What an AMAZING experience. It all started Saturday morning waking up and my heart was filled with joy. I was so relaxed and ready to hit the road with my boys. As we arrived to Monterey the sun was shining, cool crisp of Fall air and many runners walking around. The expo was very well organized, met up with a fellow runner/Pink Lady Krissy, met a mom who breastfed her daughter (we shared out stories) and the excitement really started to kick in! We shopped, walked around, enjoyed the scenery and ended our day relaxing in our hotel room. Through out the whole day all I could feel was PEACE! I knew that there was nothing to be worried about. So, when I laid my head down to go to bed the last thing I said was "It's all in your hands God - Your will will be done."
When Sunday morning came I just couldn't wait to get in my corral. This was the day - All the training, challenges, growth, setbacks and hard work will be paid in full. As Alex prayed over me I could just feel the presence of the Lord surrounding me. After a few tears I was READY - I GOT THIS! There was no going back and nothing was going to stop me. I anxiously waited 30mins until my corral took off. During this point I am usually nervous, have butterflies in my belly and I'm encouraging all my Pink Ladies. But I was not nervous. I did not have butterflies. This moment was MINE! The gun went off - I gave Simone a big hug and off we went. I can't describe the feeling other than it was a CELEBRATION!
I stopped at mile 3 to take a picture (My fellow running buddy Kelly encouraged that I do this - THANKS KELLY!). The sky was gray but you can see the beauty in the ocean. The calmness of the still waters. The sun peaking through. Just another sign from God that this is still my moment.
I made it an effort to embrace each mile with a special moment of this year. I often thought of my journey as a mother. From the moment I held Max in my arms to the moment of kissing him goodbye as I left for this race. In a sense motherhood is like a marathon - I am always running towards some sort of goal. Improving my "stride" as a mother. Breaking PR's as a mother. Signing up for the next race - whether I am ready or not as a mother. There were moments that I got choked up. There were moments that I stopped to simply stare at the ocean and give God glory. There were moments that my music stopped and I all I could hear was my breathing, the waves crashing and encouragement from my fellow runners. Once I reached Mile 8 I thought OMG I am almost done! For a brief second I didn't want it to end - I wanted to continue to run until my legs fall off LOL! The course was simply beautiful with strong runners.
When I approached the hills I remember the advise I read: Run slowly, look up, shoulders back and stay on the ball of your foot. But I couldn't do just that. I had to sprint them! HA! As I sprinted those hills I had my two sole sisters with me: Patricia and Yolanda. I could hear them cheering me on and telling me to GO GO GO!! Thank You Sisters. Those hills were dedicated to you both. The spectators were great! I seen so many "GO MOM" signs and I just couldn't wait to see Max and Alex. Even though I knew they were going to be waiting for me at the end I still looked for them. At one point I even started to cry because I knew how proud they were of me. Alex has been such a great supporter through out this journey. He pushed me when I didn't want get up to run. He pushed me when I fell. He encouraged me to finish the race. He supported me in my other races. He encouraged me to keep running with my jogging stroller. He pushed me because he believes in me. I long for the moment that Max says "GO MOMMY GO" and when I hear those sweet words they will be cherished. Thank You Sweets for all that you've done for me. I love you with all my heart!
Max, when you read this you'll fully understand why mommy loves running. Why I never gave up on you. Why you inspire me every single day. Why you heard me cry during our training runs. Mommy is always running to give you the best life that God has set out for us. I love you Maximus!
As Mile 11 approached I stop to catch my breath, text Alex and say a simple prayer. My prayer was: God give me the strength, don't let my pains affect me and please allow me to keep the faith during the last 2.1 miles! Again, I smiled and off I went. I literally sprinted to the finish line. The moment I switch sides I saw Alex and Max. I screamed so loud! Gave him a big hug and kiss. Max just gave me this look of Yeah Mommy you're crazy! I kissed him and sprinted as if I was running the Olympics marathon. I crossed that finish line with so much heart, so much gratitude and so much excitement! I could not feel my knees but I all I could so was SMILE!! I was done! I ran 13.1 miles - 11 months after my C-Section in a personal record of 2:07! I've ran many marathons but this race was by far the BEST accomplishment and feeling ever!
As I sit here typing this blog crying my eyes out the feeling of accomplishment is overwhelming! I'm so grateful to be where I am today. All that I have endured. All the heartaches from past relationships. The fears of not being a good mother. It's all been left in the ocean, washed away and my heart is full with Gods everlasting love. I know I am meant for this. I am meant to share my testimonies, be the change and continue to strive to be the woman God has called me to be. Whether it's running, sharing my blog, a piece of my marriage or a simple prayer. That is what my journey is about - Embracing each mile with Gods love.
Thank You for allowing me to share my story. Never let anyone's opinion affect who you are. Know that you are a great mommy. You are made for greatness. God chose YOU! Be STRONG and FEARLESS! His love never fades!
Blessings.
No comments:
Post a Comment