It's one of THOSE kinds of posts . . . it's long, it's mushy, and you've been warned!
After a summer of almost no running, frustration, pain, loss of identity, and going a little PSYCHO, I was more than blessed to be able to run the St. George Marathon!
While it sounds like a funny thing to call a blessing, I have good reason . . . marathons teach you an awful lot about yourself and how you view the world.
In my own personal experience, they bring me closer to my Heavenly Father and give me a new found appreciation for a lot of things.
For example, I have never been more grateful for the human body - and what mine has overcome and been able to accomplish (surgeries, babies, dumb varicose veins, and recently, a torn calf muscle and stress fractures).
I have never been more grateful for the support of my amazing husband, family and friends.
I have never been more grateful for the power of prayer and guardian angels - both of which I felt all around me as I ran.
I have never been more grateful for the beautiful landscape we have right here in Utah - majestic!
I have never been more amazed at the strong will and spirit of the everyday man and woman, and the determination that so many have to do something extraordinary!
I am touched by the camaraderie, and the kindness that others have for those who are a little down on their luck. I am touched by how many are willing to "carry" another so selflessly.
I know that this comparison is SO over-used, but it hit home so much for me during this marathon: Life really is like a marathon. We are never alone in our race - and we really need the support of others to make it to the end. We have two choices when it gets hard: Quit and give up, or dig deep and keep going! It's not an easy thing to do, but it can be done - by anyone - if you want it bad enough!
I got to experience the "heart of the race" in St. George this year - the reason that we all keep doing this to ourselves! I will never finish first (or last, hopefully), and I will never know what it's like to be in the top five runners, but those who are focused so much on that goal will never experience the race the way that I do.
I watched numerous people stop to help another, got cheered on by complete strangers, got high-fived by hundreds of spectating children, got to watch the most beautiful sunrise I've ever seen, watched people push their loved ones with disabilities in wheelchairs up giant hills, watched complete strangers link arms just to keep someone having a hard time going, and watched the human spirit and love for running conquer any challenge that marathon offered.
I finally found Joy in My Journey, and for that, I am grateful.
Thank you to all of my cute friends and family that did so much to get me out there, and that believed in me when I didn't. The care packages, the notes, the yummy treats - it was better than Christmas, and it was your love that got me through! Love you all!
(Yes, my eyes are closed - and I am beet red - and EXHAUSTED . . .
and no one said I had to look pretty after running 26.2 miles anyway . . .
and for the record, I only lost one toenail, but got PLENTY of blisters!)
While it sounds like a funny thing to call a blessing, I have good reason . . . marathons teach you an awful lot about yourself and how you view the world.
In my own personal experience, they bring me closer to my Heavenly Father and give me a new found appreciation for a lot of things.
For example, I have never been more grateful for the human body - and what mine has overcome and been able to accomplish (surgeries, babies, dumb varicose veins, and recently, a torn calf muscle and stress fractures).
I have never been more grateful for the support of my amazing husband, family and friends.
I have never been more grateful for the power of prayer and guardian angels - both of which I felt all around me as I ran.
I have never been more grateful for the beautiful landscape we have right here in Utah - majestic!
I have never been more amazed at the strong will and spirit of the everyday man and woman, and the determination that so many have to do something extraordinary!
I am touched by the camaraderie, and the kindness that others have for those who are a little down on their luck. I am touched by how many are willing to "carry" another so selflessly.
I know that this comparison is SO over-used, but it hit home so much for me during this marathon: Life really is like a marathon. We are never alone in our race - and we really need the support of others to make it to the end. We have two choices when it gets hard: Quit and give up, or dig deep and keep going! It's not an easy thing to do, but it can be done - by anyone - if you want it bad enough!
I got to experience the "heart of the race" in St. George this year - the reason that we all keep doing this to ourselves! I will never finish first (or last, hopefully), and I will never know what it's like to be in the top five runners, but those who are focused so much on that goal will never experience the race the way that I do.
I watched numerous people stop to help another, got cheered on by complete strangers, got high-fived by hundreds of spectating children, got to watch the most beautiful sunrise I've ever seen, watched people push their loved ones with disabilities in wheelchairs up giant hills, watched complete strangers link arms just to keep someone having a hard time going, and watched the human spirit and love for running conquer any challenge that marathon offered.
I finally found Joy in My Journey, and for that, I am grateful.
Thank you to all of my cute friends and family that did so much to get me out there, and that believed in me when I didn't. The care packages, the notes, the yummy treats - it was better than Christmas, and it was your love that got me through! Love you all!
(Yes, my eyes are closed - and I am beet red - and EXHAUSTED . . .and no one said I had to look pretty after running 26.2 miles anyway . . .
and for the record, I only lost one toenail, but got PLENTY of blisters!)
