Sometimes you just have to finish because you can. The Bucks County Half Marathon was my second half marathon – and one I finished today. I can’t tell you it was pretty – while the park was gorgeous, my results – well, less than stunning. Does that bother me? Hell no….I’m tickled and thrilled to have finished yet another half marathon. Did I come in last? Yup…sure did, but I still finished with a smile on my face.
You see, a year ago, I couldn’t have imagined I’d be taking on endurance events — or let alone finish them! I may not be the fastest one out there, but what I’ve learned is it’s not about being fast….it’s about finishing even when you’re tired.
I’ve got 4 blisters on one foot, and the other is unscathed. Why one foot got the torture treatment, while the other was fine, I’ve got no idea. Why I didn’t give up at mile 8 – well….THAT I can tell you why….it’s about talking yourself INTO doing it…
One of my friends has a sister going through a difficult time, and I remembered that my pain was only temporary, while she didn’t get to take a break….that pushed me part of the way….another friend reminded me “I know how to finish” – and I kept that running through my brain as well….I love me some ROTE (Running of the Ears – BEST running group ever!)
When I finished my last half marathon, I thought I’d cry for sure…but I didn’t. Imagine my surprise when I started to cry at around 11.5 miles…and again at 12.5 miles today….I realized I was going to finish. IT was just me out there…seriously, everybody else had finished WAY, WAY before me…so there I was all alone still pushing myself step by step forward. I wasn’t embarrassed to be alone and last, I was proud I didn’t give up when I could have. I kept going…and I realized..I was going to make it. I was going to finish….and I was stronger than I thought…..I made it.
THe first 5 miles I felt great – and then the hills (both ups and downs) started to play havoc on my feet…I felt good again around mile 9, then mile 10 snuck up on me, and I ended up walking the last 3 miles. Previously, I’d been doing run/walk intervals….but, I finished!
*one special note, a woman I’d just met today – she had stopped with a knee problem, but then took the time to drive over to mile 10 to make sure I was safe and okay since she knew the course was pretty empty at that point…THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your kindness and concern. I was very touched by that…what an incredible feeling for someone you’ve JUST met to “watch your back” — too awesome for words. Thank you again!
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