In 2013, I participated and completed my first marathon. It was a proud, exciting, happy moment! One that I will NEVER forget and wouldn't trade for anything!!!! Time followed and I was asked many times, "When will you another marathon?" I've always answered with, "For me, running a marathon is like having a baby. You usually wouldn't want to deliver a baby until you've forgotten much of the pain, etc. that goes into having a baby. Same with a marathon. I need time to forget what it took to finish that marathon." I would tell people, maybe next year, or not this time, etc. For some reason, about August last year, I kept thinking about possibly running the marathon in 2016. The BIG difference with running a marathon this time vs. 2013 is that I'm not naive and oblivious to what the training would be like, how bad it would hurt, how tired it would make me, etc. This time I know what to expect and it scares me more than it did NOT knowing, which is crazy. Also, this time I won't be in St. George when I am training the big miles. That really makes me nervous! In St. George, if you are running double-digit miles, it's super easy and convenient to go hit Hwy 18 and get your miles in. It's point to point, rather than running a circle or a there-and-back route. In Cache Valley, the last time I did a long run, I ran from Paradise, through Hyrum, through Mt. Sterling, and then Wellsville! 4 cities!!!! This time, I am training most of it by myself. However, I don't mind that a ton. I'm used to running by myself because I'm not as fast as most of the people I start the run with. I enjoy my time and it's a great way for me to strengthen my will power and mind control because I don't have anyone there to push me.
As months went by, I kept considering doing the marathon. Then, I did the Las Vegas Ragnar in November last year and I STRUGGLED! More than I ever have, I think! I really second guessed myself and put the thought out of my head. I did a couple more races but, it still never triggered the thought of doing the marathon again. Then, the change of mind happened. Backstory: the Dogtown Half Marathon & 5k were coming up in February. I didn't want to do the Half Marathon because it's quite the hilly race and I am terrible at hills. So, I decided I'd do the 5k (which is uphill the first half but, at least it was only 1.60 miles half way, rather than 6.5 miles). My friend, Amy, had agreed to do the race with me and I was feeling excited about it. Ok, so in December I submitted an entry to win a free Dogtown Half Marathon entry. I completely spaced it because I really didn't want to do it. Well, at the beginning of February I got a notification on Facebook, letting me know that myself and Amy had won a free half marathon entry! EEEEEEEK!!!!! What was I going to do?!?!!? I had a decision to make and I didn't know which race to do! I wasn't trained for a half, by any means! However, I kind of liked the idea of challenging myself and to see what I could do! Unfortunately, Amy wasn't able to do the half marathon so, I was on my own! HOLY CRAP!!!! I decided to do the half marathon. I was SUPER NERVOUS!!!!! Would I and could I complete this? So, I went to my friend Amber and asked her the brutal question to get an honest answer.....do you think I can do this? She didn't even hesitate with a yes, she knew I could do it! I came to learn that a handful of others I knew were doing it also. That helped me for sure.
Race day came and I was a ball of nerves. Luckily, I was able to pick up Amber and her friend to go to the buses together and go to the starting line. At the starting line, I also ran into my good friend's, JJ, Brittney, Dustin, Mitch, and a few others I recognized. It seems like each year they change something on the course. I don't know why that is but, it drives me crazy!!! Well, this year was no different! The starting line was in a completely different spot than where it was the first time I did the half marathon. This time you started going uphill, which is RUDE! It was a lot of rolling hills and my toes went to sleep within the first few miles. I will say that I felt happy though and I felt good. Along the way, I ran into a woman named Polli! This woman was FASCINATING!!!! She was on a mission to run 50 marathons before she turned 50! She was doing the Double Dog Dare, which is the half marathon course up and back! Hard core! Anyway, if it wasn't for her, I don't think I could've made it! We leap-frogged each other the first 3/4 of it. She was so motivating and would push me and keep me talking! Polli inspires me SO MUCH! At about mile 10, I really started to feel my lack of training. I was hurting, tired, and really down! At mile 10.75-ish you have to turn and head up this BEASTY hill! It's a horrible hill! One of those you think you're at the top, only to realize you're not! Half way up the hill, around mile 11, I was doing the ugly cry and wanted to quit. Amber and her friend Melissa had text me that they were coming back to find me. I had no idea where they'd be. Then, I got a call from Mike, who was waiting at the finish line. He was calling to see where I was. I just broke down sobbing!!!!! He then did a very naughty, naughty thing! He offered to come pick me up and take me home! WHY WOULD HE DO THAT! That was like offering alcohol to an alcoholic trying to quit drinking! I said NO! and then carried on. It wasn't pretty but, I kept moving. Around mile 12, I came upon Amber & Melissa. HALLELUJAH!!!!!! They tried to get me running but, my get up and go got up and left! I tried to run but, I was HURTING! They gave me a bulls eye person to try and pass. I just couldn't. My goal was just to finish. I am happy to say that I finished!!!!! It wasn't even my worse time either!!!! Out of all my races, besides the St. George Marathon, I was the most proud of this medal! Sure, I didn't train like I should have and didn't finish with the best time. However, I went out and did something HARD on my very own! I earned this medal and I am dang proud of it! I pushed myself beyond what I thought I was capable of! My body supported me the whole crazy way! It was in that moment that I though to myself ,"I am going to do the St. George Marathon!!!"
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