Somewhere along mile 17 of the Walt Disney Marathon, my quads started screaming. This was my second time running the race, so I expected to be hurting but not this soon. Just. Keep. Going. I'll be fine. That's what I kept telling myself.
You end up having many conversations with yourself during that 26.2 miles- mostly about pain. Even the slightest twinge prompts thoughts like "Is this normal? Should I stop? Why am I doing this?" But rather than fear the pain, I decided to just accept it. Other runners along the course inspired me. The back of their Tshirts had great inspirational messages. I thought about my family, friends, my clients, my boyfriend, my coaches....all of them cheering me on silently in the back of my head. I saw the smiles of the on lookers and their encouraging signs as I passed by. When Im having a tough workout and am tempted to ease up, I tell myself that it's going to hurt no matter what, whether I go all out now or hold back. So I might as well give it everything Ive got! I'll feel stronger and more accomplished afterward.
Dont hold back! Fight Fight Fight! I powered through the thigh cramping and ecstatically I crossed the finish line. I finished a half marathon in San Franscico with a time of three hours and twelve minutes in October 2008. This time, I finished the full marathon in just under five hours...four hours and forty-six minutes. It was truly one of the most satisfying steps Ive ever taken, probably because I knew that the mental strength and perseverance it takes to overcome physical pain during a race or intense workout is the same fortitude that will propel me through any of life's tough challenges. Isnt that what we're all training our minds and bodies for?
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