I never-in-a-million-years thought I would ever be able to run in a marathon. I was never a runner growing up. In fact, I was one of the slowest kids during our timed one-mile tests during my high school PE classes. I was slow. I was winded. I had no endurance.
I had done a little running while in college, but I was not a serious, long-distance runner. A little over two years ago, I decided that I needed a new goal in life. I was under a great deal of stress because of moving to a new city, parenting issues, etc., so I thought that it would be a great idea to start running. I knew it had been a great stress reliever during college.
After my first race, which was a benefit for the Red Cross, I was hooked. I remember looking around at all of the other participants and realizing that I looked like them! I really didn't see too many people that had a perfect 'runners body.' There was people from all walks of life, black, white, young, old, skinny, and not-so-skinny. That race was a 10k, which is a little over six miles. I made the worst face crossing the finish line, because I was working so hard... Of course, it was captured by a family member, and of course, it was immediately put on Facebook so the world could see my horrible 'race face', as we like to call it. This, my friends, is the reason why, from now on, I will smile at any moment that I even sense that a camera is anywhere near my direction while I'm running.
After that race, I decided I needed to do a half-marathon (13.1 miles). After the half-marathon, I knew that I would be capable of running in a full marathon (26.2 miles). Now that I've done one marathon, I've decided I need to do one every year.
So, I am now one of those 'crazy' people that you see running around. I have yet to buy a fannie pack for my gear.... but it's not completely out of the question at this point.
I'm not even joking.
I just wanted to tell you that you may be a crazy person now, you're still one of my favorite people and I am so glad I got the opportunity to get to know you during your time in Terrebonne!
ReplyDeleteStephanie, this means so much to me to hear you say this! You and all of the Boys & Girls Club kids hold a very special place in my heart. Those days of working there with all of you were some of the best, most rewarding days of my life! I'm so proud of the woman that you have become.
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