My First Full Marathon

‘Running a marathon is life changing’. A quote I’ve read in many running articles and expressed to me by friends who have ran a marathon.

Admittedly I did not know what this would mean to me, like, what in my life would be altered by completing a marathon? When I crossed the finish line, I knew I would look at myself differently; that at 42 years of age I could do something so physically straining, mentally challenging, persevering in my goal to finish and submitting to faith. Because as all first time marathoners can attest to, when the cramps are starting, you will call on God to help you through.

When I received my medal, I knew I would look at myself differently. All my life I did not receive a medal for anything I’ve done academically or for a particular sport. I was not one who received recognition, albeit, doing my part in getting good grades and I always finished a task as best as I could, but never deserving of a praise with certificates to show. In my earlier races, the certificates given at the end were proofs that I’ve accomplished something but then again, there were thousands of others who got the same thing. Although we were several hundred who finished the CamSur full marathon, I felt and everyone else who finished because we all congratulated each other, we deserved to be recognized and praised.

When Jamike and I crossed the finish line together and hugged each other, I knew I would look at our partnership differently; our respect and love for each other would only get better from hereon. There is no doubt that we will work at keeping our marriage strong. We stuck by each other all throughout the route. When he was cramping, I waited and when I was in pain, he waited. We motivated each other. This is a bonus seeing that many spouses or partners of runners do not share the same experience.

When I finished the race, I knew I would look at my body differently. That this thing that shells my soul and spirit must be revered more. My body will hold up if I treat it well. My spirit will only work its power to the fullest if I recognize it, if I allow it to make me believe in my strengths. The mind is a powerful instrument, that when it dictates that you are weak, you will feel weak. I know now that I can rely on my spirit.

In a nutshell, in anything that we strive for, we have to work hard to attain it. There will be sacrifices but ultimately reaching the goal results to deeper appreciation and gratitude. Yes, finishing a full marathon is life changing.

I would like to congratulate my running buddy Caecilia for finishing it too and of course, thank you Jamike for making this experience more meaningful by being by my side all throughout.