Running my life, one mile at a time : Dream big

Well folks, last weekend I ran my 7th marathon in Champaign, IL and a special race it was for me. Not only did I achieve a PR, but I also dealt with breaking through some tough walls. As a runner, when you get into higher mileage your mind starts to play games on you. For me mine occurred at mile 17 and 24. Many times my mind just kept saying, "oh it's cool your doing fine, you can walk," but the other part of me just wouldn't give into this. You see a marathon is much more than just physical, it's mental. I guess what I am trying to say is don't give up on yourself when in a tough situation, keep moving forward, and your goals will be achieved. Heck mine was and so glad I didn't listen to that little voice telling me to quit.

Ok enough of me motivating you, here is a recap of champaign.

First off, you all know that every since my first marathon, we have to take photos before the race. It's tradition and well no one breaks tradition. I dressed as a highway construction worker with my neon clothing and awesome pro compression marathon socks and my husband went as Captain America. Captain America was a hit. The kids and adults all screamed as he ran and high fived everyone. Therefore, Thinking I should go as Wonder Woman for the Minneapolis marathon next month.... I initially said the Green Lantern and my husband thought Wonder Woman would be more fitting for a girl. Opps wasn't even thinking that:)

Someone likes to make fun of me:)

Thankful for my husband who ran the first ten miles of the marathon with me, he ran the half and wanted to do some speed work for the last 3 miles of his race. Not gonna lie, but when you see the half marathoners split from the full you start thinking how nice it would be to just go with them:) but oh well just gotta think it's only 13 more miles, no big deal. So off I went, I realized after running with someone it becomes harder to zone out. I jammed out sinning songs for a bit, then mile 17 came. Aghhhhh my nemesis! I dunno why but this mile sucks! I just am thankful once it is over and I see the mile 18 sign! I will say the crowds were incredible!! Streets were lined with spectators and volunteers cheering you on!!! Mile 24 was like a bad joke someone was playing on me, it was up a steep hill with no end in sight. I saw multiple people stopping to walk and just kept saying to myself if you stop you won't restart and it's over. No way after 24 miles was I going to have that happen. Mile 25 came and a guy had a Miller lite beer stand, if only I didn't have to continue running. I am not a huge beer drinker, but for some reason they are delicious after running. Saw a few guys stopping to enjoy a brewski, and I was to continue the journey. As I came down a hill onto the University of Illinois campus, a group of guys were screaming, " you got this girl!" And high fived me. Not going to lie, that extra cheered helped me finish that race. I sprinted past them and into the campus football field. It was an awesome marathon! You finish on the football field as they announce your name and have a jumbo screen with you running through the finish line. Made me feel like Rocky, like when he climbed the stairs! Felt like I was on top of the world running onto that field.

It was an awesome day! I learned a lot about myself and how dreams can come true. As I continue my dream of qualifying for the Boston Marathon, I actually feel like it is within my reach now . I now have a PR 3:41 and need 3:35 for Boston. I can do this and will continue to dream big. Don't let anyone ever tell you, you can't do something. Better yet, go out and do it, show the world how awesome you truly are! Dream big,