In 25 days I will be running my very first marathon. What a gift that it will be at the NYC Marathon. My running journey started in Jan. 2022. I was burnt out, overworked, and just not in a good place physically or mentally. Aside from working and running a small business, I was homeschooling my kids and carrying much of the burden at home as a military wife. I needed an outlet. I decided to pick up running because I was too self-conscious to pick up weights in a gym full of people. I also started running because I love being outdoors.
I started with no real goal other than to keep moving and have a few precious moments to myself. There was no real plan to run any races, lose a certain amount of weight, or even be fast. But, as time went on, I felt like I needed a challenge and to work towards something specific so that I would remain consistent. I signed up for the Dec. 2022 OUC Half Marathon in Orlando.
Most of training I did alone. I started off with the shoes I had and my Apple Watch. I didn’t even own headphones at the time, so I would borrow my husband’s. I downloaded a free training plan from the Nike Run app. I didn’t know much about pace and running zones, or to carry gels or some kind of fuel for longer runs. I started with what I had and my knowledge base grew over time.
The day of my first race I was sick. I had flu-like symptoms. Any normal person would’ve been smart enough to sit it out. I decided to still run, feeling like I had put in too much work to not see things through. Having also struggled my entire life feeling like I never have something to show for my hard work, I felt like not running the race was not an option. So I ran. It was difficult and not pretty, but I ran the course and crossed the finish line. The recovery afterwards was brutal and I will never run another race sick again, but I learned something that day for the first time at 33 years old: I can do hard things. I am capable of more than I give myself credit for.
Running has been an incredible gift. The sport and its community has enriched my life in ways I never imagined it would. I am healthier and stronger, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Not every run goes according to plan, but the work is never ever wasted.
If you’ve read this far, thank you. I share all of this because one way I have chosen to pay it forward is by running with Team for Kids at the NYC Marathon. I committed to raise crucial funds that support vital running and community programs for youth in underserved communities. As a mother to 5 boys, I know all too well the massive financial commitment it takes to have kids in any kind of sport. While my family is fortunate enough to have the means that allow my kids to have access to these opportunities, not every family can say the same.
I am just over 12 hours away from my fundraising deadline. I am not giving up yet. Please consider donating via the link below. Thank you in advance for your support.
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