Crossing the Finish Line

Pre-race: Becca and I 

Last April, I worked my final days in a full-time position that was making me miserable.  As I left that job and waded through the aftermath of emotions that came with the experience, I contemplated what I wanted to do to be a better me.  Part of what struck me was that I wanted to be stronger.  Physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  I thought about what I could do to grow in each of those areas.  The idea of running a 5K was born.

Those of you that know me know that I have NEVER been a runner.  In junior high gym class, I ran a steady 11 minute mile (probably because I walked the half of the block that was outside the PE teacher's line of vision).  I don't particularly enjoy exercise and I'm not good at it.  But I knew having a tangible goal to work towards would be important for me, so I decided to train for a 5K race in the fall.  Two of my dear friends, Becca and Trena, both experienced in the ways of the 5K, encouraged me and trained along with me.

It was amusing sharing my goal with others.  Most people's faces registered shock, and understandably so.  I was kind of shocked, too.  It seemed weird to hear "I'm training for a 5K" coming out of my mouth.

I began training in May and it was VERY slow going.  A "Couch to 5K" app on my phone was my running companion.  As I began, it was difficult for me to run for a full minute without stopping.  I learned where I trained best (on the street rather than on a track) and where I struggled most (endurance).  There were some runs where I hurt so bad I thought I was going to have to call Brandon to come and pick me up.  But as the days went by and summer turned into fall, it got better.  My endurance increased and the cooler weather made it easier to breathe as I ran.  I registered for the Kansas City Marathon's 5K race, held on October 20th at Crown Center.  During my runs, I would often think about the journey I had been on, professionally and personally, over the last year.  The desire to overcome the oppression I had felt in that situation was a powerful motivator for me.

A friend of mine, Katie, teaches a PiYo Strength class (combination Pilates and Yoga) up at William Jewell.  I attended my first class in May.  Adding this into the routine helped build strength.  I enjoy doing PiYo with other women of similar athletic ability.  Katie is a constant encourager and inspiration to those of us who are trying to better ourselves by growing stronger and healthier.  This helped my endurance while running, too.

In the final weeks before the 5K, I struggled with feeling silly for trying and doubt that I wouldn't make it.  I still couldn't run a full 3.2 miles without stopping, and, in fact, wasn't even close.  I began running regularly with Trena or Becca, which helped.  I found having a friend along was an excellent distraction for me and I was able to push myself further on runs with company.  

When I shared my discouragement and doubt with her, Becca encouraged me to set a goal for myself, and even encouraged me to set 2 or 3 that I could work towards, so I did.  My first goal was, simply, to finish.  My second goal was to finish in less than 45 minutes.  My third goal was to be able to run the whole way.  The fear of looking inadequate among experienced runners loomed, but having these goals to work toward helped.

We picked up our race packets on October 19th.  It was quite an experience seeing all the runners who were clearly in their element.  I realized quickly that 5K runners hardly count for anything amidst the half and full marathon runners, but I felt good about being there and what I had accomplished.  I looked at my bib with my number on it.  It was pretty cool.

When my Mom passed away, the dear friend of hers, Carmen, delivered the eulogy at her funeral and gave Sarah, Jordan and I Pike's Peak finisher medals that Carmen had earned.  She attached an engraved charm that said "Love, Mom" to the medals.  The message she shared was of the hope that we have waiting for us at the heavenly finish line.  I carried my medal with me daily for about a year after Mom passed and pulled it out of my jewelry box for my 5K.  I carried it in my hand as I ran.

Becca picked me up early on race day and we headed for Crown Center.  She guided me through the pre-race ritual and said a beautiful prayer, asking God to bless our experience.  There was a chill in the air, but it was such a fun atmosphere.  Trena met us down at the starting line.  I felt so blessed to share in the moment with two close friends.  Brandon brought the kids down to cheer for me with signage to cheer me on.  What a great site it was to see them before I started my race!

I met two of my goals.  I did stop to walk briefly at about the halfway point of the race, but ran much further than I had ever been able to previously.  Becca informed me that we were going to sprint to the finish line and despite my (loud) objections, we did it.  I finished in just under 40 minutes.  It was a great feeling to cross that finish line with Becca and Trena close by and my family near, too.

Trena and I post-race

We Did It!

Did I LOVE running?  Not really.  Will I run another race?  Probably so.  There is a great sense of accomplishment that comes from meeting a goal like this one.  I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work towards this and to be able to come a stronger, healthier version of myself in a few different ways.

Post-race: Hadley got cut out of this picture (big bummer), but this is the best cheering section a girl could ask for!

Shortly after my race, Connor and Kylee participated in the Kansas City Kids' Marathon, a 1 mile run.  They had participated in their school's Running Club once a week to help train for the Kids' Marathon.  Both finished and were excited about their accomplishment, although both did remark that maybe they should have done less talking and more running at Running Club. ;)  Here they are with their finisher medals. 

Philippians 3:14: "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."