Just a little recap and I’m done. I swear.
I promise — no more talking, writing, or dreaming about running the ½ marathon after today.
But now, simple truths and happy surprises from this Sunday:
* 21.1 kilometers is really far. I’d like to meet the Einstein that thought this would be a fun jaunt…except it was fun. Hard too, but that’s what training is for. To mentally prepare for the self-torture you willingly put yourself through.
* I set a goal that I never could have imagined accomplishing even one year ago, trained for it, and saw it done.
* The course was packed with 2200 inspiring, strong, dedicated women. They came in all ages, shapes, and sizes, and they were all following through on a commitment.
* The ½ marathon goddesses, the ones that break sound barriers and finish in 1h20m, took moments to nod or share encouragement with their fellow runners – specifically the pokier ones >>>>> insert my face here.
* D is the best pit crew and helped me prepare for race day. Driving home yesterday he confessed that he was relieved it was over because I was getting “a bit testy lately.” I forgive him.
* The medals, which are actually beautiful Foxy Originals necklaces, totally rock! I did it for the bling.
* My brother woke up at 6:00 am on a Sunday and drove to Toronto with his daughters to watch me start and finish.
* I got an, “I’m proud of you maman,” from my son.
* 2200 racers showed my kids and nieces that even epic (have to speak their language) achievements are possible with a little oomph.
* My best friend ran her first race in Winnipeg on the same day. A mom of 4 young children, with a husband who needs to travel for work, a job, a crazy-talented crafty gene, and all the other things she does in one day that I can’t manage in 5… and she found time to start running. I’m prouder of her than she can possibly know.
After dropping Bou off at school I drove to the lake and sat by the shore. It’s not often I sit quietly and savour my coffee. No rushing through construction zones to get home. No rushing anywhere today, I can barely manage a shuffle.
After going over how monumental it was for me to run 21k – a 44-year-old woman who started running 2 years ago as a way to manage stress, breathlessness when walking up stairs, and rising blood pressure – I understand better that there isn’t much we can’t accomplish if we truly want to.
The reasons we set out to do things aren’t always clear until the job is finished. I thought I set out to run a ½ marathon because I wanted to prove to myself that I could. It’s a little bigger than that. I can’t say I’m ever going to do it again. I might. Or not. Although I hear there’s a nice one along the ocean in Vancouver. It’s evident now that my reason for running was mainly to test my mettle. Did I have enough character and strength to do something BIG? I got my answer yesterday.
On to the next scary goal.
