26.2...the weakest runner in run club

I never journal. Never blog. Read blogs but never participate myself. You can tell as I created this blog for my personal journaling in 2010 and only had one post. That was one sentence long. Thought it was going to be my therapy. Turned out running is part of my therapy.

If you would have asked me when I started running a few years back--would you like to do a marathon? I would have laughed out loud. I could not do a marathon. The one mile kids fun run is where it all started-a few years ago. My kids ran the Red Rose race and I could barely do the mile run. Committed to a 5K --which lead to a half and it just kept going from there.

Little did I know that when I moved to Lititz and prayed for friends in Lititz that God will provide AMAZING women to run with and then eventually cook with. You see, the ONLY reason I could be at the starting line on Sunday was because of Run Club. They met for early runs and every time-one runner stayed back and hung back with me to make sure I completed the runs I needed to complete. They talked while I ran. They texted, encouraged when I left and beyond all of this--they fundraised for clean water with me. 

You see I am the weakest runner in run club. Not only am I not physically strong I am not mentally strong. When I entered in to this bucket list item of running a marathon I knew I would need a team to get me to the end of 26.2 and a team they were!!! 

Turns out I am ready to burst as I keep replaying Sunday over and over in my mind and I just need to remember this feeling. The weather was perfect. I was chilly as I made my way off of the train alone (forced Scott to stay back at the hotel room and catch some more sleep) and made my way to Team World Vision charity tent. Inside the warm tent was a sea of orange shirts eating breakfast and people chattering excitedly. After an amazing team cheer and prayer over us we headed out to the starting line. I met a nice guy that walked with me the whole way to the start and chatted with him during the long, long bathroom lines. After this it was time to get into our coral. I joined our coral and insert music. 

And we were off! All I can say is that I had a smile on my face for pretty much the whole 26.2 miles. After being instructed by TWV to write my name in big letters on the front of my jersey-of the 1.7 million fans lining the streets, I think 300,000 of them called me name and I felt I needed to acknowledge each and everyone with a smile, a nod or thumbs up. 

Beyond the fans cheering I LOVED the signs I saw this weekend. Here are my favorites:

"You are running better than the federal government right now"

"You have stamina-call me!" (held by females)

"I got up early to make this sign too!"

"I tripped the Kenyans you still have a chance"

"If you haven't pooped yourself you've already won"

"Toenails are for sissies"

Moody Church, North Western and UIC had some of the best cheering stations.

I saw one sign that said Running is a gift. Yes it is. I relished that my legs were moving. The adversity becoming overcome was amazing. One runner was fixing his prostethic leg in front me of, one woman wore a shirt that said "yeah I have cancer, yeah I am on chemo..so???" 

I wanted to give up and walk at mile 24 but the woman at the water station yelled my name and pointed to the end and said ''Beth you take this...you take this!!!"  I finished and cried. When I finally met Scott back at the charity station I cried as he hugged me. It was over. I was overjoyed to eat deep dish and celebrate with my team. 

Back to the night before-there were 1300 TWV runners and I think they said 800 of us were there for our carb loading dinner. We were there to see where the money we raised was going, meet other teammates and carb load together. When I sat down at the table I noticed a paper that had my name on it. It was called the Hero list. Come to find out the top 100 fundraisers would be honored with a second medal the following day. Scott and I (and all those of gave and supported the efforts) received this medal.

You see this was a miracle all in and off itself. When we dove into the fundraising, when I would get overwhelmed at how in the world we would raise this money-I prayed and all I can say is that God provided. He brought friends that cared for wells in some many unique ways. BLOWN away by this.

In conclusion-I could never ever have done Race day without TWV and although it was one of the hardest days ever, I am already looking into the next 26.2.
Who will join me, the weakest run club member.....????? :)