Oh yes I did. I ran the Utah Valley Marathon. And it. was. awesome. Ok, it was a killer. But completely worth it in so many ways. And I did it.
We boarded the bus to the start line at 3:30 AM. Then we rode the bus for what seemed like an eternity. I thought they were taking us to Bountiful or something. When we arrived at the start line, we huddled around fires, stood in line for the porta-potties, and psyched ourselves up. At 6:00 AM, the gun fired and we were off. I was amazed at all the different people I encountered during the race. Old and young, fit and fat, stiff competitors and casual strollers, families running together, and people who flat out quit. The whole way down the canyon, I just kept looking around at how amazingly beautiful it was and thinking, "I am really doing this." When I passed the halfway point, I was totally motivated. I was right on schedule for my goal finish time and I felt great. When I passed mile 20, I was stoked. I had just run further than I ever had before, and I knew my family was waiting at mile 21. When I reached mile 21 I waved and smiled for the camera. I soaked up all the cheers from my family members and said, "See you at the finish line!" which was only a mere 5 miles away, and since I had just run 21 it was no big deal, right? Wrong. I broke at mile 22. I just couldn't go any further.
Everything hurt. My feet wouldn't run anymore. My legs wouldn't pick up my feet. My knees wouldn't hold up my body. I was stumbling and thinking, "I'm not going to make it." So after walking most of mile 22, I neared mile 23 and could see the finish line, and then I started running again and ran all the way in. The feeling I had when I crossed the finish line is hard to describe. I just know that there is nothing in this world like it, and
everyone should run a marathon in order to experience it.
I had so much support from my family. Not only on race day but all along the way. There is no possible way I could have done it without them. Jeff oftentimes rearranged his work schedule so he could be home to get Daisy ready for school while I was training. Kandi and Jason's family would set up 'water stations' for me along my training route, and let me break into their house early in the morning to use the bathroom during those emergencies. Jeff would wake up before the sun to drive me out and drop me off so I could run home. My parents came all this way and stayed with my kids so Jeff could be with me, and they were there at the finish line, after I ran 26.2.
Oh yes I did. I ran the Utah Valley Marathon. And it. was. awesome. Ok, it was a killer. But completely worth it in so many ways. And I did it.
We boarded the bus to the start line at 3:30 AM. Then we rode the bus for what seemed like an eternity. I thought they were taking us to Bountiful or something. When we arrived at the start line, we huddled around fires, stood in line for the porta-potties, and psyched ourselves up. At 6:00 AM, the gun fired and we were off. I was amazed at all the different people I encountered during the race. Old and young, fit and fat, stiff competitors and casual strollers, families running together, and people who flat out quit. The whole way down the canyon, I just kept looking around at how amazingly beautiful it was and thinking, "I am really doing this." When I passed the halfway point, I was totally motivated. I was right on schedule for my goal finish time and I felt great. When I passed mile 20, I was stoked. I had just run further than I ever had before, and I knew my family was waiting at mile 21. When I reached mile 21 I waved and smiled for the camera. I soaked up all the cheers from my family members and said, "See you at the finish line!" which was only a mere 5 miles away, and since I had just run 21 it was no big deal, right? Wrong. I broke at mile 22. I just couldn't go any further. Everything hurt. My feet wouldn't run anymore. My legs wouldn't pick up my feet. My knees wouldn't hold up my body. I was stumbling and thinking, "I'm not going to make it." So after walking most of mile 22, I neared mile 23 and could see the finish line, and then I started running again and ran all the way in. The feeling I had when I crossed the finish line is hard to describe. I just know that there is nothing in this world like it, and everyone should run a marathon in order to experience it.
I had so much support from my family. Not only on race day but all along the way. There is no possible way I could have done it without them. Jeff oftentimes rearranged his work schedule so he could be home to get Daisy ready for school while I was training. Kandi and Jason's family would set up 'water stations' for me along my training route, and let me break into their house early in the morning to use the bathroom during those emergencies. Jeff would wake up before the sun to drive me out and drop me off so I could run home. My parents came all this way and stayed with my kids so Jeff could be with me, and they were there at the finish line, after I ran 26.2.
4 comments:
So proud of you! I agree, I think everyone should run a marathon at least once, crossing the finish line is the best feeling. It's amazing what are bodies are capable of if we push ourselves. Good job! You look awesome!
Wow! That is amazing Natasha! What a neat thing to be able to say you have accomplished. Good Job!
You are an amazingly strong woman carry that forward throughout your life inside if not physically. You inspire so many and have also inspired me through the trials and tribulations you are know fighting with Isaac being sick. Bless you and your family young lady.
Jack Kramer
3111 Longstreet Ave SW
Wyoming, Michigan 49509
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