Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Marathon Weekend

I don't know why, but it feels a little awkward writing a post all about me:/  I am really proud of my accomplishment, BUT I don't ever want it to come across like I'm bragging or something. If anything, I want people to know that if I can run a marathon...ANYONE can! I also want my kids to know that when you put your mind to something---you do it. It may be tough, it may be hard, but perseverance is so important. I hope and pray my kids get that. I'm not super fit or an athlete by nature. I haven't always loved to run and competition usually makes me uncomfortable. If someone would have told me a few years ago that I would run marathons, I would have thought they were completely crazy. I could never have imagined running 26.2 miles! But you know what, the more I run, the stronger I become, and the stronger I become, the longer I can go! Training is the key and I have been beyond blessed to train with three incredible ladies. With out their support and encouragement, I would never have completed this race.
Saturday morning I ran in The Charlotte Thunder Road Marathon. 
It was a BEAUTIFUL day and the weather was PERFECT for running!
At 7:35am I was on the starting line and by 7:45am I was off.
 Shane and the boys (the little ones stayed at my mom's) brought their bikes to the race, so it was quick and easy for them to get to different spots on the course. I got to see my little fan club at several mile markers and I can't tell you how good it felt to see their sweet faces during the race. To hear them yelling my name, and slap me high five as I ran by was the encouragement I needed to keep going.
I also met some really interesting runners along the way and enjoyed chatting with them as we ran side by side for bit.
Surprisingly, the hours/miles went by quickly, and before I knew it I had hit mile marker 20.
Miles 21-25 seemed to drag!
My legs were tired and I was ready to be DONE.
As soon as I hit mile 25 and 26 though the adrenaline kicked in.
Lots of people, including my sweet family, lined the streets and were cheering us on.
Crossing that finish line and realizing it was all over was indeed PURE BLISS!!!
There's nothing like it!
My first marathon took me 4 hours and 42 minutes to finish.
My second was a little faster at 4 hours and 32 minutes.
But this one I was able to set a new PR and finish in 4 hours and 15 minutes!!!
I'll take it!!








13 comments:

Sweat Is My Sanity said...

Aaahhhhh! That's so great, what a fast time. :) I'm so happy for you Jenny. You are a big inspiration. I think it's great you're documenting it, we boost eachother up and yes, it's a good lesson to teach your kids. You amaze me girl.

Kristin said...

You are amazing! Seriously, I have no idea where you find the time to do all you do!! Amazing!!! Way to go!

Bethany said...

Great job! Woot! Woot!

Elizabeth said...

You rock, Jenny...way to go!!

Courtney said...

Congratulations on a great marathon.

the hoppe pad said...

I love reading your blog! Congrats on your marathon! You did a great job and so glad you blogged about it! :)

Candy said...

Congratulations, great job!!! :)

Melanie said...

I'll take it...girl, you ROCKED it!!! Way to go! What a wonderful example you are setting for your kids of perseverance & dedication & hard work & sacrifice! You are amazing & I love the JOY on your face in the last set of pics...you look amazingly fresh for just having run 26.2 miles!!! Congratulations on a personal record & wow, you have run THREE marathons!!!

Kelly said...

Congrats!!!! You are such an inspiration!! Love the pictures - you are a beautiful lady, inside and out!

Celia Jimenez said...

Wow...who would've thought...three marathons??? Congratulations! I just have to disagree with one little statement...if you can do it anyone can...well...I barely made it around the block the other day before wheezing, using my inhaler twice, and almost passing out! I'll let you be the token marathon runner! :-) And I'll just cheer you on from the couch! You are awesome and your perseverance paid off!!!

Melissa said...

Hooray for you! I felt that same way the first time I finished a 5K and am psyching myself up for bigger finishes now. What a great lesson to teach your sweet kiddos!

Colleen said...

I loved reading this because I have my first 5k tomorrow. I'm excited about it and have been doing the couch 2 5k program for the last several weeks. I am really loving running.

Congrats on the marathon!!!

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

You are amazing!!!