It's been just over three weeks since the days start with walking my son AB to school. It's a delightful time, one spent talking about current Lego creations, reflecting on the thorny rose bushes, or him asking me if I am in fact really Wonder Woman where do I hide my suit. We also have a routine in which when he is ready, he reaches up, takes my hand and I squeeze wishes into his hand. I declare my wishes out loud - to find a new friend and be a friend, to sing loud and beautifully in music, to learn a new word, to laugh, and to know that no matter what, he is loved. Wishes change day to day depending on what his schedule holds, but always end with me squeezing all my love into his hand.
Last Friday as we set off for school I was decked out in my running gear, new hydration belt around my waist. Once the bell rang, I was going to be hitting the major milestone in marathon training and running 20 miles. 20 long miles. My longest to date had been 18 so I told myself, just two more, it's not that big of a stretch. But for anyone who has trained, its a big mental hurdle.
None of my BRF's (best running friends) were available to run with me, but as it happens, one of my BRF's husband, Joe, is also training for a marathon and he was due for 20 miles. We met at the school, chatted briefly about the route then ran off. We settled into a nice groove and the miles moved on.
Earlier that morning I posted a Facebook status that I would be running 20 miles and linking my Nike app so that friends could cheer me along as we went. Due to technical difficulties, the link didn't work and so I didn't receive any cheers. Every so often though I glanced at my phone and saw that comments were made on my Facebook status so I knew good thoughts were coming our way regardless.
We ran along and I appreciated Joe leading the conversation. Each mile that chimed on my Garmin, I told myself, only 17 more, only 12 more, only 10 more. I tried to stay in the present mile and not look ahead. Focus on the mile I am running, the next one will be there no matter what. It truly becomes a mental game. Enjoy each mile.
Walk breaks happened, pauses at the crosswalks were appreciated but we kept moving forward. Forward is a pace. We were close to the school a few miles shy of 20 so we ran out a mile then back again. My Garmin chimed, I let out a yahooo, we high-fived and took a deep breath. Done. 20 miles done. I felt good, tired but strong and happy. We stretched and chatted then I made the walk back up the ridge home. My husband was there and quickly got me a glass of water and prepared a snack for me. I sat and took another deep breath. I did it.
After an ice cold bath and beer, I read through my Facebook comments. Plenty of likes and many comments assuring me I could do it. There was one from George, who in addition to my Dad is one of the wisest, and finest men I know. I've known George forever and he always has the perfect thing to say. Enjoy the journey, he wrote. I got horizontal, feet up on pillows, compression socks on my legs and thought about just that, my journey of 20 miles, and I really did enjoy it.
I enjoyed the two bluebirds who flew across our path causing me to sing Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah over and over in my head; I enjoyed running over Tilikum Crossing, Portland's new pedestrian/bicycle/public transportation only bridge; I enjoyed the rare glance north, up the river of my beautiful city; I enjoyed the sun's reflection on Big Pink, the towering building inside of which I knew my hubs was working away; I enjoyed the tree lined streets of my neighborhood, and the lone penny that caught my eye at mile 19. I enjoyed pushing my body farther than ever and discovering the strength that comes with it.
20 miles was just one small part of this journey that I sometimes shake my head in disbelief that I am on. I never set out to run a marathon. I never expected to push my body, or my mind to this point. But I truly am enjoying it. I'm enjoying the opportunity to learn about myself, to share something so extraordinary with my sister, to accept the setbacks with the accomplishments. I am in awe of friends who have stepped up to support me with encouraging words and financial donations to Every Mother Counts; who text me messages with simple statements or inspirational scripture. I am enjoying this journey. Each mile of it, as it brings me closer to the finish line.
That Friday morning as we walked to school I reminded AB that I would be going on my longest run ever, When you sit down for lunch, I will still be running, I told him to try to help him get a sense for the time and distance. His response caught me off guard Mom, give me your hand, I am going to squeeze something into you. I have 100 gallons of energy, what is half of that, 50? ok, then I am giving you half my energy, 50 gallons of my energy. I need to keep some because I like to run outside and I need it. You can do it with my energy.
