finding the finish line

March 2006, Los Angeles, California.

Running 26.2 miles seemed impossible and slightly ridiculous at the time but for some reason that year i decided i was going to do it.  i was going to run a marathon. 

i've been needing some positive thoughts to pull me through some of the easiest of runs lately (yes like 3 milers)  and so i started to rack my brain for a time in my life that i felt proud of myself. i found myself back at the finish line of that first marathon.  i recall crying at the finish line and feeling a little silly since the head of the packers were showered, changed, and out to dinner already when my two little feet made their mark at the finish.

i also remember sitting on the curb at mile 22 ready to quit, throw it all away. months of physical training, early morning runs, and sacrifices and i was ready to give it all up.  my legs hurt, i was tired, and at that moment 5 miles seemed like an ultra marathon.  my mind was playing tricks on me.  "just give up",  "22 miles is still good", "there is always next time, clearly you can't finish this one" and then out of nowhere it seemed, a small boy barely 5 years of age, sat down next to me and handed me a cup of water.  i don't think he spoke any english but his smile said it all.

i didn't think twice, i picked myself up, rid the negative thoughts from my head and crossed that finish line. holding on tight  to my pride.

so as i continue to train for IMSG i will remember that feeling, times it by 100, think only positive thoughts, and just "get r done".

oh and one more thing - a friend shared this with me in an email today and although she thought "a bit cheezy"  i found myself repeating it over and over in my head on today's early morning run (so, thank you michelle)

"God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way."