Finishing Strong ... I Like How it Feels

Five miles into my first half-marathon it pounded through my headphones and I had to restrain myself from dancing right on the trail ... I Like How it Feels by Enrique Iglesias.

I've trained for several long runs but have never made it to the starting line, stopped by -20 degree temperatures, scoliosis, and last of all, a car accident that left me in physical therapy for months. But now, I'm running and loving it - and I just completed my first half-marathon!

I had two goals when I started training:

Complete it and feel good about it. Do that in under two hours.
I made it in 1:55:59!
It was fun. It was fulfilling. It was incredible! But easy? No.
I've come to realize over the last several years that easy is overrated. It's when you have to push yourself that finishing really matters. It's when you face the difficult tasks, strive to accomplish the biggest dreams that you feel the most satisfaction, the most emotional release and fulfillment.

And I had to push ... The Saints and Sinners Half-Marathon took place in Boulder City, Nevada, and finished on the shore of Lake Mead. I can't imagine a more beautiful course. It wove along a running path overlooking the lake, veered onto a dirt road through the old train tunnels that were used during the construction of the Hoover Dam, and opened back up to the lake for the finish.

I thought I was going to die when I crossed the finish line. My entire body shook, my heart pounded and I could barely breathe. Tears started and I could hardly register my time ... I'd made it.

The feeling of accomplishing a long-held dream is worth the effort, but it's rarely accomplished alone. I've always had support around me from my husband, kids and friends. I've also had faith ... as I ran I was reminded over and over of the promise in the scriptures that if you ask in faith, you will receive.

I received and I'm grateful. As with my other ventures, I'm grateful for those around me who believe in me, who push me to be what I am today.