I did it. I ran 26.2 miles.
Marathon number 2
It was no walk in the park. But as my Mom would say, it is in the books. 🙂
I had to carry my phone with me, so I had the wonderful opportunity to connect with my loved ones on the run.
My first call was to my Mom. I called her from the start line. My first mile would be for her. She has always been and will always be my number one running partner. I can not begin to count the number of miles we shared. Not only the miles, but the laughs, and perhaps the tears. I was proud to start out in her honor. It was also kind of cool because I was starting out a journey that was bigger then me, something where I wasn't sure of the outcome. And as she is doing the same thing with going back to school I thought who better to start my journey with. Love ya Mom!
Mile 3 went to Kena, Carlos, Charlie and Chance. I thought of you guys while I ran this mile, a man who had served in the Army ran past me. He ran strong. It reminded me of you guys and how you have served in the Navy. I appreciate your service to our country. Very proud of you. I love seeing your family grow. Love you all!
Mile 8 went to my good friend, and co-worker, Joy. I got to mile 8, looked down at my phone and saw it was 9 am. I remembered Miss Joy back in Eau Claire, working this Saturday so I could run this race. Our store opens at 9, so I gave her a call. Back when I was deciding to run 11 races it was her who suggested Grandma's Marathon. Thanks Joy. Her parents named her well, for she is the Joy at work. Working with her I have gotten to know a very awesome Lady. Your the best Joy!
Mile 9 went to my Aunt Mandie and her amazing son Nelson. The reception was a little sketchy when I called, we got disconnected at first. But once the connection went through, I got to hear little Nels voice. I love this kid. He truly is an amazing little man. I am so thrilled that his Mom, my Aunt, choose me this past school year to watch him after school. Love you Mandie and Nelson!
Mile 10 went to Mrs. Randee Carney. She left this past weekend for a mission trip in New York. I wasn't sure if I would catch her but I called anyway. I missed her, then she called me right back. When I told her what I was doing she told me to get off the phone and run! Praying that your trip is going well. Love you Randee.
Mile 11 I didn't have reception. But that mile went to Samantha, my sister and her family. Cody, Evelyn, Rich, and baby number 3 due in October. What a beautiful family. I am very excited for there new addition, but a little sad that I won't be home to see him/her. Love you guys sooo much!
Mile 12 goes out to Stephanie and Brock. (again reception was not good.) At mile 12 I ran through a crowd of cheerers, but I must say, they were a little lacking. Hands down, Stephanie you are the best cheerer in the world. She was there when I ran my 1/2 Marathon in Eau Claire. I distinctly remember her voice above the rest of the crowd. It gave me the boost at the end that I needed to finish. I just ran through the crowd today and shook my head. You are unmatched.
Mile 13, half way through the race. This one I ran for little Brother. He is no longer little. In fact I believe he is the tallest in the family. He just graduated from High school, and headed into the real world. I am very proud to call him my brother. Love ya E.
Mile 14 I ran for a good friend named Beth. She is a running expert, when I began training for my first Marathon, she was my go to Girl. She has run many races in her past and she knows what she's doing. No joke, not but a mile later who do I see?! BETH!! I saw her right there, cheering on racers! Seeing her was the best part of my run today. She gave me the biggest hug. Thanks for the encouragement Beth.
Mile 15 I ran for AMY! I was her Bunny back in my younger youth group years. It was there that I got the opportunity to befriend an amazing women. She also has a love for running and I will always cherish the miles we shared. Love ya Girl.
Mile 16 I ran for Mr. Mike Carney. Like me, this guys is a running fanatic. We also share the same die-hard, never give up attitude. He has quite the talent on the trail, and it is something that he enjoys. I texted him at mile 16, letting him know that I was "feeling it." I knew he knew what I was talking about. Thanks for believing in me, and keep running!!
Mile 17 was the mile that I had been waiting for the whole time. This mile is very special to me. I ran this mile for my sweetheart, Ryan. I knew he was at work, but I called him anyway. I chose mile 17 for him because on August 17th 2011 he took me on our first date. 🙂 Love ya Babe.
Mile 18 was a challenge. I decided to run this mile for a women I met at work. She saw me wearing my 1/2 Marathon shirt and she shared with me how she used to be a runner. I noticed she had a limp and she was using a crutch. I listened on, confused. She said that she some sort of hip aliment that caused her pain in her hip which prevented her from running. She was so discouraged, she told me to run for her. I don't even know her name, but mile 18 was for her.
Mile 20 I ran for Pops. Just past the mile marker, I swore I saw him pull away on his Harley. I love my Dad. I am so glad that he was here for my race. These last 24 hours have been interesting and I will never forget this trip. I am glad we share this memory together. I think this trip was a gift, the gift of an amazing weekend with my Dad. What an adventure. The man on the motorcycle wasn't my Dad, because while I was running the race Pops was having tire troubles……all part of the fun. I will always remember this weekend Dad, thanks for the great time. And thanks for being there at all of my races. 5 left.
Mile 23 was for my best friend April. I was kind of on my last leg at this point. My joints ached, and I was ready to be done. So as I crossed the 23 mile line I was excited to call April. I am not really sure if you all can handle the coolness that is April Degner. She is a good friend, and when I think about all the things we have been through, I thank God for a friend like here. Girl, you are pretty much a big deal. Love hug.
The last mile. This was my mile. I didn't look my best. I didn't feel my best. But it was mine.
Now that I am laying here, warm, belly full I realize what a gift I have been given. I am a runner. I am thankful for this gift and I am thankful to have been able to use it today.
Oh by the way, my official time was 4:06:43. 🙂 Wow. That is pretty incredible, considering I ran my first marathon in a time of 3:59:00 WITH training. My performance today was on an injured foot, no training and a restless night of sleep.
