So I can't believe it's all over, but it is, and I finished the TOP OF
1. WAYNE- Thanks for letting me wake you up way too early on the mornings I ran, sorry it took me so long to figure out how to do it quietly. Thanks for doing what ever it took to let me run, especially on the long runs, I know you sacrificed a lot and I really appreciate it. Thanks for driving me 40 miles so I could do my 20 miler, and thanks for being there to support me yesterday! Not only do you let me fly, but you help me to believe that I actually have wings!
2. Jamie & Nate- Thanks for agreeing to do this with me in the first place, I really needed that boost to get me going! I'm excited to do it again with you...but even more excited that the reason you couldn't do it was because you're having a baby! I'm so excited for you. Thanks for letting us come to
3.
4. All the rest of you who were encouraging and supportive, you are awesome! Family, friends, co-workers, volleyball team!
So just a few thoughts on MY
As I was running the first mile, amongst the other 2100 + runners that surrounded me, I was amazed at how we were all running, "MY MARATHON". Whether it was our first marathon, or our 21st marathon, it was "MY MARATHON", for each of us. That is one thing I've really loved about running. It is a very personal experience, the countless hours I spent running alone, I was able to better understand myself and what is important in my life. I was able to gain a more positive attitude, to help get me through the hard runs, and to realize my potential.
The second thing was how knowing that my family and friends were waiting for me at different spots along the course helped me to make it that much further. Knowing that I had to report to so many people about whether I finished or not, that kept me going. Strangers along the course were cheering me on, Young kids giving me five and telling me I could do it. Just like in life, we have people in our lives that keep us going, even when we're tired and we feel like we can't go on anymore, knowing they are there to support us helps us do just a little bit more. We are so blessed to know what awaits us after this life, that Heavenly Father will be there waiting for us, to give us all that he has if we follow His plan and do what he has asked and endure to the end.
Last was the finish line, as soon as I hit mile 25 I knew it was the next marker I would come to so I picked up my pace. When I came to the end of a block and turned left, a man told me to look ahead to see the blue marker and that was the end, I just started sprinting. I ran faster than I've ever ran before because I knew what was waiting for me. My husband, my best friend, water and I could stop running. As I crossed the finish line, I held back the tears until I hugged
It wasn't easy, but it was worth it and yep, I'll do it again! I truly believe that anyone can do this, if it is something they really want to do, and they are willing to put in the time! I would say its even more of a mental challenge that a physical challenge.
My Finish:
Chelsea's Finish:
7 comments:
Congrats Jeana! That is so amazing and rewarding for you.
Jeana you are so awesome!!! Way to go!
You are the coolest person I know! I wish I had it in me to do that! I think I would literally die after like Mile 5! You are amazing, congratulations on the great finish!! Glad to see your own blog too :) I'll keep tabs on you now haha.
So... WE DID IT! Thanks for helping me and pushing me the whole way Jeana. When I felt like a complete failure during some parts of training you helped me to feel like the exact opposite. Really Jeana you have been and always will be one of my best friends and it's because I know you see who I really am and who I can become even when I try to fight it. Thanks for inspiring me. I didn't know you recorded my finish. THANKS. We need to do something soon to celebrate...maybe go on a run? hahaha but seriously...that would be cool...and a funny way to celebrate! okay I love ya jeana...call me soon! Chels
Jeaner, holy crap. I forgot to add you to my google reader, so I kept thinking you hadn't posted anything, and I came to your blog to tell you to get with it. And lo and behold, you've been blogging all along!
I think you are AWESOME for running a marathon. And for other things too, but mostly for that.
Oh my gosh, I am SOOOOO proud of you!!! GOOD JOB! I wish I could have been there to cheer you on. You are amazing! Love ya!
Jeana-Beana, that's freaking cool. I was supposed to run my first half-marathon this weekend up in Lubbock but I got assigned to go TDY so i'll have to do it another day in Austin or San Antonio or something.
Michelle told me that she is very proud of you. She ran the St George marathon about 5 years ago and then shortly after she talked back to me so I broke her neck in our car accident. Just last weekend she ran her first race since then - just a local 5k but quite an achievement all the same coming from where she has been since then. Just last week a neurosureon told her she's not supposed to run long distances like that ever again. Kind of a bummer. All the same she can always say that she did it - and that is huge.
So as a fellow finisher she sends her great congratulations and best wishes and as a side note she snipped that she beat your time by a good 14 minutes. I see a challenge.
All our best Jeana - congratulations again.
Adam and Michelle
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