If you knew me 2 or so years ago, you probably would have heard me say something like “I could never run any kind of marathon” or “My body isn’t meant for that much running!” Then suddenly I found myself signing up to run the Rock and Roll half marathon. What was I thinking? I have no idea. I had gotten back into fitness and working out when I got divorced, but I never saw myself signing up for a marathon of any kind. I knew it would be hard, but I had no idea all the different types of effort I was going to have to put in.
Time. We never have enough of it, right? Once I signed up, I knew my type of schedule would not allow me to train the way that is recommended, but I had already signed up and I was determined to do it the best way that I could. I planned my runs weeks in advance. I woke up brutally early on many Saturdays to get a run in before the scorching summer heat of the day. I had to get help to watch my son early mornings so I wouldn’t have to run so long with a jogging stroller in tow.
Money. Something we also don’t have enough of sometimes. I had no idea how much I was going to have to invest in this decision I had made. I spent way more money on running shoes and accessories than I have ever spent on clothes or shoes for myself. I had my walk analyzed to make sure I was wearing the right shoes. I bought special vitamins for my joints. I even bought new Bluetooth headphones to make it easier to play my music when I ran because I had to have music when I run!
Support. This is probably the most important thing that I needed during this time. I am so extremely thankful for having motivating friends and family to help me thru this time. From babysitting help to motivating advice, I wouldn’t have been able to put in the effort without it. And to finish 13.1 miles, for the first time, I was going to need all the pushing and encouragement I could get!
The day of the race finally came. I hardly slept the night before. With my training and schedule, I only had run up to 10 miles. How in the world was I going to be able to push it for another 3.1? I remember telling myself, if I must stop and walk for a few seconds every so often, it’s okay. I had everything prepared the night before, but nothing prepared me for what the day would bring. Almost everything went wrong. I can laugh about it now, but during that day, I had to force any type of smile!
One of my best friends and I were ready! We waited in our section for our start time. The weather had quickly turned the day before. So instead of it being a cool day, it was now cold and rainy. Hundreds of people were wearing ponchos, but we decided to brave it without one. I pulled out my “fancy” Bluetooth headphones out, to find that one of the ear covers had fallen out. No big deal, I’ll just listen in one ear only. About 3 miles in, suddenly my headphones stopped working. I wasn’t sure if it was because they got wet in the rain, they broke, battery died, but I did know that I needed my music to finish. So, as I ran, slowing down, I just turned my phone speakers on instead, and thought, I hope people around me don’t mind my music!
Around 6 miles in, the rain and the cold were now starting to get to me. My socks were completely soaked from stepping in hundreds of puddles. My normal strides and steps were off and now my foot was in pain, but I was still determined to finish. I knew that I could stop and walk for a bit, but my energy level wasn’t the problem. I thought to myself, if I stop and walk a bit, my foot will hurt even longer. So, I kept running. My boyfriend and my parents had planned to find me along the way using the runner tracker that was set up by the marathon association. But, it wasn’t working, so my boyfriend would call me every few miles to find out where I was. Hearing him and my family saying “you got this”, I kept going, even though I was so wanting to just sit on the curb and say ok, I can’t anymore. My prayers went into high gear. “Oh God, please help me finish this!” I thought of all the pain I had endured, some not related to running, and knew that if could survive all that, surely I could finish this, still standing.
Mile 12, finishing my last mile. There was finally a light at the end of the tunnel. Right before I crossed the finish line, I passed my parents, my boyfriend and my son all snuggled in the stroller. I waved, smiled, and felt a huge rush of thankfulness, joy and relief. I did it! I was in pain, but I did it. I forced some smiles for some pictures and then reunited with my family. I still can’t say that I love running. But one thing that I can say, is that if you are determined to do something and are willing to pray and fight your way through it, it can be done! “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
-Marielis, half marathon runner
*Here are some songs that helped me stay motivated during training and the race!
1. Hall of Fame-The Script
2. Just Like Fire – Pink
3. Twisted- New Kids on the Block (Yes, of course I had to include one of their songs)
4. Through Your Eyes – Britt Nicole
5. Vivir Mi Vida – Marc Anthony
6. Chop Suey – System of a Down
7. Love Me Now – John Legend
Marielis Unedited 