Why I am running a marathon ~ by Jessica Dawn

So here's the thing. I just ran fourteen miles. That is more than I have ever ran in my whole life! In honor of such an accomplishment, I have decided to share with you why I am doing this crazy thing called a marathon. I thought about doing a "26 reasons why I'm running" post but decided I would be making up most of the reasons so here is the noncreative "why I am running a marathon" post.

I am running a marathon because I thought running a half marathon was impossible but I did it. In fact minutes after I finished that race someone congratulated me and in the back of my mind I thought..."it was ONLY a half". So if I can do that then I suppose a full marathon is possible too.

I have some of the most amazing friends in the world to train with. Seriously these women are incredible. I am inspired and strengthened by them on a regular basis. I love that we have this goal and we are doing it together.

I have always wanted to know what it feels like to be the one someone is cheering for. Like I have mentioned in previous posts, I love being a fan. I loved being a cheerleader. I grew up watching my brothers, and others...achieve athletic greatness. I was always on the sidelines cheering them on. I loved my role as supportive big sister but now I want to be the one doing something big and great.

I have two legs that work. I have a heart and two lungs that work. My body is healthy and there is no reason why I can't do it. There are people in my life whom I love dearly who are not blessed with good health. I will not take the blessing of good health for granted, so since the ones I love can't run, I will.

I have, for the most part, finally let go of my body issues. Don't get me wrong, there are parts of me that I would change in a heart beat if I could. But what I realize is that if I can run a marathon that means I am in good shape. So this is as good as it gets...unless I want to stop eating cake and funyons, and we know that is never gonna happen! So even though I don't look like a super model, I bet I could out run one any day of the week and twice on Saturday!

I have three children who love me and look up to me. I want to show them, especially my girls, that even when you are a mom you can set big goals and achieve them.

I have a gem of a husband who loves me and supports me. Aric is my biggest fan. He will rearrange his schedule and take on more than usual just so that I can fit my training in. After every long run he always tells me he's proud of me. I couldn't do it with out him. I heart him.

Last but not least....
I have realized that I have ran many marathons already in my 34 years on this planet. They just weren't physical ones. I have ran spiritual and emotional marathons that just about did me in, but in the end, they only made me stronger. That is what I thought about during the last four miles of my run tonight . I thought about all of the hard things that I've lived through and decided that to put one foot in front of the other really isn't going to be that hard. I guess we'll find out in about nine weeks....

*BTW this is the song that got me home....thanks MJ!