I completed my first half marathon Sunday. A milestone in my 41 years that I will never forget, and not because I am a runner and set pace or mileage goals, but for the moments created before, during, and after.
Sunday we ran for Red. My previous blog explained all about Red and why it was important to us to run for her, to run with her.
This would be the third time I have “run” with a friend, with a client whose goal was to complete a race for the first time. Although Red has run many races in the past, this would be her most difficult due to her cancer; for me, my job was getting her across the finish line.
I am not an avid runner. I do not sign up for races because they are on my bucket list. It’s just not me. I do however run the occasional race for fun or to motivate, encourage, and assist someone in meeting their running goals. Do I love it, not a whole lot. I recall telling Red that I would much rather be picking things up and putting them down around mile 9. What I love about it, is the emotions building up to it, during it, and completing it. The sacrifices that we go through to get to where we need to be, the work involved, the commitment and dedication, the tears, the laughter, the cursing, the self confidence that is built out of going through all of these things. Watching and being part of someones positive life journey is very rewarding. I am blessed to have a career that I love, that I am passionate about.
Red knocked her first half marathon for 2016 off her bucket list. There is another one in the works (as I am told) for this year as well.
We laughed, we listened, we cried, we pushed, but we never gave up! There were moments I know Red wanted to give in, to be done. Where her legs were only moving by sure will. My job to get her to cross the finish line became tough miles 9-13. Not tough to run, but tough to keep the motivation and determination that she could do it, that she was doing it!
It was brought to my attention just how awesome it was that everyone that ran has been under MABFit training of some form. How great it is that everyone finished 13.1 miles in times much better than the set for themselves. That some were running this distance for the very first time (including myself).
I am told that I inspire, that I “touch” people lives in positive ways. It really never occurs to me just how much until I’m in the middle of it, seeing it unfold. I was taken back a bit when I heard this comment of the impact I had on Sunday. For me helping others is effortless, I love to do it, I love seeing the personal and mental growth. It is what makes me, me; and gives me purpose. At the end of day it isn’t what you have but what you gave to others that has impacted their lives in a positive manner.
THANK YOU! To everyone that ran the half marathon in support or Kelly (Red). To our followers and cheerleaders who went above and beyond the call of duty to boost us towards the finish line.
Special Thanks to the most awesome photographers from http://aprilandbryan.com April and Bryan Photography. They ran and rode the half marathon with camera in tow! Popping in and out like paparazzi capturing unforgettable race moments.
