Thursday, May 7, 2009

The Marathon!!!

I cannot even begin to describe what a wonderful experience this was for me. I started training for this marathon the weekend after Thanksgiving. So, if you do the math, it took me about 4 and 1/2 months. In that time span, I have learned to both love and hate running... but I think I have ended up on the love end of it. Doing this has taught me more than just the love of running. It has taught me that I am capable of more than I think, and that it isn't all about winning or going the fastest, but doing your best and being happy while doing it. ( As Anna told me....Mama, you are not a Kenyan!)
My goal was to finish with no broken bones in my feet (which I wasn't so sure that was going to happen since I am EXTREMELY flat-footed), and to cross the finish line with a smile on my face! I accomplished both of these, thanks to my BFF, Monica, and had such a great time doing it! While this will probably be the one and only marathon for me, I will definitely keep running and I might just have a new running partner! Brian said he will do a half with me in the fall!!!!



I know we still look so fresh, but this is mile 9!

Mile 18... we had had a tough few miles!!! Thanks for the support girls!!!

Down the shoot!
Monica,
I don't even know how to say thank you to you!
You are such a wonderful friend and I am sure God has brought you into my life to show me how to be a better person. I never would have even thought about running a marathon if you hadn't suggested it! The half was going to be a push for me, but you said I could do the whole 26.2 and I believed you. Thank you for spending your Saturday mornings with me, running and talking. I don't think the training for this could have been more enjoyable!
You know you are blessed with a true friend when you are inspired to be better every time you are around them. I have that in you.
Thank you! I love you!!!

4 comments:

Mel said...

Yes, Monica! You are wonderful!!
I praise God for you. What a gift you are to my Lizzy!

Tina Foster said...

WOW Liz!!!! I'm not sure I could run 26.2 FEET! ;) That's an AMAZING accomplishment and I can only imagine what's next!
We're so excited about the Premiere Performance of "A Fly Went By" in a few days. I appreciate how you work mightily at whatever you do. Thank you!
God's continued blessings to you,
TIna

Leslie said...

We are very proud of you!!! There is no way that I would have the discipline it takes to train for a marathon.

Anonymous said...

We're so proud of you, too, Liz! Toby and I thought about you constantly the day you ran your marathon, and were so happy to hear that all went well. We love you very much, and we're so proud of everything you do.
Mom