from start to finish
When I decided to do the Half-Marathon, I knew it would be hard.
But I also knew it was something I had to do. For me.
It took just about as much effort for me to sign up as it did for me to cross the finish line. A very different kind of effort, but very similar all the same.
I have some health issues that I knew would make it incredibly challenging, so I really went back and forth about whether or not I should do it. As soon as I decided to go for it, I announced it publicly.
Which I rarely do.
For lots of reasons.
But I knew that saying it out loud would help with my follow-through. And I knew the accountability would provide some motivation for me.
A lot happened between the day I signed up and the day of the race. A lot.
Several friends expressed their concerns about me doing it. But for reasons I couldn’t really explain, I knew I needed to.
On race day, it may have taken more courage to join the crowd at the starting line as it did for me to cross the finish.
But by God’s grace, I did both.
And I did both for me.
I needed to tackle an unbelievably difficult goal, and unquestionably complete it.
I needed to feel like I accomplished something.
I needed to see a finish line and actually reach it.
And when I did…
For a few minutes, I felt like I could conquer the world.
And that was so worth every risk and every mile.
What’s something you did
just for you recently?
“And for a few minutes, I felt like I could conquer the world.”
Imagine if this could be bottled. I’d buy a lifetime supply.
I wonder if, when we do things the world says are foolhardy, God smiles and His eyes twinkle and He’s like, “That’s My kid. She knows she can do anything in Me.”? Just thinking out loud here.
Oops, just realized I completely missed your question of what we’ve done recently just for ourselves (see, I got all engrossed in what YOU were saying!).
My answer would have to be………..(crickets). Uh, going to a crafts fair by myself on Saturday? Not exactly like running a marathon or climbing a mountain. Rick’s away, so for me, watching a couple of “just Lisa” movies counts, too, I’d say.
Reading others’ responses here challenges me.
@gritandglory says:
i haven’t watched a “just alece” movie in a long time. shoot, i haven’t watched a MOVIE in a long time. and that’s something i love doing. kinda sad…
I remember that same feeling after my bungi jump. I did it twice in vic falls when I was 17 but I don’t think I would have the nerv to do it now.
Come to think of it I haven’t done anything for myself in a while, not like this stuff anyways unless you count sneeking off to menardes to buy a couple plants while dan watched con, I don’t think so.
I am starting to eat more healthy which is so hard for me to do but I feel its time and I am making some changes to dan and cons food too.
Something for myself would be getting a nice pedicure! Maybe I could make it my mothers day gift.
I am still so proud of you for finishing the race! It makes me think if you can do it so can I, just give me another year or two ;-) it would be nice to finish something though. Love you!
@mandythompson says:
SO proud of you. And just for me? Putting my studio together. And man it feels good.
@gritandglory says:
i still haven’t watched that video yet! tonight. because i’m dying to see it!
@bajanpoet says:
Your question “What’s something that you did just for you recently?” has me thinking… I don’t do much for MYSELF… I extend myself beyond the call of duty for others…. something’s gotta give, and it shouldn’t be ME, right?
Thoughts for the day….
It has been such a long time since I have done something that I love just for myself.
BUT…this sunday I spent a day at my favorite place in the world….Huntington Beach…and I just spent time completely by myself. I watched surf bands play and couldn’t get the smile off my face because their music was SOOO awesome, I got a sunburn/tan, I walked the pier, I got chicken strips, and I worked out in the gym on main street. I couldn’t have been more refreshed or happier when I headed for home yesterday….
@gritandglory says:
that sounds like an incredibly perfect day! so so glad for you!
@christielici0us says:
I know the feeling, Alece! I ran my first 5k three years ago this month, and it’s one of those things I’d NEVER have imagined I could do – for a whole plethora of reasons. But I did it! It was the BEST feeling ever!
Congrats again to you! What an accomplishment!
@coloraturajoy says:
YES!!!!
Man…I loved reading this. I’ll say it again: You GO girl!!!!
I went to Georgia. And I competed. For the first time. I knew if I had done a voice competition here in TX, I could easily have changed my mind the day of the drive. But I went to GA. Because there was no way I could spend that much in airfare and not go through with it. (And how great it was to have such a good personal assistant and support that whole weekend!)
I ordered P90X. Seriously, in a matter of about 90 seconds, I decided to do it, emailed my hubs, got a response and, before I changed my mind, I clicked “order”. We’ll be doing it together. I have NEVER followed through with any program like this. My goal is to do the entire 90 days without faltering (…much). :) I need to know that I can do something like this just the way I’m supposed to. I mean…I can’t even follow a recipe. Or the instructions of flight attendants to turn of my cell. ;)
@coloraturajoy says:
* turn OFF my cell. pfth.
@gritandglory says:
P90X is no joke! can’t wait to hear about your journey.
@atangie says:
So proud of you!
For myself: climbing Tunari.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2048998&id=1007773283&l=09675f8380
@gritandglory says:
gorgeous! way to go, gigi!
Still really amazed and happy for you!
For myself…ugh. I guess I did give myself permission to cry this week being that I am graduating and even though I’m not moving right away, I’m still saying goodbye to many people.
But the final push has given me an excuse to not do something just for myself. I shall ponder what I
couldWILL do.@gritandglory says:
giving yourself permission to cry is a really, really good thing, melissa. i’m glad you did.
@traceepersiko says:
Still all cheesified that I got to do this with you!! Something i will never forget. I will always love seeing your joy in my mind watching you cross the finish line. Perfect day with you!
@gritandglory says:
such a perfect day with you: from the race to the never-ending nap to the big bang.
i’m so grateful for you, mo’z!
@kamriereed says:
I forgave. I forgave the church for really hurting me instead of helping me. It was hard for me to realize how long I had been holding that over the church’s head but when I did I forgave.
@gritandglory says:
kamrie, that is huge! HUGE!
Mine wasn’t too recent, but a couple of years ago I ran a full marathon. I did it just to see if I could. I did it and plan to never do it again :) ha ha! Seriously, the run was great, the training not so much ;)
@gritandglory says:
i have so much more respect for marathoners now that i did the half.
awesome, carrie!
@Nomadstacey says:
I continue to be surprised at hoe similar we are. I often don’t announce things publicly for ‘lots of reasons’ as well. I’m sure it was a risk to sign up, announce it, and then do it. I’m so happy to be a (very small) part of your year of risk. I love the celebration you and Tracee had when you crossed the finish line.
You did it. For you. I hope that every time you think of the Half-Nash you smile wide!
@bernardshuford says:
Kids consume virtually all the “for me” time. Period. It’s a common frustration of mine that I do almost nothing that I want to do. :) But I still love them. Dearly.
@danielleH says:
So proud of you for taking the risk and for doing the half!
(I have a computer AND internet now…so you’ll be seeing more of me!)
I’ve been running, too… for me. Because I need that time, even if it’s 11pm on the treadmill, to get rid of the world and focus on breathing and the feeling of my body fighting. I need it.
I’m seriously still so proud of you doing this race. So proud… so inspired.