“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

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 14th.  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,

13 comments:

Molly said...

I just finally committed to running a marathon a few weeks ago. I'm planning on the Rochester Full in September, but I put in for the lottery for NYC in November (highly doubt I get in). I was hesitant, but then remembered how a half marathon seemed impossible, but it wasn't. Good luck!! and enjoy your Anniversary!

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

Happy Anniversary!

Congrats on committing! When I registered for my first I was overwhelmed. With excitement. With fear. With pride. It was amazing. You'll love training for and running a marathon ... it's life changing!

Julie said...

Hi April,
First of all, Happy Anniversary!! Secondly, nice job on your 14 miler:) And finally, congrats on deciding to run your first marathon!! I am so excited for you...you are going to do great!

misszippy said...

Happy anniversary! And congrats on committing to that first marathon. You'll love the experience. When I committed to my first I think I was scared...I'd heard so many stories about hitting the wall, etc. But it was my favorite race to date!

Erica said...

Happy Anniversary and congrats to you, I have not registered for one...yet but my heart beats fast to think about registering for a 10k so I cannot imagine!

Sherri said...

Happy Anniversary and I am afraid to commit also.. Congrats on taking the BIG step! I am doing a half in June and then I hope to schedule a marathon for the fall...we will have to see!

H Love said...

Congrats! This is huge and I can so relate with your post. I am so excited for you. Yippee you can be my bloggy running buddy as we embark on ending 2010 in a BIG way!!

Stephanie said...

Congrats on your wedding anniversary, and signing up for your 1st marathon. I am running my first marathon in October and can't wait!
I had the same hesitations you did, but as soon as I signed up, I felt such a wave of happiness and pride. I was committed to doing this, and I WOULD DO THIS! I have been on cloud 9 since!
Good luck!

Tricia said...

happy anniversary and congrats on the race!

Glenn Jones said...

Congratulations on your anniversary!

This marathon fear is totally overrated. I just finished my third this past weekend. It's really pretty esy. You just put one foot in front of the other and repeat until you don't think you can go any farther. Then repeat.

Remember - it's all about finishing. If someone doubts you, invite them along!

dawn @ running the dawn said...

I just found your blog and already love it! I went through the exact same emotional journey that you describe before my first full marathon. I had run 2 half marathons and loved them, but was always thankful to not be doing the full thing. Then a friend started doing long distance running (after me begging her often) and we decided that we could do it, but ONLY together. We weren't able to do the training together since we lived in separate states, but we emailed daily reports and it really felt like I wasn't in it alone.

And yeah...running 15 miles, you're over one of the biggest hurdles. Good work and I'll enjoy following your progress towards your goal!

Irene said...

Congratulations on the marathon. I was clueless and went from 5k to marathon, instead of building up to a marathon like everyone else. WTG!

Happy Anniversary! Your photos are stunning. ;)

Wendy said...

Congrats on committing. I think it's great that you will have someone to train with. I have run w/someone during train for 2/3 marathons, and it was so helpful!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...