Marathon Memories

My sister asked me to write my thoughts regarding the entire marathon experience. I am finally taking a moment to do that.

"Finishing Free"

In January of 2011, I decided I needed a goal that would test my strength (physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.) I had been running for quite some time and felt like I was in a rut. I was just going through the motions. I didn't feel like I was progressing. Also, I wanted to know that I would not have a setback in my health for pushing myself 26.2 miles. When I lived with chronic fatigue syndrome, I would try to walk a 1/4 of a mile and I would get short of breath and have to return home. I had been a runner prior to contracting the cytomyaglia virus which caused the constant fatigue for 3 years. Whenever I would exercise, I would have setbacks and have to lay down for a couple days. It was extremely discouraging. Fortunately, I was blessed with the support of my fabulous family to make the most of each day in some sort of positive way.

So, the marathon training schedule began. I wrote in my planner every Sunday how many miles were required of me during the coming week. It was not an option to miss my runs. It was a commitment. It was on my "to do" list and I was certainly going to do it. How? When? With faith in every footstep, early in the morning before the children woke up and before Ray had to go to work. When my alarm would go off, I would say "faith precedes the miracle" or "faith to move the covers" and I would get my feet on the floor and take the first step. Success in all that we do requires that first step.

After many steps of training consistently, I felt ready for Marathon day on June 18, 2011. I was very calm and steady on marathon morning. I knew that in itself was a miracle! I had asked family members to pray that I would feel that way. I did not sleep a wink the night before the big run and I had womanly issues going on with my body. When we arrived at the starting line, I was at peace. I knew we had a long way to go, but I had determined to take it slow and pace myself. I knew along the way that I would have support. I knew seeing my children, Beth, Kellie and Kristie would give me the courage to go forward. I knew before I started that I was going to finish. Quitting was never an option for me. The first 9 miles felt relaxing and stress free. It was a sunny, warm day in AK. I stayed hydrated and took potty breaks as needed. When we arrived at our first aid station, where the spectators were, I saw this huge, colorful flag waving back and forth. It was then that I knew my family was waiting for me. I knew I would be strong for them. I knew they had faith in me and I would not fail them. After hugging our family members there, we realized we wouldn't see them until mile 13. Their encouragement kept us going further and then it would be until mile 17 that our paths crossed. It was about mile 14 that I started feeling a little bored with running, so I turned on my ipod and tuned in to the tunes. The music gave me motivation and distracted my mind from the remaining mileage. I had eaten part of a power bar around mile 15 and started feeling nauseous around mile 17. Thoughts of vomiting crossed my mind, but I knew if this happened I would be delayed or possibly have to surrender my finish. I was not willing to get sick. I had vomited on two longs during my training regimen, but I felt I had figured out what caused the vomiting after doing some research. Now, I am sure the power bar had something to do with it as well. I was getting too much sugar from my sports drink, power bar and gel packets I was consuming. It takes more effort to digest the power bar while running. So, when I arrived at mile 17 and saw the beautiful cheerleading flag held by my family, I felt hopeful. I knew I could ask them to pray. That is all I said to them as we ran by: "Pray for me." Shortly after running by them and asking them to use their faith in prayer, I no longer felt nauseous at all. Do you believe in miracles? I do! Now, at mile 19, I was getting a little tired in the feet and legs, but not really sore. My muscles didn't tighten up due to our 1 minute walking breaks we took along the course so we could drink and stretch. The walking breaks were essential to our success. Just like in life, if we rush too fast, we get hurt and lose sight of our real finish line.

I kept pressing forward, listening to tunes and listening to encouragement from Ray. Mile 21 was a happy place. We saw Beth, Kellie, Kristie and the kids smiling and cheering us on. I asked them to pray again because I had never run past 20 miles before. The true test was in front of me. I realized I was a lot closer to the finish line than I was 19 miles ago. So, I might as well keep going. I thought of all my blessings and looked at the bracelet that Kellie and Kristie made for me. It said "Success" "believe in miracles" and "gratitude run." These are thoughts I had shared with them previous to the marathon event. That bracelet was a treasure. I looked at it often as I was reminded of why I was out there.

When we arrived at mile 23, I felt a little burst of speed which lasted about 2 minutes and then I went back to my slow and steady pace. I wanted to pass a few people that had been in front of Ray and I for quite a while. We did pass quite a few people during the last few miles and no one passed us the last 4 miles, so Ray was very happy about this accomplishment. Mile 24 was a tender moment for me. We had arrived by Westchester Lagoon and there stood an elderly lady holding a sign: "Leukemia survivor, thank you!" She was grateful for the "teams in training for a leukemia cure" that were out there running that day. I felt so uplifted at that point and grateful for my good health, that I steadied my strength and moved forward one step at a time. Mile 25 was a long hill that I had prepared for a few weeks prior to the marathon. I knew what to expect and that helped tremendously. I love hills and one of my favorite songs was playing on my playlist: "When I call on Jesus...all things are possible." A friend of mine from the ward brought that song to me earlier in the week. She has run 4 marathons and brought me a CD of songs about the Savior and the strength that He provides for us. I had no idea the impact that song would have on me in the last mile of my run. I knew it was because of Jesus Christ that I was running again. I knew that I was healed. I knew that I was whole and that His atonement had worked in me and allowed me to progress farther than I had ever perceived. I knew that I was about to cross the finish line and that I would be a "finisher." As we arrived on the track of West High School, I saw the finish line. Ray and I picked up the speed and ran full force to the end. I raised my arms up triumphantly and smiled. I had finished. I then received my medal from a young man in the service. We went to greet and hug our family and then I called my Mom. I remember clearly the words that I said to her, as my joy was full: "I'm free!" "I'm free!" This was my testimony to her and myself that my past illness was gone, over, done. I could truly move forward now and not doubt or fear the affliction that caused so much suffering in my past. I know the Lord does keep His promises. Through reading the scriptures, my answer was: "be patient in affliction.....and I will give unto you success." I am thankful that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ granted me success. My marathon was a gratitude run for Them and Their tender mercies.

We can all finish our righteous pursuits and be free, if we will choose to press forward with a steadfastness in Christ and have a perfect brightness of hope. I know that with God, nothing is impossible!