Nine weeks ago, my younger brother Nathan decided that we should do a race together & picked a 1/2 marathon for me and a full marathon for him! Neither of us had ever ran these distances before, so it was defintely a goal to work towards. We signed up & started training for our various distances. I was extremely excited to go back to Denver for a whole weekend by myself & spend some time with Nathan doing this event. In the 9 weeks leading up to the race, I ran a 5K and two 10k's as part of my training. I felt good about the work I'd done to prepare myself for what I'd signed up for.
The race was AWESOME!!! It was definitely the hardest thing I have ever accomplished in my life though. Looking back & having several days to recover & think on the experience, I think I might actually do one of those again someday. I don't know that I'd do a FULL marathon (cause that's just plain crazy!) This particular race was fabulous, because you ran through the streets of Downtown Denver & a gorgeous park in the middle. There were bands every 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 miles throughout the race & the weather dried up (but didn't warm up much)! 
It took me 3:12:40 to run/walk the 13.1 miles of the course. When I finally crossed & got my medal, I totally started crying! I called my dear sweet schmoopy-cakes & told him I'd just finished. I think he thought I was hurt or something with all of my bawling! It was very emotional for me to have accomplished something that I would have NEVER believed possible back in May. When I was ready to quit around mile 10, I sent Shane a text telling him I was too sore & too tired... I seriously wanted to stop moving right then. Thankfully, I have the best husband on the face of the EARTH & he continually sent me very encouraging messages & words of support that helped me keep going. I honestly don't think I would have made it if he hadn't pushed me along there at the end!
After I finished, I hung out & waited for Nathan to come through from doing his 26.2 miles. While waiting, I'd asked one of the medal-hander-outter-people if there was any way I could be the one to give Nathan his medal when he finished. THANKFULLY - I found a nice guy who let me! When I saw him come through, I channeled the inner Darla in me & once again started crying when I hung the medal around his neck! I'm so glad he "convinced" me to do this race & supported me through my training.
5 comments:
Awesome post. You deserve to be proud of everything you accomplished.
Don't let up, never settle.
You stay proud of your inner Darla! She is so proud and amazed by both of you!
<3
I'm really, really excited for you and am glad Shane got to part of that inspiration near the end. These races scare the crap out of me so you are definitely the strong one!
That is so awesome Jen! Way to go! If I had known you were in Denver I would have come and cheered you on!! :)
That is Awesome to do a race like that!!! You Look FANTASTIC!! Keep it up!!
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