After crossing the sacred finish line, the first question
most people (runners and non- runners alike) will ask is “What was your time?”
Granted, the sport of running and racing is based on trying to run the distance
as fast as possible. Many set goals for themselves to run a sub 4 hour
marathon, to Boston Qualify, etc. However, running to me may sound strange to
many of my racing friends and the running community that is constantly trying
to get faster. I run for the pure sake of enjoyment and the fulfillment it
brings me.
Personally, I don’t like to feel uncomfortable or like I am
straining myself when I run, so I tend to run pretty slow. I am a proud middle
to back of packer. Running is my alone time to simmer in my own thoughts and
wrestle important decisions with myself as there is nothing else to do but put
one foot in front of the other and be in your head. I began running in college
as a way to cope with stress, bad relationships, and as I could no longer Figure
Skate as I did growing up. I would run a 3 mile loop around the UCF campus and
try to convince my friends to do it with me in the sauna like Florida heat.
Gradually, I ran my first half marathon (at Disney World of course) and
although I enjoyed it I told myself at the finish I would never run a full.
Fast forward 3 years later I was crossing the finish line of my first full
overcome with so much euphoria and the realization that “I can do it,” that I
couldn’t even breathe or see the last few steps. Immediately on my runners high
that evening, I put my name in for the lottery of the NYC Marathon hopeful that
maybe I would be there one day. Although I did not get in that year, I am
thrilled to say that this November I will be running the five boroughs (and as
a NYC resident!)
Running at a slow, comfortable pace is what brings me joy in
running. Rather than focusing on my discomfort I can think about my blessings,
my life ahead of me, take in my surroundings in nature, and pray. Morning runs
work best for my body; straight out of bed and hitting the pavement. My head is
clear, the day is new and quiet before the hustle and bustle of the big city. It
starts my day on a positive and refreshing note where I can take time for my
gratitude practice and say some prayers before a busy and successful day.
In January of 2016 I ran my first marathon. My marathon
debut was probably the best day of my life, I ran my own race, took my time,
made friends with my pacer, and finished knowing that I wanted to do it over
and over again. Every time I start to compare myself to those that are faster
than me, I bring myself back to that moment and remember the satisfaction I had
with myself and that no matter how slow I did it, I was part of the 1% of the
population that has run 26.2 miles.
Here I am now, training through the sticky heat of the
summer for the New York City Marathon on November 5th;
unquestionably the largest and most exciting road marathon in the world. My
goal is to finish with a smile on my face and take my time enjoying the sights,
sounds, and high fiving the spectators along the way. So if you ask me my time,
don’t be disappointed with I just tell you with a grin that I did it.
