(26.2 miles -completed 3/6/16 in Arkansas)
SO I have been asked by many, how long did I train. I took my training very seriously. I can remember saying I would never do a full. Then one day I saw Toni and Aliya crossing the finish line for the Grand Rapids Full Marathon and I saw photos of Deonia completing the Flying Pig Full Marathon. I started thinking to myself, I feel a little marathon motivationcoming on!
Every year I set a running goal for myself. In 2015, that goal was to complete 200 miles with the Ragnar Relay. After that, I said okay a Full Marathon in 2016 it is!
I set my eyes on finding a Full Marathon. With suggestions from other full marathoners and research, I found the Little Rock Marathon!! And then the training began!
But then it happen. I ran the Detroit Free Press Marathon Relay. It was a cold, yet a beautiful day and I was the last leg on the relay team, bringing up the rear with only about 4 miles to do.
At just over 2 miles into my run, something pinched in my right leg and I was down for the count!! Oh the pain I felt!! I couldn't even finish the race without walking it all the way to the finish line. Tears in my eyes, not just from the pain but also because I felt I let my team down. Like I had just dropped the baton as I headed to the finish line. Man! Then I thought, my marathon dream is gone for 2016. Double Man!
I needed physical therapy for my recovery. This was now October and I was already into my training. I told the therapist and my doctor that I was in training for my first Full Marathon, paid for already but now I was concerned that I would not be able to continue. I was prayed up but I couldn't even run for one second without my knees buckling.
They said the marathon is out if I planned to run it straight through but if I had a different plan that I could show them and we could work together, then maybe at least they could get me to the finish line. So here comes the change in my plan and the introduction to the Jeff Galloway Method.
With hard work, dedication, MONTHS of training, proper nutrition, and a dedicated team of women supporting me through this journey, my goal was just to finish and finish injury free!! But I am going to toot my on horn right now!!
With 8 hours available to finish the race, I still had 1 hour and 15 minutes remaining, plus walked away with a huge medal, a smile on my face, and with NO injuries!! WON'T HE DO IT!!
While the journey wasn't easy, I stuck to my training. I was constantly told, "Just Trust Your Training, You Got This"! When my mind wanted to think differently, I would say that to myself. Now continuing with my training, today was my first day of recovery and it called for a 60 minute slow walk. I'll TAKE THAT!!
Be Blessed! S.T.A.R.S., THANK YOU again for all of your support!! I couldn't have made it through without you!!
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