At that time, running a marathon was the furthest thing from my mind, however, I was always health conscious so I agreed. Afterall, it would also be a great way to network with athletes and other professionals.
Can I just tell you that awaking to run the beach at 5:30am three days a week is not for the faint at heart!!
It was painful some days, and many times during our practice runs I felt as though this whole idea was way out of my league.
Who would have thought that I would be graced with the endurance to run and complete a 13 mile run non stop during yesterday's Marathon Bahamas.
It felt amazing to join the other 900+ althletes and amazing people who ran for the cause!
As we started at 6am, to venture from Arawak Cay beach on to Bay Street, over both Paradise Island Bridges, to Montague Beach, up Shirley Street, down West Bay Street, straight toward Breezes Hotel and back to Junkanoo Beach, it was amazing the new perspective that awakened in me.
As I crossed the finish line, 3 hours later, I felt relieved, but wonderful inside as my first big fitness goal for 2012 was completed. (my legs and everything else were in pain) :)
Participating in this marathon was not only an amazing accomplishment simply because I endured to the end, but I learned a few key lessons along the way.
1. If you never try at something, you are sure to fail, no questions asked.
2. When you make a decision to commit, everything else will line up.
3. Most things in life are 99% MENTAL-- your physical body is not in control your mind is, then your heart follows.
4. Never be afraid of hard work- it pays off.
5. Respect professional althetes...what is entertainment for us, is major work and sacrifice for them.
6. Starting the day at 5:30am makes you feel like you are on top of the world and you get more things done.
7. Ensure that your circle of friends and associates you are working to achieve a goal with are serious about it.
8. Everyone who starts out with you will not finish the race.
9. You are not in a competition with anyone, this race is your race, and you must keep pushing to run the race with patience, and endurance.
10. This is a new year to try new and different things! Life is what you make it!
I hope that my marathon journey has inspired you to try something new....trust me, I would have been the last candidate to EVER enter a marathon, even my team referred to me as the "diva runner" :) but I took the leap of faith, and 13 miles later, I'm refreshed and ready to accomplish the next big goal by God's grace!
I would love to hear about some of your SMART goals this year!
All the best!!
No comments:
Post a Comment