Friday, March 12, 2010

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.
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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.
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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.
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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!

13 comments:

Jenny Erazo said...

You are such an inspiration! I sure wished that I lived closer. I was going to run a half marathon this April but had every single training partner bail on me:( It is hard to go run by myself. I know that is not a real excuse but none the less, I don't go train:( GO JESS!!!!

Jenny Erazo said...
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Anonymous said...

i'm proud of you! i'll be one of your cheerleaders. my goal right now is to get back to feeling like i can run my favorite 2 mile loop. i might be a little bit jealous of you right now. and you look beautiful and strong, and always do! also (and lastly) i still can't believe that you love funyons. some might say that running a marathon is crazy. not as crazy as loving funyons:)...

Lauren in GA said...

I love all of your reasons, Jessica.

And you look like a supermodel to me. Seriously.

I love that picture of you and Aric.

You are incredible and so are all of your friends. It really is amazing.

the wrath of khandrea said...

i am crying. what is wrong with me???

the wrath of khandrea said...

well, not like full-on bawling, but there are a few tears.

♥Shally said...

You should come run the St. George Marathon. Then we could hang out. :)

Still think you are crazy....

Lindsey said...

Wow. Amazing. I guess some would say my month without sugar is amazing, but it isn't. It is totally do-able. Running a marathon is not, however, doable for me... SO, we all have our big accomplishments! GO GIRL!

Jean McKendrick said...

You are truly an inspiration Jessica! Did I mention you are cute too? :) I am glad you have such great people to train with. My mom, Jaime and Jan ran a marathon with a group this past year. That was my mom's second, her first one was at age 50! For Christmas we had a shadow box done for her (hint, hint to your husband) and it turned out really nice. It had her medals, pictures, her numbers. Way to go Jessica, your cyber friends ARE cheering for you!

just the five of us said...

I am so jealous of you. It has been a goal of mine to run 1/2 marathon but with graduate school, I feel like all i do is study! Maybe after graduation in may.

Good luck! I will be thinking of you.

Randi Kay said...

I am training for a half marathon in September so your determination inspires me! Well, you have inspired me for years now, so we shall see how my running goes! God speed my darling. You can do it!

Erin said...

I love this post so much that I have read it THREE times. :) Can we please go for a run together??

the Aymster said...

Which marathon are you doing. I am doing the salt lake marathon on April 17. If by any chance you are doing the same one I totally need a buddy. You are probably too fast for me though. Let me know and good luck. I just ran 17 miles last Saturday around the "lake" by my parents house