I Committed!!!

I have had a problem committing to running a full marathon for about a year now.  To be honest I have been completely afraid and intimidated just thinking about running a marathon.  The thought of training alone, not knowing if I was disciplined enough, if my body could handle it, if I had the time…yada, yada, yada.  Injuring my IT Band in the last half I ran in January just added to my fear and doubt.  I don’t like fear. I think fear is a tool the devil uses to keep us from being our best.  I try to face my fears head on…but the marathon has just seemed so overwhelming to me.  I’ve had a hard time quieting that voice that tells me “you’re not marathon material”.

Up until 2 weeks ago, I let that voice stop me from moving past 13.1 miles.  Up until 2 weeks ago, 13.1 miles was the farthest I had ever run.  2 weeks ago I made the decision to shut that voice up and prove it wrong. So, I planned a 14mile run for Sun, March 14^th.  Sunday came and I was ready.  I was rested and refreshed and ready to run.  The run went great.  I didn’t set any time constraints for the run.  My goal was to completely run all 14 miles and I did.  I felt great the whole time, so great that I ran an extra mile turning it into an official 15miler!! I did stop two times to stretch. My hamstrings were so tight!  I ran 15 miles in 2:29....pleasantly surprised me.  After finishing that run, I, for the first time felt that running a marathon was possible.  Maybe it was all those crazy running endorphins! Who knows! I don’t really care….I quieted that voice.  I have a peace that only comes from God.  Now I hear a different voice when I think about running a marathon, this voice says “You are more than a conqueror”.

So I started searching for a marathon to register for.  I prayed about it and told God that I was committed.  I think sometimes you just have to say it out loud so that your ears can hear you commit.  I wanted God to know, but more than that I wanted the devil to know that I was no longer scared and that his small voice of defeat and doubt would no longer be welcome!!!

The very next day was the first No Boundaries group run.  One of the other coaches, the wife of the ultra-marathoner, ultra-rock star, Kelly, approached me and asked if I would run the Rocket City Marathon with her this December.  I wanted to turn around and make sure she wasn’t talking to someone behind me…I was a little dumbfounded.  She just met me two weeks prior to this.  Asking someone to commit to run a marathon with you is serious business, like asking someone to go steady. If ever I knew that this was a confirmation from God that I could do it….this was! After I picked my jaw up off the ground I think I stammered…a dopey.... “uh-huh”.  Then I mumbled something about being honored that she would even ask me I’m sure I probably said something stupid and inappropriate as I do when I get nervous.  Inside I was screaming and jumping for joy! I will not be training alone for my first marathon!!!! Not only that, but I will be training with someone who is extremely knowledgeable about marathon training!!! Are you kidding God!!! This rocks!! Not only an answer to my prayers but completely exceeded my expectations!!! 

♥Another HUGE commitment I am proud of today is our 8 year wedding anniversary!!  I am blessed to be married to such a loving and devoted husband and father!

  Notice how tall Hubby is.....weird huh? They actually had him stand on a step!!LOL!! I'm totally Amazon woman next to him!

My beautiful step-daughter was the flower girl and that is Little Prince, the ring bearer(we did things a little backwards).

This is what Hubby sent to the office today:

 Total Brownie Points!! 

 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

So now I want to know...how did you feel when you committed to your first Marathon?

If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I love reading your comments and feedback!

Grace and peace,