Life has been interesting lately. And by interesting I mean a little tough. Sometimes things just happen in our lives that are outside of our control and they leave us with unanswered questions, feelings of inadequacy, and moments of deep sadness. And when the tough stuff really started I had something even bigger on my plate: I was smack in the middle of training for my very first marathon. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to quit but know that there were quite a few. How was I supposed to get up and run 20 miles when I didn't want to get out of bed? Trust me, it wasn't easy. But I did it. I got up and ran every one of those 20 milers all by myself. And then, On October 21st I crossed the finish line at the Columbus Marathon and became a marathon finisher/goal accomplisher/person who doesn't give up. I can tell you, looking back on it now, that having a goal and having something to work towards has been the best type of help in dealing with this tough stuff. Come marathon day, I smiled through 26.2 miles, even when it hurt, because when you're faced with something hard what else is there to do but put a smile on your face and try to get through it?
Much like life, training for a marathon is HARD. It takes time (lots of it!) and energy and the strength to not forget about the goal your aiming for when you're in the middle of a hard 20 miler. When I signed up for the race I didn't know the challenges I would face to get to that finish line but every stumbling block was a chance to overcome myself and sometimes meant relying on the strength and encouragement of others to get me through. And the reward? I spent my entire race and the days leading up to it surrounded by people who love me as much as I love them. And for all those runs I did on my own? I didn't run a single mile of that marathon by myself. Not one. Sharing pieces of that 26.2 miles with such great friends and family was better than anything I could have asked for. We ran and we talked and we laughed and we enjoyed a beautiful day in Columbus, OH.
I read a quote recently that really hit home in this whole experience:
"Happiness describes a temporary emotion based on circumstances. Joy is something within yourself that remains regardless of your circumstances."
Running that marathon I felt nothing but joy. And while sadness was still there and hurt was still there, for this race they were overshadowed with pure and unhindered joy at all that I had accomplished and all of the love surrounding me in doing so. I'm trying to pocket that feeling and learn the lesson that you can be full of joy even when you're hurting.
Whether you're trying to run a marathon or just get through some sort of difficulty in your life, I hope that you will find joy somewhere in the process. And know that there are so many people surrounding you that will pick you up, as they have done for me, and help you reach whatever place it is you're trying to get to.
Some of my favorite pictures from Marathon Day:
Somewhere in the first half with Becky!
