Chasing Dreams

Today I did something I never imagined doing.  Something I physically did not think was possible for my body.  Today  I conquered a dream I secretly had.  A dream I refused to tell people.   A dream that I hid deep inside of me.  Today I accomplished one of the greatest goals in my life. Today I embarked in one of the hardest physical activities I have ever had to endure in my  life (and let me tell you there were definitely hard and discouraging moments today).  Today I took my physical endurance to greater heights.  Today I went BIG!

Today I ran my first marathon!  I ran the longest and hardest run I have ever been on, ran 26.2 miles! I proved I can do hard things.  Today is a day I never want to forget!

I feel as though it is a defining moment in my life of who I am.  

Just thinking about what I did this morning brings tears to my eyes.  The hard work and sacrifice paid off.  The early mornings, discouraging run, long saturdays, stomach aches, and feeble knees all paid off.  Running through the finish line was the best reward. It is a feeling that almost seems indescribable. It brought a sense of shock and disbelief that my body truly did just endure 26.2 grueling miles.  It brought a sense of joy, passion and gratitude for the healthy body I have been given.  

Today I felt like I was able to share one of my talents.  Today I felt like I inspired other people.  Today I was part of a cause that brought together many hard working, passionate, selfless and devoted individuals.  Individuals who lift each other up, who encourage each other, who truly want the best for each other.

I met strangers who are wiser beyond my years, who cared for me, who cared for my aches and pains, who wanted to help.  They gave me advice and encouraged me. Today I made friends who forever changed ME.

There is a feeling I had today that I don't believe I will ever have again.  It's that feeling I get when I am on the road times a million.  The cool breeze, clean mountain air, the sounds of a river rushing along side me, my feet gliding a crossed the asphalt, fall leaves and people cheering from all around, was almost too perfect to imagine.  The feeling was a dream.  Beyond that feeling were emotions of excitement, anxiousness, fear, joy, passion, happiness, upsets, pain, and determination.

There is no doubt in my mind that today would not have been possible without my amazing husband and family.  There were countless hours of sacrifice and encouragement on their end.  My two sisters even threw on their running shoes and ran the last 6 painful miles with me.  They wiped my tears, lifted me when I was weak and listened to me when I needed it the most.  They encouraged me and led me to the finish line.

Today was a dream.  Today was a mile marker.  Today was a day I never want to forget.  Today I went BIG!

xoxo, MO