I have many addictive behaviors, running is one of them (and probably one of the better ones). I love feeling the wind in my hair, feeling the runners 'high', the freedom of it, even the sweat sliding down my back (gross, I know). I can't help it.
A few weeks ago, I was able to attempt my first marathon. Attempt is the keyword because it wasn't meant to be, or at least, not this time 'round. The night of my marathon, we couldn't find a place to eat so, we ended up going to Chinese.... big mistake. Have you ever heard of the Texas Two Step? Ya, I'm proficient at it now. I also didn't think about booking a hotel beforehand, something I won't forget again. We finally found a place to stay, thanks to our handy Ogden City map (and my annoying persistence).
As I got to the starting line the next morning, I realized that I was the only one wearing a blue number. I told myself it was no big deal but by the time I realized I was standing at the start of the half, it was too late. I was so mad at myself. 7 months of hard training down the drain, or so I thought. One of the officials for the race said I could still run the half, blah blah blah. I didn't want to run a half, I had already done that. I told myself, 'Oh well, what's another practice run anyway?' We started off & I will admit, I was still ticked.
As the miles passed away I finally started to look around at the beauty God had placed there for all to see. Purple painted mountains encircled us, a blue mirror lake on one side, runners in front and behind me as far as I could see. Breathtaking. As the scenery whizzed by (I like to tell myself I was going that fast) my bad mood was left behind too. I contemplated my training towards this event & reminded myself why I really run in the first place. It takes me somewhere I can't go any other way. In some way, it makes life more palpable, more real to me.
As I crossed the finish line I was ecstatic. My husband & one of my best friends, Heather, were standing there waiting for me. They both gave me a great big hug. I also got as much free jamba juice peach smoothie as I wanted & didn't even puke it up. I found another marathon in September & this time, I'm taking the shuttle!
