Half Marathon Recap

I landed at the Provo Airport on Friday evening a little wide-eyed, nervous, but feeling as ready as I was going to be. Looking back, it was a bit symbolic being in Provo, a town that held memories of a past life and here I was to conquer my impossible. I walked off the plane and within 30 seconds, I was handed a Diet Coke from Margo, my friend who drove from Las Vegas to run with me, and we were off to the packet pick-up. I chatted with her about my nerves for the next morning but felt in safe hands since this was her third half marathon. Before we knew it, it was 11 pm which was incredibly unfortunate since we had to wake up at 3 am for the race.

Yes folks, 3 am.

To run.

That next early, early, early morning, we showed up to our buses. It's a bit like your worst nightmare, really. We loaded on the bus and were shuffled off to the middle of a canyon, where we were dropped off. Margo and I looked at each other and it hit us. The only way home is to run to our car.

"Well", Margo said. "If we're going to do this....And it looks like we are....We need to just keep running".

Approaching the starting line was surreal. While 13.1 miles seems incredibly daunting, the second you take that first step, the distance lessens. I'll never forget seeing the crowd of people all winding our way through the canyon, the tunnels, and into Utah Valley. Margo and I lost each other, as we thought we would, so it was me, the pavement and strangers.

I wanted to turn to those running around me and ask why they were running. What happened to you that made you decide to do this? I couldn't help but feel we were all doing this for the same reason. We were all discovering the secret in life...That we can do the impossible things. It truly felt like we were uncovering this hidden, powerful truth.

I remember the first 8 miles flying by relatively quickly. It wasn't easy, I know that. I can vividly remember thinking "Okay, I'm glad I'm doing this but I never need to do this again". Mile 9 came and I felt my body become so physically exhausted. I felt every step of the last 4 miles. Every. Single. Step. But again, I was inspired by those around me and continually wondered what deeper challenges were being overcome that day. Divorce? Death? Insecurities? There was more there then our shoes and the road. That I could feel.

During the last 3 miles, my iPhone began beeping. I was running with it as it had my playlist on it. I discovered text messages from loved ones, each cheering me on and rooting for me. For a split second, I thought "No, I need to do this alone". I immediately felt prompted that no, I was not meant to do this alone. I don't have to do difficult things alone and it's okay to embrace the love of others! With support or without support, I was still going to cross that finish line. But why not have the cheerleaders and loved ones by my side to prop me up when I'm (literally) aching all over? It was a really poignant thought, something I'm still pondering.

I think I actually had a continual prayer going the entire race. I felt incredibly close to God during those hours. I think, in some ways, closer than I had in a while. It's beautiful how near He is in our physically and/or emotionally challenging times.

Two hours and twenty minutes later, I entered the final chute. I had done it. The finish line was rapidly approaching and my impossible journey was now achieved. I crossed the finish line, downed 10 cups of water, sent a text to loved ones that I had made it, and then the tears came. They didn't last long but oh, how proud I was.

I don't think I have ever, EVER been that proud of myself. And I continue to be. I can make myself happy. You guys, truly if I can run a half-marathon, I can do ANYTHING. It was a beautiful, empowering, spiritual moment that has brought me so much joy. I feel like that race shook up and placed all of my priorities back in their proper place and now I'm moving forward with empowerment that I don't know I could have achieved any other way.

Oh, and that thought about never having to run a half marathon again? I purchased new running shoes last night and am anxiously searching for another race :) .