I did it! I ran my first race! I ran for runDisney, I ran for a cause, and I ran for me!
I started on this run-journey a few months ago after becoming inspired by my dear friend and fellow princess. I say run-journey because that is what it has become.
I committed to the 2015 Princess Marathon Weekend by registering with my Disney sister Nicole and a couple of her close friends. Then it was time to commit to running. This didn’t happen as quickly as clicking “register” on the computer – I allowed life to take up a lot of my time and I procrastinated just a bit. Finally I set a start date in my head and stuck to it.
I am not sure what I intended my running to become when I set out that very first morning with new sneakers on my feet and armband securely velcro-ed on my arm. I’m not sure if I really gave it much thought at all, except that I wanted to wear a really cute tutu for the runDisney Princess race in Walt Disney World.
(Nicole at her very first runDisney Princess race)
I began my journey using Jeff Galloway’s program, but along the way I ventured off into my own program. I began to run/walk according to how my body felt; then one morning I set out for my run and just kept running……..I completed 3 miles that day! I was so proud of myself and I believe it was that day that I became hooked! I was hooked on the euphoric feeling of accomplishment, hooked on the feeling of strength I didn’t know I possessed to challenge myself and not back down -pushing through the barriers of discomfort and not allowing my mind to override my successes.
I continued to build on that 3 miles, then one day when I set out running I didn’t stop until I completed 5 miles! I completed a 5 mile run! I never intended to run for 5 ongoing miles , but once again I proved to myself the only obstacles that will ever be in my way will be the ones I create. I then decided it would be a good idea to register for a few local races to gain some race experience and maybe receive an official corral time for the Princess 10K. I registered for a local United Way 8K race, 4.97 miles… I can do that I told myself, not allowing any doubt to creep into my thoughts.
Fast forward to September 5th, 2014, the day before the race. I was giddy with anticipation and excitement as I walked into the building of the race location to pick up my race bib and package. I couldn’t believe I was actually doing this! This was never something I ever aspired to do, but now it was on the top of my list of important accomplishments to achieve. The lady asked for my name and then asked, “running or walking?”
I held my head high and proudly said, “running”, inside my smile was a mile wide. She handed me my race bib- #124. This number immediately became significant to me, it would be the number I would be wearing when I crossed the finish line, a finish line I never foresaw myself crossing but was now my most anticipated moment.
As the night progressed I wasn’t feeling too well. I made sure I went to bed at a decent hour but unfortunately awoke the next morning an hour late and not feeling my optimal self. Regardless it was race day and now it was time to see what I was really made of! I slipped my sneakers on and while tying my laces, random nervous thoughts entered my head. I quickly dismissed them, grabbed my race bib and a miniature pair of Minnie ears – of course I had to represent my #Disneyside! My household was still fast asleep when I left but they had promised to meet me at the finish line later that morning 🙂 It took a short drive of 10 minutes to reach my race destination and you better believe I had Nicole on speaker phone the whole way, how I wished she was with me. I parked my car and began walking toward the starting line, MY KEYS…. I had my keys in my hand! Where was I going to put them? This was a total rookie mistake; I hiked it back to the car and hid them behind my front tire, note to self……. find a better place for my keys during the next race. I was once again on my way back to the starting line, with a detour….. well three detours….. to the bathroom, I was nervous!
Before I knew it the loud speaker announced the race would begin in one minute…….. and they were off! Yes, I said they because I was just fast walking while trying to get my run application and music application on my phone set correctly, UGH! Then I was off!
I was doing it! I was running in a race. I found I didn’t mind running alone; I felt at peace and one with myself. My thoughts drifted as I ran, mostly about the ladies that surrounded me throughout the race. I wondered about their personal run journeys, why they chose to run this race and who would be waiting for them at the finish line. I silently began rooting for them, if they stopped running I was cheering them on in my mind. I no longer felt I was running this race alone. I was running with 100’s of other men and woman, each one running for a distinctive purpose.
Before I knew it I was nearing the end of the course. I picked my pace up just a bit, I had plenty of steam left from keeping a steady pace all the way through. I started to hear cheering! The finish line was right around the corner! I couldn’t help to smile, not just inside but outside as well and I couldn’t wait to see my family at the finish line! I rounded the corner and there it was, the big red Finish Line banner…… and there was my husband and daughter. I started waving to Rebekah as I closed in and at that point I was not just running to the finish line but I was also running to her.
When I crossed the finish line Rebekah came running with the gift of a big hug, not even caring that I was just a bit damp with sweat- well a lot soaked with sweat! Another gift, a big hug from my husband topped off the day. I crossed that finish line with an 11:39 mile a minute run time. Not too bad for a new runner, I was hoping for a better time, but I immediately focused on the success of the entire journey.
I DID IT! I finished the 8K race! I ran for runDisney, I ran for a cause, I ran for me…… but at that moment I knew I had also run for her, my little Rebekah. She has been with me every step of this process, even the part of finding the right running shoes! She sees my determination and hard work, my trials and my triumphs. She has cheered me on every step of the way. Watching my run-journey has inspired her to begin her own run-journey. I have registered her for Girls on the run . This is a wonderful program that teaches girls to be joyful, healthy and confident.
Thus far this run- journey has been one of the greater defining moments in my life. Not all journeys are as unexpected as this one was. But all journeys lead someplace and I have learned that it is my choice where that someplace shall be. It is my choice how to run the race, how to handle the hills I climb and how I cross the finish line.
~Maureen