Crossing the Finish Line

On Friday I posted this on my Facebook page

I heard it on the radio that morning and it resonated with me.

Every day we are given the chance to build ourselves back up from what we were yesterday. Whether it was a bad day at work, an argument with a friend, loss of a loved one, or an impacting change in our lives.

We are not required to just remain who we used to be but offered a new day to grow and improve ourselves so that tomorrow can be better than yesterday.

I took my first step on Sunday.

I participated in the 16th annual Key West Half Marathon and 5k. I ran my first 5k in support of Surfers for Autism and Train 4 Autism.

I honestly did not know that I could do it.

I have been battling an unknown ankle injury that just does not seem to go away and nobody can tell me what it is.

I didn't train because of said bum ankle.

I doubted myself and I think I used the crutch of my ankle as an excuse to back out and not try at all.

But then I remembered why I signed up for the race. For families like mine to continue to receive the benefits of those two organizations.

I had the support of some amazing people in my life who told me that I could do it and again reminded me why I was doing it. They told me never to give up and that what truly mattered is that I try and cross that finish line.

So I woke up at 5am that very cold 55 degree morning, drove down to Key West, picked up my race bib and prepared myself for what I was about to undertake.

As the time came near to approach the starting line, I was nervous. I looked at the people around me who looked like they have been doing this for quite a while now and my nerves began to take hold.

Then I remembered the quote above.

I was being given my tomorrow to make my changes to who I want to be and this was my start.

So I put in my earbuds, turned on the Pandora, took a deep breath and began to move with the crowd.

At first my pace was fast and I was feeling the burn...why was I pushing myself so hard? I didn't have anything to prove to anyone but me...so I slowed it down. I changed my pace to a run/walk so as not injure my ankle further.

I took in the sights and the energy of everyone around me.

I kept going and pushed through the 1 mile mark, the turn around, the 2 mile mark...I took advantage of the water being handed out.

As I neared the 3 mile mark, the "cheerleaders" kept yelling..."almost there, you can do this!" and so I picked up my pace, got my fourth wind in me and quickly realized to myself.... "I can do this! I am doing it!"

And so as I approached the finish line and I saw the clock showing the time...42:33...tears came to my eyes.

I was crying because I did it!

I felt great! Adrenaline was coursing through my body. I was calling and texting everyone I knew.

I was excited for what I had accomplished.

Even when I felt like I couldn't do it, the love and support of my family and friends pushed me through it. The desire to help others was my driving force.

I did something I didn't think I could.

And now, I'm ready to start training for a half marathon!

There is nothing in this world that we can't do. We have to believe in ourselves and when we feel down we need to look to our friends and family who build us up to give us that extra shot of "Get up and go" that we need.

Here are some shots post race...I'm waiting for the professional shots to be uploaded to share those with you.

I did it!! Woo Hoo!! And I'm smiling too!!

Actual post time...not bad huh?

Celebratory beer....gotta love being in the Keys!!

Much love!!