Over the last couple of years, I have been inspired by the Neir--extended family as they have engaged in competition--jogging, biking, and swimming. I have also had a wonderful example in the discipline my husband has demonstrated over the last couple of years as he has lost a lot of weight and is so methodical in going the the YMCA to exercise. I also thought of my mother (now in a wheelchair) who when she was my present age could run a mile in 10 minutes and outrun me--even though she was almost twice my age.
SO--with these examples, a sign at the YMCA posted late last July caught my attention. The sign said that the Y would help prepare members for Wichita's Half-Marathon coming up in late September. I thought about it for about a week and then decided to give it a try. The 7 weeks of training with Stephanie and Matt (Y employess) went very fast. They were so kind to me and encouraged me as did Tim. No one made fun of my slow ways!
Two weeks ago I completed the half marathon! Stephanie, the wonderful trainer from the Y, stayed about 6 to 10 feet ahead of me the whole way so that I would keep going. She was wonderful as she could have gone so much faster, but instead focused on helping me. When we were just about finished, one of the men on bikes said, "Your family is waiting for you at the finish line and they are proud of you!" What a wonderful site to see Tim and the 3 boys as I crossed the finish line! I was so happy and then I started to cry. The photo is one that Tim took of Stephanie and me.
I want to keep working on getting better (faster) as I have a long way to go to be able to do what my mom could do when she was my age. Yesterday, I ran in a 5K and had fun with that. Tim got a special watch for me that helped me "keep pushing" myself and I finished 26 sec. sooner than my goal--though my times are still very slow. Tim surprised me by cheering for me along the way. That helped as when I would see him I would speed up so he wouldn't realize how "normally slow" I am.
Anyway, this has been a lot of fun. I am thankful for friends and family who have been both an example and an encouragement to me.
3 comments:
Great job Marilee! I didn't know you were running - I wish I could have been there to encourage you on as well. Keep it up - it's hard to quit once you get into it and is a good feeling when you finish well.
Wow! That is awesome. I am proud of you, Marilee.
It is an emotional thing to finish something you have worked so hard at training for, isn't it?
I bet your family is so proud of you. Keep it up! I can't wait to hear about your next adventure.(It's addicting, you know)
Good Job, Marilee! Congratulations! It doesn't matter how fast you run the race as long as you finish the race.
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