I AM A RUNNER! Yesterday I had the unbelievably amazing experience of completing my first half marathon! This course took me from Detroit, over the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor, through the tunnel (known as the underwater mile) and back into Detroit where I completed the last 5 miles to the finish line. What a beautiful sight it was seeing that finish line before me. I found myself entranced, filled with determination and excitement, and when I crossed it my world became even more fulfilled.
The entire experience itself was more than I could have ever imagined. I had quite a few fears I was facing, and I conquered them! I had zero hesitation, not a single second of doubt, I was for the first time in my life filled with 100% confidence in myself and my abilities. What a turning point!
The race was humbling and inspiring in so many ways and for so many reasons. One in particular was as I was facing a lull in my pace (one of many I must say) I looked over to see a man well into his 70’s hunched over and passing me, talk about a kick in the butt for determination 🙂 There were people of all shapes and sizes, all ages, all genders, all races…it was a beautiful experience to see everyone there pushing themselves to reach their own personal goals.
I am uncharacteristically proud of myself (I am typically my own worst critic). I managed to accomplish something that at one time I would have never thought possible. I got over the bridge without tripping and rolling off into the river, I got through the tunnel without dropping to the fetal position and rocking with anxiety, and I ran over the finish line, no walking, no crawling and no being dragged, I ran with my head held high. True, it took me much longer than I had hoped, but I did it and that is something no one will ever take away from me. And I cannot wait to do it again! A true running addiction has now burrowed its way into my soul and I could not be happier! 🙂
I am thankful for all the people who supported me on this challenge. The encouragement, the listening, the friendship and the love. I am so blessed for all that I have, and I am honored to have so many amazing people in my life.
I just want to say to anyone who doubts their abilities…DON’T! You can do it! Set a goal for yourself, no matter how big or small, set it, commit to it, put your heart into and you will reach it! This was no easy feat for me. I struggled heavily with training, deeply with fear, but I never let the doubt in. Believe in yourself and your dreams will come true. With every step taken, with every goal reached, you will find yourself no longer looking back, you will begin to focus forward on what your next accomplishment will be, and you will get there! As Albert Einstein once said, “You never fail until you stop trying”.
G
©Gloria Tassen and Life According To G, 2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Gloria Tassen and Life According To G with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Life According To G 