So I finally did it! When Joey was 18 months old, I decided to get off my fat behind and finish loosing the pregnancy weight. After I did, I decided I would run a marathon. Kevin was, well, very doubtful about it. He knew how hard it would be, and at the time I worked a full time job and had a baby and he knew it would take a lot of discipline to train. Well, he was right, and I decided to have another baby instead! Emma came a long and I didn't want to stay fat as long as I did with Joey, so I ran my first mile a week after she was born. It took 15 minutes. So Kevin called it more of a brisk walk! Whatever!!! Kathleen Clawson was in my ward in Derwood and she is an avid runner. She was excited to have a running partner and I was excited to learn from her. After many 5 am speed work outs, running trails, and obstacle courses, I decided I would sign up for my first marathon for Emma's first birthday. Kathleen and her husband Brett do the Walt Disney World Marathon every 5 years and this was their year to do it. They motivated me, helped me get good shoes, and proper training started. Even though we parted ways, we still kept in contact on our runs.
In our race packet, we got our number, a cool shirt with the Marathon logo, a disposable camera to take pictures along the race (those are being developed), and some coupons, and food.
Morning of the race 3:30 am
The race began at the Epcot parking lot. It was SOOO COLD. I began to be discouraged then because my back was hurting from the cold. There were three waves and I was in the last one. For every wave, when they shot the gun, they had fireworks as well. Brett stayed with me because he had done the half-marathon the day before so he was going to go at a slower pace. I am glad we stayed together because if I would have started alone, I would have taken off quickly and not have maintained a healthy pace. There were characters along the route of the race (Buzz, Lilo and Stitch, Mickey, Incredibles, etc) but the line was about 10 people deep for each and I thought, "Ok, either I stop to take pictures, or I stop to use the bathroom." So I decided to keep my dignity (since women were squatting on the sidelines) and use the bathroom. We went from Epcot, through the back roads, to Magic Kingdom, through Animal Kingdom, through Hollywood Studios, and ended at the Epcot parking lot again.
If you were tracking me, you would have noticed that I kept of a pace of about 12-13 minutes per mile. It was slower than I wanted (10-11 minutes) but it was really cold and I was able to run the whole time. The times you saw that was slower was bathroom breaks (not walking). It was hard enough to stop for the bathroom and I knew that if I ever walked I would have never run again.
The miles went so quickly. Brett and I both said that if we were alone, we would have been discouraged along time ago, so it was nice to have company. We had Powerade, water, protein gels, and bananas along the route to eat. At about mile 21 we decided to pick up the pace and did the mile in 10:53 but it was too early it wore us out. By mile 23, EVERYTHING hurt. I have really flat feet and every time I hit the pavement, my non-existent arch hurt, my knees, hips, and back. At this point I started to cry and felt that I just couldn't go on. But I had so many of you cheering me on, I just couldn't let you down. I said a silent prayer and asked that I could finish and be strong enough to do so. The moment I closed my prayer, I heard the Spirit loud and clear say, "I am right here." Every pain in my body went away. I felt numb except for the cold. It was amazing to be reassured that I wasn't alone. I crossed the finish line at 5 hours 39 minutes and the minute I crossed that finish line, every pain came back and so did the tears. But it was truly worth it.
"Momma got a Didgy medal" (Special Agent Oso)
When I decided the second time to do a Marathon, I made Kevin promise that he would never discourage me. Well, he ended up being really hard on me and reprimanded me if I didn't meet my weekly mileage. He was so supportive and I am so grateful that he was there to meet me at the finish line.
Kevin- "How do you feel?"
Me- "Everything hurts! I am in so much pain!" Wahh Wahh Wahh
This is Dixie and her Family ( her children
Sadee and Aidan, and her mother, Ana). Dixie came from Utah to help with the kids and so that we could spend some time together. We grew up in NYC together and have amazing memories. She pretty much saved me from myself and I will always be indebted to her.
Yateebyalublue
On Monday, we met the Clawsons at Magic Kingdom. They were starting their fun, and ours was ending. Brett got three medals (one for the Half-Marathon (13 miles), one for the Marathon (26.2) and one cause he did both). It was like being with an Olympian! Thank you guys for your inspiration, motivation, and good examples. I am down to do it again in 5 years.
Dixie is a massage therapist in UT. She gave me a massage everyday! It was awesome. Don't let that face fool you, she enjoyed every minute of it. Even though I barely had toe nails left! Whatever, toe nails are for sissies.
When we got home, I was greeted with 26 American flags on the lawn and this great Mickey poster saying "Way to Go!" Thanks Jodi and Fallon!
So there it is... 26.2 miles in a nut shell. Thank you to all for your support and encouragement. Words can't describe how loved I felt. If you asked me on Sunday if I would do it again, I would have said no, but now, its just amazing to see what your body can do and I am totally doing it again. Some of us are doing the Disneyland Half- Marathon on Labor Day weekend in Southern California. Join us!
