I am so proud of myself. Six months ago I set off to walk the whole marathon, but by January that was not looking feasible. I was so disappointed and a little part of me felt like a failure because doing the 26.2 miles was going to be my consolation prize. As a former runner, I used to look down on walking. I suffered some serious stress fractures a few years ago and was told that I needed to switch to power-walking. It took the running snob in me a long time to take walking seriously. That was until I joined the GO WOW Team and met Coach Stephanie and some powerful ladies who walked faster than many runners. They taught me valuable life lessons about real achievement, setting your own pace, and competing against yourself. I was hooked.
You know the saying that slow and steady wins the race? I saw it with my own eyes. I walked it with my own feet. My team of walkers started at the back of the pack, but we started to pass some of the runners as we hit mile 5 and mile 8. By mile 10 there were gaggles of worn out runners who could barely pick up their feet and we just strode right by them, arms pumping. * I wanted to include a photo of me doing the course, but the prices to download images are CRAZY!*
The entire race was electrifying. The crowds of spectators on the roads were so supportive ringing cow bells, shouting encouragement, and holding signs. My favorites: "kick asphalt," "may the course be with you" "Just Finish! (that's what she said)," and "Hey girl, I'm waiting for you at the finish line-Ryan Gosling."
I got teary eyed as I rounded the last mile and a sense of accomplishment washed over me. No time to sit on my laurels though, the next half marathon is in June!
20 comments:
That's awesome, sounds like a great experience
Congrats,it sounds like this was very empowering.
Congrats!!! Doesn't it feel amazing to cross that finish line? Even in pain it is a great feeling. Good luck on the next one! - Katy
There is a woman in our neighborhood that does that. I cannot believe how fast she walks. It's like superhuman.
Congrats on pushing yourself to do something new and challenging!! So was Ryan waiting at the finish line?
That sounds like a blast! What a fun memory to make!
Congrats to you and I have often found that when I have allowed myself to be enlightened from things that I was a 'snob' in viewing that it was my most empowering moment. Sounds like the same was true for you and I'm very happy for you.
Congrats on finishing! And that's what counts. :)
That is amazing. A marathon is a length that has always scared me. You should be really proud of yourself!
You go, girl! Way to get back to it
Way to go and congrats on your time!
That's excellent what a great goal. I never felt I could run a Marathon or a 1/2 but I think I could easily walk one. Thanks for the idea.
Congrats! That is amazing!
Congrats! That is amazing!
That is awesome work! Congratulations on completing the half marathon! That is amazing! You should be very proud of yourself!
That's awesome that you walked at such a fast pace! Were you doing power walking, like when you move your hips from side to side, or have they found a better method of walking really fast? I still remember the first power walker I ever saw. He was some guy in the town I grew up in and none of us knew what he was doing. He was super into it though and is still doing it today, for all I know. Of course, it's not been that long that jogging has been popular - remember the movie Anchorman? He talks about "yogging", where you run around for no reason... I used to be a runner also, and totally can relate to the running snob attitude!
Wow that's cool! You know I always wanted to try a marathon but I dunno if I would be able to finish it. I am so out of shape.
Jadey
thats amazing and congrats! i dont think i could ever finish one maybe i will try one day!
Big high five to you! Congrats. :)
WOOOOHOOO!!!! Congrats to you. I want to be like you when I grow up :)
Holy! That is amazing!! You do a lot my friend with two such young kids. So many people would never tackle a half marathon. You have every right to be proud. I'd be walking faster too if I thought there was any chance Ryan Gosling was at the finish line:)
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