My BIG Secret

I'm running a marathon.
Well- I ran a marathon.
I RAN A MARATHON!
It's pretty cool to say.
My time was not great. I had to talk myself (and my husband) through the last 6 miles. My legs still ache...
But I ran a marathon- 26.2 miles!

{ finishers! }

That I even considered running a marathon may be a surprise to some of you (Michelle, I guess it is an Amy-worthy announcement- sorry.) I didn't tell people for a long time, mostly because I wasn't sure if I was really going to do it. After finishing strong in our Bear Lake Half Marathon (strong being a relative term), Kelly really wanted to try a marathon. I said, "No way," but agreed to train with him until it was too much for me. When we finished 17 miles, I thought for the first time- maybe I could actually do a marathon! So, I let him sign me up.

Even then, it seemed pretty monumental to admit aloud and I didn't want to tell people until I knew I was not only signed up but committed to running and likely to finish. That wasn't until a month ago- when I had run 20 miles, twice, and was counting down the days until I had to be ready. When I finally did start sharing the news, it was kind of like telling people I was pregnant- in fact, my friend, Debbie, thought that's what I was going to tell her! I'm not pregnant, but the emotions and preparation for a marathon are remarkably similar.

And now I can make the big announcement!
I RAN A MARATHON!

I ran the Top Of Utah Marathon in Logan. It is funny because a year ago I was in Logan for the Top Of Utah 5K with some girlfriends. I'm pretty sure I said then that I would NEVER run a marathon, but one year later- I did it!

{September 2008, Top Of Utah 5K with friends}

Kelly and I did it- together. I would never have attempted it without him. We ran three times every week; we continued to increase our long run distances; we started training in the canyon; we went to bed early the week of the race so we could get up early and be ready for the 5am shuttle that took us to the starting line; we synced our watches and ran 3 minutes, walked 1 minute, ran 3 minutes, walked 1 minute... for 5 hours, 19 minutes and 31 seconds until we had reached our goal!

{around 5am- just before catching our shuttle up Blacksmith Canyon}

It was hard. From mile 20 to the end, it was just dang hard. Kelly suffered more then me- he ran with the biggest, ugliest blister on his toe (even worse than yours Kathryn!) and his right knee and left ankle almost failed him. But the worst part was the heat- after a beautiful morning in the canyon and feeling really strong through mile 18, the afternoon started to set in and the temperature rose making our muscles ache and our bodies overheat. Just after mile 20, I turned my i-pod on for some distraction but between the notes, I had to keep telling myself, "Every step is a personal best!" "You can do this." "You have come too far to not finish today!" I pushed on. Kelly shuffled forward. We passed at least two who would not finish this race, but we were lucky- we finished!

It was amazing to hear our names called as we approached the finish line together! I pushed back my tears- they seemed silly and out of place at the time. But now I know what they were for-

I can do hard things.
I can do harder things with help.
I can enjoy the journey even when it is painful.
Kelly and I will always be there for each other.
Practice and preparation pay off.
The reward is worth the work.

I RAN A MARATHON!!!
I ran a marathon. sigh.