“I will soar on wings like eagles...I will run and not grow tired,” this was my mantra for the Chicago 2011 Marathon. How did it become my mantra? As I was calming my nerves with my legs elevated I read my friend’s post with this quote. I quickly found myself downloading the song and making it my first song on my marathon play list.
One might wonder what makes one want to run 26.20 mile. Everyone has their personal reasons, one is not better than the other. Mine has changed since I started doing marathons. I will be honest qualifying for Boston would be an incredible achievement. Now, though my wish and only wish this time was to finish. I have so many obstacles to over come some physical and some mental to which I have not found where they meet.
I have learned that I do not have to be the best at something to love it and to do it. I began on my pace of an 8:30 to 8:40 for the first half. One of my favorite parts is “Boy’s Town.” That day they were singing my song, “Born This Way.” I gave a big cheer and smiled with true happiness when I saw this! Then I began to slow my pace. I sent my husband a text at 13 and told him I was soon approaching. Randy told me “On the left at 14,” thank goodness for technology. It seemed like the longest mile. I felt my leg and knew the it -band was coming. Sometimes I just wish it were just a conditioning issue, but it is a structural issue. Three doctors told me not to run, because I would be seeing them for an injury. I had my new orthodics and I would go through any natural treatments I could to get to that day. I was there and the it- band was getting tight. To me there was no turning back. I just had to focus and tell myself “I will soar on wings like eagles...I will run and not grow tired.”
My husband asked me one time “Are you hurt?” I said nothing and we kept running. He was my strength and I knew he would understand if I was not talking. It reminded me of the days when I was the one asking him “Are you hurt?” and receiving the silent answer back. Once it truly hit and I can’t tell you at which mile exactly but my left leg stiffens and it loses it’s range of motion. I must push off more with my right leg and work on my breathing. Why???? Because I LOVE to run!
The Susan G. Komen spectator area at around 23 makes you realize that there is so much more to life. This is just a temporary pain and for others it will be a life time. The sight of all the pink just invigorates you and gives you a sense of hope. A hope for others that there is support out there for cancer patients and survivors.
Finally, mile 25.20 is such a celebration with Nike. There is so much cheering from the crowd and the words that just 1 mile left makes any pain disappear. I had to remind myself that Chicago is flat but the last 800 meters is uphill. I took out my tight ponytail and let my long hair down. I never run with my hair down, but now was the time. I felt free and I felt alive, and I did not know if I would ever find myself in this situation again. I saw that sign that said 400 meters and I was smiling. I knew I had achieved my goal. Did I finish with a boston qualifying time? No. Did I set a personal record? No. Will I proudly say I finished in 4:04? YES, because I did NOT stop even when others told me to.
Whatever your dream is let no one stand in the way. Lift someone up and encourage them. When the obstacles seem to big, picture this... “I will soar on wings like eagles...I will run and not grow tired.”
