I did have one concern running this much and that was my ankle. I had surgery on it several years ago, and I didn't know how it would do. I have been praying God would strengthen it, and me. It did well during runs, but would hurt sometimes the next day. So I was thankful that it was holding up.
In the last few weeks leading up to this weekend God kept bringing the verse 2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. In place of "have" I put "WILL" . That was my prayer thru the entire race - I WILL finish the race, and I WILL keep the faith. It is funny how He works, because there is a line of running clothing with a Christian message. When I would need a little boost, someone with one of those shirts on would run by me, and I knew He was there with me.
Race Day was here, and boy was I nervous! I still couldn't believe what I was about to do. We watched the 5K the night before, and I was tearing up already. I kept trying to think this is just another training day, no big deal. Noel kept telling me you can do it because you have already done it. I was determined to finish, and I didn't care about the time.
It was an exciting race to a part of at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton. Me and 10,000 other crazy running people who are running without anything chasing us. At the start of the race they have a fighter jet flyover, which is totally cool. Before I knew it, we were off and running. It is a beautiful course, running thru areas where the Wright Bros flew and one of the first prairie airfields in the country. The coolest was the last .1 mile running the old Air Force planes call the hall of fame of Air Force fighters. Throughout the race the crowd was cheering for everyone at various spots on the race. Some of my favorites was the Air Force members who were guarding the race cheering for us, people who called out my name cheering(our names are on our babes), and the rock band playing at one spot along the race. The BEST was seeing my husband halfway thru, and to later find out he was able to get there meant even more. I did develop a blister on my heel, but I didn't want to stop, so I just kept running. I will say the longest mile was the last, but finishing was amazing. I can't explain what it was like to run that last tenth of a mile having people cheering and seeing that finish line. I am tearing up just thinking about it now. At the end you go thru stalls for your respective race, you are congratulated by a senior officer in the Air Force and they call out your name and place a medal around your neck. It is just amazing. WOW - I had just ran 13.1 miles! I FINISHED!! I even had my fastest time - a 14:53 min/mile. My goal was not only to finish, but to finish before the offical awards ceremony was to start. I did it! Noel totally surprised me at the end with 2 dozen roses and a box of dark chocolate from Godiva. I was so supportive to me for my race, and I hope I can be so much more for him in his race next month.
I decided to post a picture of me against my better judgement, because I generally do not like any of my pictures especially ones of me with no makeup. So here I am after the race with my roses and my medal.
Thank you to all who prayed for me and sent words of encouragement. I am already thinking about running a half marathon again, and maybe having the girls run with us in a 5K. Who would of thought I enjoy running. If I can do it - anyone can!!
