Sunday, November 14, 2010

22 Miles to Glory

Yesterday was an amazing day for me!  A day of validation for all of my hard work over the past six months! 

I began my Saturday as I do every week.  The alarm jolted me at 3:30 a.m.  Drank my coffee, twice.  Inhaled my peanut butter and waffle.  Packed my bag, loaded the cooler with water and Gatorade, layered up for the brisk morning run and headed out to the lake.

It was our last really long run before my marathon in three weeks.  Twenty-two miles!  No excuses, no fear, no quitting.  I am taking charge of my plan by qualifying for the Boston Marathon and the only way to reach my goal is to fight through the pain, do the work and get to the finish line.

I've had some pains show up recently in my toe (you don't realize how important toes are until you run) and in my left hamstring.  It's normal. I've been pounding the pavement for weeks!  If all I have to endure is a little pain to experience the glory of finishing, then I'll deal with the slight discomfort.

We had a great run yesterday.  I went through phases of being energized, fatigued, recharged, down, and then euphoric when I finished.  It's hard to believe that five years ago, I had this dream to complete my first marathon.  I made a plan, I did the training for what I thought was an insurmountable goal and because I followed the course for success, I did it.  Now here I am today, getting ready to run my fourth marathon.

Before I didn't believe qualifying was doable for me.  Only fast people qualify.  I saw myself as average.  I was afraid to even label myself a runner.  But when I started to do the work, I started to believe that I was fast.  I believed I could reach any goal I set my mind to. When I allowed myself the permission to dream big, I saw myself for who I really was. I am a runner.  I am fast.  I am a Boston Marathon Qualifier.  I am and I will.

I didn't have much time for rest after my run.  Instead of an ice bath, which my muscles were screaming for, I propped myself on two ice cold water bottles for the ride home.  Ah...heaven.  You do what you gotta do!

I spent the afternoon attending Beachbody training and learned that the path I'm following in my life is so clear to me now.  I finally found the perfect avenue to motivate others, keep myself at my most optimal  health and pursue my ultimate goal of staying home full time as a mom.  I know I'll get there.  That I know for sure!

Oh...remember Billy?  We met up yesterday and took this photo together.  One year ago, Billy was sitting on the couch stuffing his face with pizza.  He was unhealthy and unhappy.  Today, thanks to P90X and incredible self-improvement, Billy is a half marathon finisher!  How awesome is that?

8 comments:

ABW said...

I can't wait till the marathon, I'm excited for you!!! You are remarkable! Throw some motivation my way will ya?

Mrs. K said...

Awesome. I'll be praying for ya.

jillconyers said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jillconyers said...

Some days your blogging is exactly what I need to read (today is one of them).

Please tell Billy WTG and congratulations on his accomplishments!

Sorry about the deleted post. I hit send before I congratulated Billy.

Booyah's Momma said...

You are and you will. I love that. You can do it Rhonda!

Sounds like a great weekend. Plus, the Cowboys got a win. Doesn't get much better than that, does it?

Michael said...

You know why you will BQ? Because you know you will! You believe. I love your blog. Keep running girl!

Anonymous said...

You ROCK :) I'm so excited to hear how you do! I just following your journey towards this amazing GOAL you have !!

The Project Author said...

Motivation, Project Supermom has picked you as one of the best and has given you an award! Come see me at http://projectsupermom.blogspot.com to pick it up. Thanks for fun and interesting reads...I enjoy them so much!

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