I’m only HALF crazy!

Lately, it seems like I have been going a mile a minute. I have been jumping from one activity to another. These past few months have been so busy, but marked by so much love and joy at the same time. This season has been one of whirlwind chaos and a roller coaster of joy.

 

I have tried to push myself to new levels. Try new things. Cause, really, I cannot think of a reason NOT to! I want to live in a “yes” spirit as often as I can. Just before Thanksgiving I was asked a crazy question, and instead of pondering it tirelessly or over-analyzing it to death, I just decided to say YES and figure everything else out later. Which leads me why I am only HALF crazy.

 

Since Thanksgiving, I have been training with these wonderful ladies, and fellow coworkers from Adventures in Missions, to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon through the Magic Kingdom and Epcot at Disney World in Orlando, FL. We all signed up, and began a short training period to prepare for the early morning run on February 24th. We had various trainings early in the morning, late at night, we did bible studies together, and of course we shopping for our costumes together. Most importantly, I was able to surround myself with some of the most encouraging and uplifting women I have ever met. During a difficult track run, they were there to cheer me on, toss me my water bottle, shout me my current time, and tell me how to soothe my sore muscles or prevent cramps. Those are my running superstar sisters. Those are my girls.

 

What I failed to consider is how hard training for a half marathon would be. Man, trying to fit those long miles into my busy, packed schedule was difficult. There were a few very late nights at the gym running 6-8 miles on the treadmill watching the boring news, just to get a good run in. I bet I have the tightest calves on the whole wide world! I became so aware of what my body could and could not do. Mostly, I told my brain what I could do. I overcame that little voice that told me I couldn’t do anymore, that I was tired, that I was cold, that it was too late at night for running, that I could never get through 13.1 miles. Cause the truth is, that I could do all of those things!

 

I am not a cry-er. Really. Or at least I thought I wasn’t. Maybe its just that it takes me a lot to cry. The situation has to really pull on my heart in the right way for me to shed a tear. Whatever the case may be, I cried A LOT on that day. For various reasons.

I cried at the start line. It was just so beautiful! There were fireworks! All of my Princesses were by my side. It was cold! But I was wearing a tank top and a tutu and more makeup than I wear on a first date! and I had to pee. I did, I had to pee so badly, but I was nervous I would miss the big start, so I just had to hold it. There was so much going through my mind. What if I passed out? What if I died? And the other runners just ran over me? What if I had to crawl across the finish line? What if I got picked up and did not finish and did not get a medal to show friends, family, coworkers, and everyone else and I would have to explain to them that I was a loser…?! Lots of irrational thoughts. So I cried. But I had my girls there, and the adrenaline was pumping. So I laughed it off, turned on my ipod, shut off all those negative thoughts, and just ran. I just started moving. One foot in front of the other. I just kept moving.

Along the way, I ended up passing more people than I ever thought possible. There were times when I was in front of my fellow sisters, and times I was behind them. I was really pumped during some stretches, and completely exhausted during others. But Disney was amazing and had characters all along the way to root us on. I met my Prince Eric and shared in a wonderful moment. He made me laugh and it was great, but I knew there was much more waiting ahead of me. I knew I was that much closer to the finish line. And by this point, I knew no matter happened, that I could make it there. I knew that I was capable of going THIRTEEN POINT ONE miles. As long as I kept moving! I might have cried somewhere in the middle of the run because I was so proud of myself making it that far. I don’t think I give myself enough credit for my achievements in life- for being a great runner, a hard worker, a beautiful traveler, an eloquent storyteller, a loyal friend, a hilarious roommate. I AM AWESOME! And you are pretty awesome, too, ya know. I bet if you run 13.1 miles in a tutu, you will come to that realization as well!

 

So, I did it. 13.1 under the belt. And what do you think I did at the finish line? Cry. You guessed it. But why not? Tears are a sign that our body cannot contain any more emotion, and it has to come out somehow. So I cried! Cause I needed that reminder of my true awesomeness. That reminder that God has created me to be a wonderful Princess, and to fly with great responsibility on my shoulders. But also that my Heavenly Father is the Prince I have always been dreaming of. And in Him I find my all. Cause life is fun, guys. It is an amazing story. So live a good one. And maybe I’ll run into you at next year’s Disney Princess Half Marathon…