26.2 = 4:37:31
Hey there,
I ran my first ever marathon on October 3, 2021, at the Twin Cities Marathon. I didn’t think I would enjoy the experience as much as I did. I thought I would either “get it over with” and go home, or have a Chernobyl-style mental meltdown in the middle of the run and quit.
I was so wrong. Everything exceeded my expectations, for the better. Let me tell you about it.
First of all, I don’t like running. But I do like the feeling after each run. It’s like a love-hate relationship. Seriously.
Secondly, I just wanted to cross off one of the items on my bucket list; finishing a marathon is one of them.
Training time.
I trained for months, running by myself throughout the summer in the heat & brutal humidity. There were a few times I skipped my training, simply because I didn't feel up to it. And one time in particular, I quit before I finished a session. I really felt like a whiny loser. My mindset entering the marathon was that I just wanted to cross that finish line. Eyes on the prize and nothing more, nothing less.
Then things changed for the better!
I made a new friend and a running partner for this race. We had so much in common: it was our first marathon, we trained alone, we hit the wall during training, etc. We ran at the same pace and enjoyed interacting with each other and the spectators - who, by the way, were so engaging and funny and kept us going mentally.
They were holding up inspirational & funny signs:
“You know there is a shorter way to St. Paul”
“Lots of Work for a Free Banana”
“Find a cute butt and follow it”
“Only 1% of the world population has run a marathon”
“Remember you paid for this pain, get your money's worth”, etc.
Mile 20.
For the first 20 miles, there was a hydration station every 2 miles. And that was my motivation; 2 miles at a time. Get to the hydration station and reset for the next 2 miles. The next thing I knew, I was at mile 20! Still feeling great, looking good, and enjoying the run. My new friend and I affirmed to each other that we could actually finish this marathon and be in good shape. Only 6 more miles to go. And we did it together with pride and smiles.
It’s the Journey, Not the Destination.
Fulfillment is born of the journey and it is beautiful because of the people we meet.
It’s the journey, not the destination.
My point here is it is so nice to engage in the process rather than be hyper-focused on the end results. I entered the race with the feeling of a determined lone wolf. I didn’t know anybody, and I didn’t have my own people cheering me along the route. My focus was on the finish line. Period!
Then along came total strangers, who helped make the journey more enjoyable and memorable (and made me feel cozy inside). I started to pay more attention to the spectators around me. They became my unofficial cheering squad. I totally immersed myself in the beautiful scenery and absorbed all of the good energy I could get, which kept me going mentally and emotionally.
By the end of the 26.2 miles, I become more than just a marathon finisher. I felt appreciation and gratitude not only for myself, but everyone and everything around me. I learned to shift my attitude (do you sense a theme here?) towards getting the results I wanted. When I know where my destination is, I was flexible on how to get there. Slow & steady will do.
I now realize that I want to enjoy every journey in a meaningful way and be ready to open up to unlimited possibilities. I am open to accepting help & encouragement from strangers. Fulfillment is born of the journey and it is beautiful because of the people we meet.
The bottom line?
Failure you can do alone. Success always takes help.
26.2!
PS. My official cheering squad (Morty and hubby) were beaming with pride when they finally got to congratulate me in person beyond the finish line. So sweet. Nothing like doggie kisses to wipe off salty sweat and a heartfelt bear hug from your loved one. I am proud of myself and I know they are too.
PPS. My bib number was 4731, and 4:37:31 is my official time. Look closely. Awesome coincidence or a perfect prediction? Or are they the next big winning Power Ball numbers?
