around you and even on the sidelines encouraging you on.
The aid stations are filled with angels who will rub your sweaty, sore legs with icy-hot to keep you going and give you oranges that taste sweeter than any other time you have eaten them.
You see signs constantly. Some are more encouraging than others but all make you think as you are trying just as hard to control your mind as you are your body.
And the thrill of the last stretch running into the finish line is more amazing than words can describe. The whole thing is truly a spiritual experience for me. Such a metaphor for life. A truly powerful moment that makes you feel powerful.
Here I am, all finished, sitting on the ground because my legs won't hold me any longer. Feeling awesome about how hard I trained and that I was able to get so much closer to my goal of an "under 4 hour marathon." 4:08 was my time and I was so filled with pride about that little number. It represents so much for me.
Once I could finally stand again, I went to find my family. They were so supportive of me through all the training and even came to cheer me on towards the end. How grateful I am for them!!
As we headed for the car, I saw a flier that seems like it is at EVERY, SINGLE race I run. A few years back I ran the Provo Halloween Half Marathon. You dress up and run down Provo Canyon. The first time I did it, they took my picture. I dressed as a skeleton, and I have been their poster child ever since!
So here I am with my infamous flier. It's my one claim to fame. :)
To celebrate my race, there was one thing I wanted. Swig cookies and a Dirty Dr. Pepper. I am not a soda drinker but I had heard nothing but rave reviews about this combination. I am DEFINITELY a cookie-eater so this was the first stop on our list! :) I had been waiting for this moment for a loooonng time.
They were absolutely amazing!! My new favorite cookies for sure! Totally lived up to the hype. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
With my marathon done, and my cookie-craving satiated we headed back to a beautiful home. Trev's friend at work let us stay at his second home just outside of St. George. This is how we spent the rest of our weekend. Recuperating, rejuvenating, and recreating.
Don't be too impressed...they spent about 20 minutes reading and the rest of the time playing the XBOX. We don't have one of those. They were in heaven!
I don't think I will be doing another marathon this year, but boy if I do, I would want it to be St. George. So far I am signed up for the Salt Lake Half Marathon in April, and I am considering entering a triathlon in August.
We will see how that goes...I need a bike and some serious swim practice. The idea excites me though!
What incredible experiences running has opened up to me and my family. It is far more than exercise. That is why we are a family of runners.
