Friday, April 12, 2013

The Emotional Finish

Part 1: My First Marathon
Part 2: Paris Marathon Part 2

Oops! I forgot to post recommendations at the end of Part 2...so here ya go:

  • If fresh fruit is offered at stations with no waste bins - WALK.
  • Be spot on with your training. Do not skip runs if at all possible! If the weather is crap, you're just gonna have to suck it up or hit the treadmill one.
  • Again, do NOT run with a UTI.
  • Carry a phone!
  • Don't allow the tearing down of the race course to get in your head, discourage you and ruin the rest of your rest.
The last 4 miles...

Jenny continued to message me and keep me moving. My Mom also messaged me and said:
"You can do it! 
I'm choking back tears for you, 
I love you and I'm watching you! 
You're almost there!"

Here everyone was still believing I had it in me and I was thinking, "no, no I don't." I hated telling my Mom that I was walking, that I was hurting, wanting to cry and still had 3 miles to go, but that's exactly what I did. 

Mom true to form responded right back making me eat my own words and informing me:

You are strong! You will finish! Even if you do have to walk across that finish line. You're mind is giving up not your body! I think you have told me that! Kick Satan out, call him a liar and ask God toe step in and push you across that finish line. You are amazing now and always will be. No marathon whether you finish or not will ever change that. I love you! Now, I'm crying for you!

Insert EMOTIONAL BREAK DOWN here. :)

I told her: Thanks Mom. I feel pretty broken at moment.
Mom: You're not broken! You're struggling...I wish I could hug you so bad.
Me: I could really use one.

Insert more tears: 

"According to Jenny you only have 2 miles left. I'll be there waiting for you, maybe not in person but I'm here, feel you're heart beating and that's where I'm at. I'm not doing nothing else today until you finish and are safe in David's arms! I feel like jumping up and down and screaming but I'm afraid everyone will think I've lost my mind or something! You got this! I'm still watching and waiting, I will never leave you."

Insert big, big crocodile tears...

I told her thanks and the next time I messaged her it said, "I made it".


She told me, You're amazing and I'm so proud of you! You have had quiet a following on that watch me run site. If it weren't for all your supporters I don't think I would have survived it. You'll have to check it out! Everyone is cheering and crying right now! People are probably wondering what everyone is screaming about. I'm surprised we can't hear each other, everyone all over the world is making quiet the noise all because you finished!

She wasn't lying - when I finally checked Facebook, I was crying ALL over again.

My husband knew I was struggling as well and had sent me a message, "Come on, babe. Time to kick it in now. You can do this." 

For the first time, in probably my life...I said, "I can't." 
His immediate response was: "You've NEVER said can't. You CAN!"

At kilometer 39, I got a message saying we are coming towards you. At kilometer 40, a message that said, "you will see us anytime". The next thing I know is my husband and my children are there on each side of me, holding my hands, pushing me forward, encouraging me and directing me to that finish line. 


It wasn't an amazing finish. The clean up crew was there, taking everything down, no-one left to announce finishers or take their photos, no timing plate...just me, my children, my husband & the finish. I would have loved to of finished stronger, better, smiling vs crying - but I'm so thankful I finished & that my family was with me when I needed them the most. They are my world and my heart aches for those that do amazing things or crazy things which ever you choose to call it and their families are not there to see them finish. When you do something like that, especially for the first time I think the first thing you want is a familiar face and massive hug. I got all that, plus my t-shirt, medal, and food! :) My family takes GREAT care of me and I'm truly blessed to have them.

40, 108 people at the start. In the email I received it said 38, 690 were at the finish line. What does that mean exactly? Well, let me tell you.

40, 108 of us started the Paris Marathon together. 38, 690 of us finished within the 6 hour time limit. I'm betting the 1,418 more runners finished as well, just not within the time limit. I'm positive some of them did and I know that because I was one of them. 

Last recommendations:

  • Gather your supports online and off - you'll need them!
  • It's okay to cry.
  • Listen to your body.
  • Don't stop - you will regret it. The finish may not be awesome, you may not feel as accomplished as you hoped...but you WILL finish.
  • Listen to your friends that are runners - learn all you can from them.
  • Eat & drink lots of water.
  • Do NOT run with a UTI! - Hopefully, you got the point by now on that.
  • Do not choose a race with a 6 hour time limit and choose a smaller one to start with.
  • Do your very best & let God do the rest!!!
Up next...after thoughts, once the emotions, tears and tiredness subsided. 


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