Details, Details

The night before the AT&T Austin Marathon/Half-Marathon was filled with restlessness and excitement. We had to leave for Austin at 4:30am, so I should have just stayed up until then. No one slept very well.

Once we arrived and figured out where to park, we had about a mile walk to the race start area. The weather was cool but not damp, so it wasn't too bad. I had a friend along who was also running her first half-marathon. We had never trained together and she actually hadn't trained over a distance of 5 miles, but she had a super mental attitude which in the end made the difference for her.

The endless view of bodies ahead of us was really stimulating. The first five miles went so quickly. The adrenaline was really pumping and I was moving much faster than I had planned on. About mile six, my friend announced she couldn't keep going!!! I told her there's no way she wasn't finishing. We walked for a short while and then took it nice and easy the remainder of the course, walking up the extreme hills when necessary.

It's hard to describe the joyfulness and sense of release as you cross the finish line. Receiving the finisher's medal from the race personnel was so satisfying. I've been a spectator at these events before and I always felt like such a slug amongst the actual runners. Sunday, I could drink my free Powerade and take my complimentary bagel with no shame; I had earned it.

After my friend and I stretched and changed, we parked ourselves near the full marathon finish line. It was inspiring watching the participants as they summoned their last bit of energy to close out their race. As I remembered how I felt when onlookers yelled my name off my bib, I began screaming for anyone and everyone who passed. There's just something about hearing your name out loud that magnifies the kudos even more. My husband and son were even able to "high five" me as they raced by.

I could go on and on. Sunday, February 18th was a wonderful day. I'd like to express my gratitude and thankfulness to my Maker. I know that He was with me every step of the way and I couldn't have done it without Him. This accomplishment is just one of many that He has planned for me; the choice is mine to succeed.