Well, we did it!!!
Have you ever been in a cold shower for 3 and 1/2 hours straight, with your running clothes and shoes on? Not to mention trying to make it to a finish line? Well, that's what we endured on Saturday morning in St. George - out of the 32 years that they have been doing this race, this is only the 2nd time that it has rained - go figure?!?!
Despite the weather, we had a really great time. Steve and his brother Tom stayed with me throughout the entire race - I know, how lucky am I?
At mile 6, there is a little town called Veyo. We have always gone to cheer on the runners at this point and this year was no different. The family members that didn't run, including Jaxen, came to cheer us on. It was such a motivating boost for me - I started crying when I saw Jax, I ran up and gave him a hug and a kiss and went on my way, I had to keep moving or I knew that I was going to be an emotional mess.
I hit the wall at mile 10 & 1/2 until about mile 12, I didn't think that I could continue, nor did I really care to. It was nearing the end of an up-hill stretch, in the pouring rain and I just kept thinking that this was NOT what I had signed up to do! About mile 12, I read a sign at the side of the road that someone had hung up, it said "Never easy, but Always Worth it!" That made re-evaluate my thinking and WHY I was doing this. I changed my attitude and 'enjoyed the journey' for the rest of the race.
Yes, I was freezing. Yes, I was in pain. Yes, I was hungry and just wanted a doughnut. Yes, I thought my music would help carry me through and it didn't. But I never doubted myself again, I was determined to finish the race, no matter how long it took me. I don't think that I can fully describe how I felt during certain moments of the race, but I know that I learned a lot about myself and a lot about my sweet husband and brother-in-law. I know that I could not have finished the race without my 'support team' - it means more to me than they will ever know that they would stay with me (walk a minute, run a minute up the hills) throughout the entire race, love you guys!
I have been changed through this experience and hope to put that to good use in the future.
I am grateful for the experience that I have had and I will always remember my first Marathon and what an awesome learning adventure it was!
20 comments:
Congratulations, Ashley. That's pretty impressive. Sometimes I think I want to run a marathon someday, although what I think I REALLY want is to BE ABLE to run a marathon. :-) Great job!
Wow, I am just in AWE! You are such an inspiration, congratulations!!
Congrats! I have been checkin' out your blog hoping for the good news.
YOU DID IT!!!!!!! I am so excited for you.
"I will always remember my first Marathon" does this mean there are more in store?
Great Job :)
Congrats!!!! You're such an inspiration for all of us who someday want to try something like this! I was thinking about you guys when I was driving up to Logan this Saturday and wondering how cold and wet it was where you were. I think that just added to my admiration that you could actually do it in the cold and rain too! Way to go! You're my hero!
Congrats Ash, that is so awesome! You are so so amazing. I think it is so cool that you and Steve got to do it together too you guys are incredible. Maybe someday, someday I will have the courage to do one myself, way to go!!
Congratulations. You're awesome.
CONGRATULATIONS ASHLEY!!!!!!!! WOW!!!! THAT'S SOOOOO AWESOME! WAY TO GO!!
I am so proud of you! It sounds like it was pure @!#% That is a great accomplishment and you looked super hot at the finish! What a woman!!!! You have ALMOST inspired me to run some kind of race someday!LOL!
Way to go Ashley! I was wondering if you were going to run the marathon! You are amazing and you look incredible. Way to go! It's wonderful to have such an awesome support team!
I still think the both of you are nuts.
I don't think I could ever do that. Very impressive. Congratulations.
CONGRATS ASH!! That is awesome!!!
WAHOO ASHLEY!!!! I'm so proud of you! Did you think about girls trip when you got to Veyo? I'm surprised that little memory didn't pull you through the whole race!
Seriously - SO PROUD OF YOU! (and steve again too)
Fun pictures! Love you all!
Congrats you guys...you need to have your husband talk my husband into it now...what a wonderful thing to have accomplished together!
Yay! I was hoping to see this post! You are so awesome! I can't even imagine. FIRST marathon huh? Gonna start an annual tradition?
Way to go! I'm with Jeff when talking about marathons, but that is an awesome accomplishment.
This is such a wonderful accomplishment, I love the feeling of success! Even better to get to do it with your best friend!
Awesome Ashley!
Nice work Ashley!! Seriously quite the accomplishment
It's funny, as I read this and felt the emotion behind the words, it almost inspired me to try and run a marathon.....almost! :)
You're great and I knew you'd make it! I'm sure it was my "bone" inspirational note that gave you that extra boost!! I'm sure Steve saved that one for you're lowest moment :)
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