Yes I can son, and yes I did, all while enjoying the 20 mile long journey, and the many miles still ahead.
Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-A. My oh my what a wonderful day, plenty of sunshine heading my way. Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-A Wonderful feeling, what a wonderful day.
Last Friday as we set off for school I was decked out in my running gear, new hydration belt around my waist. Once the bell rang, I was going to be hitting the major milestone in marathon training and running 20 miles. 20 long miles. My longest to date had been 18 so I told myself, just two more, it's not that big of a stretch. But for anyone who has trained, its a big mental hurdle.
None of my BRF's (best running friends) were available to run with me, but as it happens, one of my BRF's husband, Joe, is also training for a marathon and he was due for 20 miles. We met at the school, chatted briefly about the route then ran off. We settled into a nice groove and the miles moved on.
Earlier that morning I posted a Facebook status that I would be running 20 miles and linking my Nike app so that friends could cheer me along as we went. Due to technical difficulties, the link didn't work and so I didn't receive any cheers. Every so often though I glanced at my phone and saw that comments were made on my Facebook status so I knew good thoughts were coming our way regardless.
We ran along and I appreciated Joe leading the conversation. Each mile that chimed on my Garmin, I told myself, only 17 more, only 12 more, only 10 more. I tried to stay in the present mile and not look ahead. Focus on the mile I am running, the next one will be there no matter what. It truly becomes a mental game. Enjoy each mile.
Walk breaks happened, pauses at the crosswalks were appreciated but we kept moving forward. Forward is a pace. We were close to the school a few miles shy of 20 so we ran out a mile then back again. My Garmin chimed, I let out a yahooo, we high-fived and took a deep breath. Done. 20 miles done. I felt good, tired but strong and happy. We stretched and chatted then I made the walk back up the ridge home. My husband was there and quickly got me a glass of water and prepared a snack for me. I sat and took another deep breath. I did it.
After an ice cold bath and beer, I read through my Facebook comments. Plenty of likes and many comments assuring me I could do it. There was one from George, who in addition to my Dad is one of the wisest, and finest men I know. I've known George forever and he always has the perfect thing to say. Enjoy the journey, he wrote. I got horizontal, feet up on pillows, compression socks on my legs and thought about just that, my journey of 20 miles, and I really did enjoy it.
I enjoyed the two bluebirds who flew across our path causing me to sing Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah over and over in my head; I enjoyed running over Tilikum Crossing, Portland's new pedestrian/bicycle/public transportation only bridge; I enjoyed the rare glance north, up the river of my beautiful city; I enjoyed the sun's reflection on Big Pink, the towering building inside of which I knew my hubs was working away; I enjoyed the tree lined streets of my neighborhood, and the lone penny that caught my eye at mile 19. I enjoyed pushing my body farther than ever and discovering the strength that comes with it.
20 miles was just one small part of this journey that I sometimes shake my head in disbelief that I am on. I never set out to run a marathon. I never expected to push my body, or my mind to this point. But I truly am enjoying it. I'm enjoying the opportunity to learn about myself, to share something so extraordinary with my sister, to accept the setbacks with the accomplishments. I am in awe of friends who have stepped up to support me with encouraging words and financial donations to Every Mother Counts; who text me messages with simple statements or inspirational scripture. I am enjoying this journey. Each mile of it, as it brings me closer to the finish line.
That Friday morning as we walked to school I reminded AB that I would be going on my longest run ever, When you sit down for lunch, I will still be running, I told him to try to help him get a sense for the time and distance. His response caught me off guard Mom, give me your hand, I am going to squeeze something into you. I have 100 gallons of energy, what is half of that, 50? ok, then I am giving you half my energy, 50 gallons of my energy. I need to keep some because I like to run outside and I need it. You can do it with my energy.
Yes I can son, and yes I did, all while enjoying the 20 mile long journey, and the many miles still ahead.
Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-A. My oh my what a wonderful day, plenty of sunshine heading my way. Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-A Wonderful feeling, what a wonderful day.