Well…almost.
No, really I almost did. I thought my running days were over. After life happened…things that I used to love to do just came to a halt, and there was no desire to even go after them again. Then a post came across my newsfeed about the New York City Marathon and I got all excited.
Kinda like butterflies, you know?
Excited for the thrill of running…heck even walking at this point. Just getting back out there. Seeing my friends, running Disney, hitting the trail with my running bestie, crushing my goals no matter how big or small they are…and just for the love of being on the pavement again. Knowing how much joy running brought into my life, I know that joy doesn’t just go away that easy. It’s like a star player reliving his/her Glory Years kinda feels.
My Mom was SO proud of me! I still remember the message she left on my voicemail after I finished my first full marathon at Walt Disney World. She said, “If C doesn’t watch out, you’re gonna knock him out because you are so strong!” I still laugh at that message, and at the fact that I had my phone on speaker at the time, so I quickly switched to my ears only! If you knew my Mom then you know she was quite comical and full of surprises—and you just never knew what was going to come out of Sarah’s mouth! In my Mom’s eyes, I was a winner. She didn’t care about a qualifying time or a medal…just that I finished.
My Mom would be so disappointed if I ever stopped running. Running allowed me to share my passion and my journey with people who didn’t think they could do it. I proved that if I can do it, they can too! I proved that people who look like me, women with curves, and back-of-the-packers can also fall in love with this great sport! The running community is an amazing group of people by the way! It allowed me to be part of an amazing feature for Weight Watchers Magazine called “I Love What My Body Can Do”. To be part of a special piece with B-Metro Magazine to prove that running like a girl is COOL! And I was featured on AL.com as the woman who ran four marathons in a year.
I swear I’m not bragging, but my heart fills with joy looking back over how far God has brought me on this journey. The girl who could barely run 15 seconds ran four marathons…IN A YEAR! Like...Who does that? Only Marathon Maniacs! I give all glory to Him because I never would have made it without Him, the support from my sweet Mama, my family, or my friends.
WHY I MUST RETURN
My Mom loved walking so much! She used to walk 6 miles a day, and probably could out-walk me running any day. *serious face* She would have been the perfect race-walker to train under. I remember telling her, “Mama when you feel up to it, let’s train for a half marathon and we’ll walk it together.” She smiled and said, “OK, baby. We’ll see.”I really looked forward to that day.
Someone commented on this photo that I posted today and said, “you look so happy!”
My God…I was so happy! This photo was from one of the happiest days that so happened to be at the Happiest Place on Earth! I can’t let all of my hard work be in vain. I know it’s bittersweet, but now I get to run for my sweet Mama. She’ll spread her wings and she’ll fly with me to the finish line…whether it’s a 5K or a marathon. Heck, maybe she will give me a little speed, because clearly with no running since February, I am without a doubt slower than molasses AND the ambassador for running turtles.
Either way…I’m ready to be back. Life is too short not to enjoy doing the things you love. It may be a slow and steady process…but none of that matters. It never really did. All that matters is that I get out there and put one foot in front of the other and win this race…One day at a time. I don’t know how long I’m gonna be doing this running thing, but I do know my time isn’t up. I can do this!
When I’m not blogging here, you can find me over on SarahsGrace.com writing my way to healing and sharing about fashion, beauty, DIY projects, food, and whatever else I can think of…inspired by my sweet Mama, Sarah.
I also want to thank my friend Neak in heaven, who passed away this week, for inspiring me on this journey!
I love this post! As a runner, I understand the love for the sport. Your running journey is not finished yet. Great job!
Thank you so much, Krystle!
Very sorry to hear about your mother. But it is inspiring to see how inspired you are and to know that despite everything you are not giving up! Thank you for sharing. Stay faithful! Much blessings.
Thank you for those encouraging words. <3
I wish I could run. I’m pregnant right now so definitely out of the question haha
LOL! You are so cute preggo, too! You can after you have the baby! And Congrats! :)
I’m sure your mom would want you to get back to what you love. Great post!
Thank you, Ty! I really appreciate it!
I have never been a runner, but I have been intrigued and thought about giving it a try. My knees wont let me be great though. I do, however, love walking and I can not wait to get settled in my new place so that I can start walking around my neighborhood.
Yes, keep running! I think it’s awesome you’re being active. I could use more than a little bit of that in my life!
Love the happiest place on earth. Going to Disney World for the first time in a couple months! Glad you are back doing something you love! Im pretty sure your mom will be there to cheer you on!
I love running to I still do it. Also, I love your minne skirt.
You’re a huge inspiration! Running a Marathon seems a bit intimidating to me. I’m sorry to hear about your Mom, I’m sure she’d be so proud of you sticking with running and fulfilling your dreams. Keep it up and who knows what miracles with blossom.
Thank you for those encouraging words, Elle! They mean a lot! And please don’t let running be intimidating. If I can do it, so can you. FYI…it’s addictive!
You’re a huge inspiration! Running a Marathon seems a bit intimidating to me. I’m sorry to hear about your Mom, I’m sure she’d be so proud of you sticking with running and fulfilling your dreams. Keep it up and who knows what miracles will blossom.
You know I love you girlie! And your mom would be so proud of you! Never give up what you love!
Very inspiring and and I’m sure that there are many who have been touched by your accomplishments. Keep on running! Very sorry about the loss of your friend. Blessings to you and yours.
Thank you so much, Antoinette!
Good job on getting back into your groove. It’s inspiring me to do something with myself. I’ve given myself so many excuses about why I stopped working out.
Thanks, Kim! You are right! You can do it. It’s truly mind over matter.