On Saturday December 11, 2010, I ran my first marathon. By marathon I mean the full 26.2 mile type marathon.
I was so lucky to have my dad there with me, literally every step of the way. He has run many marathons before and is a much more experienced runner than me. But he wanted to stay by my side, no matter how slow I went. I have been training for the marathon with the support of a marathon training group at Fleet Feet Sports since August. That’s right 4 long months of hard work, all leading up to one single event. I didn’t feel prepared since my training had suffered some from numerous trips leaving me unable to finish long training runs and a six week illness I had been battling and just recently conquered (or the 2 rounds of antibiotics conquered for me). It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t pretty, but I finished. I completed the race I had worked so hard for. I can say I was extremely happy and excited to finish, but I was a little disappointed in my time. I had wanted to break 5 hours and should have been able to no problem. But due to my stomach not feeling so hot from mile 12 on, I crossed the finish line at 5:05:54. I am glad to have finished with how bad I felt.
Even with feeling bad, I had a lot of fun. I got to spend lots of quality time with my dad, who kept encouraging me to finish and let me walk whenever I needed to. I got to enjoy being outside – even though it was a little chilly and rainy, it was actually perfect weather for a marathon. I enjoyed listening to the conversations my dad had with people as we passed – I was too busy concentrating on just making it to really have full conversations with people. I enjoyed experiencing this huge accomplishment with 1100 other people from all over the United States. I enjoyed all the cheerers along the side, especially the ones blaring music. That was just the pick me up that I always seemed to need. I loved all the supporters/cheerers that came specifically for me on the course and at the finish line. My friends and family are absolutely amazing and incredibly supportive!!
One of those friends of mine couldn’t be out to watch me on Saturday. Her house is actually on the course and she had posted a special sign just for me on her garage. It said “Go Cathy Go Acts 20:24”. Acts 20:24 is actually my “theme” verse for the World Race.
This race was just one step closer to the Race I’ll be embarking on in January. I needed to prove to myself that I could do something that others might deem “impossible” or “crazy”. I needed to know that the Lord would bring me through it, and that’s exactly what He did. Not once did I feel like I wouldn’t complete the race, the Lord was with me with every step. It may have just been running a race, but it was very significant to me. It was something I needed to do to physically, mentally, and spiritually to prepare for the World Race.
If you look at the training and everything I went through, it is very similar to what the World Race will look like. My daddy being there with me every step of the way – is like Christ, God, my Daddy being there with me every step of the way, even if I’m tired and sick He will be there encouraging me to just keep going and even carrying me when I need it. The training group I was in to prepare me for the marathon – is like my home church, Bible studies, and mentors that are filling me up with great things, preparing me for what I will experience, and praying life into me. The people on the sidelines cheering – is like my supporters that have given their money and prayers so that I can accomplish this good work Christ has called me to. I would not be able to go without you guys – you are my cheerleaders and will help me continue to keep going even when times seem hard! The other runners I was running with, sharing this experience with – is like my squad (U Squad) and team (team Blue Sky) that I will be experiencing literally every step of the way with them. My friends and family cheering on the course and at the finish line – are my friends and family here that are praying for me, encouraging me, dealing with me on my hard days, speaking truth into me, being my rocks, and will be with me throughout the entire course of the Race as well as there at the finish.
11 months is a little longer than 5 hours but all the same parts are involved and needed – training, support, and then actually running the race! I am currently still in the training/preparing phase, but very soon (3 short weeks) I will begin actually running the race! I am so thankful for all my supporters and my friends and family!! I could not do this without your love, encouragement, and prayers!!!
