I have run and trained for five months.
I have run countless miles and seemingly endless hours.
I have trained by myself – with no music, with no running partner.
I have been coached and given priceless advice from fellow runners.
I have started days with a 4:30 AM run; I have ended days with a 9:30 PM run.
I have run in the dark – unable to see the ground beneath me.
I have run in the bright sunlight – my eyes squinting and watering.
I have run on streets, on sidewalks, through neighborhoods, on nature trails, in the water, and through world famous theme parks.
I have run in very intense heat – my face on fire, finding it difficult to breathe.
I have run in the freezing cold – my legs numb and my lungs aching.
I have run amongst strangers – some provided comfort in the wee hours of the morning, some gave me a thumbs-up when I passed them, and others were just in my way.
I have run past young children being pushed in strollers. I have run past very old men and women being pushed in wheelchairs. I have run past homeless people sleeping on park benches.
I have run in the pouring rain – the drops pounding against my face, the puddles making each step heavier.
I have relied on energy from Power Bars, Power Gels, Power Bites, and Power Ade.
I have dropped weight and clothes sizes.
I have felt the pain of stiff muscles, blistered feet, and chaffed skin.
I have even lost toenails.
I have gone to take in air, and instead swallowed bugs.
I have been mentally and physically exhausted, and have forced myself to keep going.
I have never given up.
I have gotten stronger and reached endurance levels that were once unimaginable.
I have run one mile. I have run 26.2 miles. I have run for 4 hours and 24 minutes… without stopping.
I have done one of the ten hardest things to do in sports… I have finished my first marathon.
I have chased my dreams and earned my wings.
I have run.