I did it!!! 13.1 miles in 2 hours 52 minutes! If someone had told me six months ago that I would be running a half-marathon in November, I would have laughed in their face. It’s amazing what we can do when we truly put our mind and body to it.
The training process was long, but all worthwhile and it wasn’t something I decided to do on my own. Back in early July my friend Helen approached me with the idea of training to run the half in honor of her sister-in-law, Lynn, who was recently diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. She wanted to raise money for the American Brain Tumor Association to show support for Lynn. This was the push I needed to make this dream a reality. I made my decision to run and never looked back.
A couple of months into our training I had the idea to add an honoree to my fundraising efforts. My boss’ daughter, MK, was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the young age of 14 years old. It wasn’t until after a 9 hour surgery they were blessed with the news of MK’s tumor being benign. She has now grown-up to be an amazing young woman and is a freshman at Auburn University. While MK hasn’t battled cancer, she has dealt with the numerous side effects, which come from major brain surgery and she’s handled it all with inspiring courage.
Lynn and MK have both been my inspiration throughout my days, weeks and months of training. On a morning when I just didn’t feel like getting out of the bed, I would think of Lynn and how she has fought so hard every day to beat this cancer. When I just didn’t think I could run another step, I would think of MK and all of the physical therapy she has endured over the years.
There are so many Lynn’s and MK’s out there. We all have our own trials and troubles. We all have days when we just don’t want to get out of bed. When I have days like this I think of the blessing of my health and how I should NEVER take it for granted. The stories of Lynn and MK have opened my eyes. I thank God everyday for the little things like being able hold my children, hug my husband and run down the street. This 13.1 miles has taught me many things about myself, but most of all it’s taught me to be thankful to Him for each and every moment of LIFE.
(Oh, and yes, I’m now proudly sporting the 13.1 magnet on the back of my car!)
