Two months ago, I had another major surgery to remove fibroids in my uterus.
Even after all that, I still had my sights set to run the Women's Half Marathon.
At first, I wanted to run to lose the rest of my baby weight and get back in shape. Then I realized with all of my recovery time from my surgeries, taking care of a baby, and an excruciatingly hot summer, I just didn't have time to devote to proper training.
I had lots of naysayers tell me not to do it or that I couldn't do it. And then my friend dropped out because of a foot injury, and another friend dropped down to the 5K because she didn't feel ready. And so, I started second-guessing myself. Yeah, I may have four half marathons and two full marathons under my belt, but I actually trained for them and didn't have any major surgeries preventing me from running. And then there was the cut-off time of 4 hours....could I even do it in that time frame? I started getting nervous and anxious and worried.
Fast forward to race day.
I was super motivated to do well. The weather was perfect, I had great music in my iPod, and I was as ready as I would ever be.
I told myself to just go slow, and at least try not to walk the first half of the run. But once I started running, I just couldn't stop. I kept thinking about my journey to where I was. I kept thinking of Lissie. Of my family. Of all the people who told me that I was insane. And I just kept on going, stopping only for water and to switch up music on my iPod.
And then, all of a sudden, I was across the finish line in a very respectable 2:41. I did it. I did it better than I could've ever dreamed.
I did it for Lissie. For my family. And for all of the people who told me I couldn't.
It may not have been my fastest one, but the sense of accomplishment I felt after this one was THE. BEST. FEELING. EVER. And celebrating with friends afterwards was just icing on the cake.
So....who's running it with me next year?
You are so inspiring, Noreen! Seriously, I've had such a hard time dragging my butt to the gym and just getting back in shape after Noah was born, but you show me it can be done. I'm not ready for a half marathon yet, but I'm signed up for a 5k in November and planning to run another in February or March!
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