Saturday, October 25, 2008

I did it!!!


Getting ready to start the race.




20,000 runners!


Feeling great at mile 11!


Almost done.


Reaching the finish line.


So proud!!


On Sunday 10/19, I completed my 2nd (and final) marathon! It was the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco and it was amazing. There were 20,000 runners, and all the proceeds went to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I trained very hard for this event and it was worth it.

The first marathon I ran in 2000, was with a team for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. They provided coaches, mentors, training schedules and a wonderful support system, and in turn I raised $5,000 for this great cause. It was a wonderful experience that I will never forget. I made many friends, had a lot of fun, and did something amazing for a great cause.

This time it was just as incredible but for different reasons. This time it was all about me, and that may sound selfish but it was very necessary. I knew I needed to do something amazing for myself this year, and back in February when I read the description of the Nike Women's Marathon in Runner's World Magazine, I knew that was going to be my marathon! And I did it!!! I worked so hard and accomplished this incredible thing all on my own. I did research to come up with a running schedule that was right for me. I did my daily runs, and weekly long runs, I made sure I ate the right things, had the proper shoes and clothing, and did the right things for proper recovery after the long runs. I gained strength and fitness, and lost 13 pounds along the way, but the best thing I regained was self respect. During those many hours of running I had a lot of time to think and I used a lot of positive thoughts to get through it everyday. I would think to myself, "you are strong, you are amazing, you are a runner and an athlete." All of these thoughts made me stronger mentally and helped me get through the difficult long runs. Then one day I looked at my reflection as I ran by a window and thought, "Who is that runner?" I was changing on the outside as well as on the inside.

While I was running the 26.2 mile race I thought about why I was doing it and realized it was just as important for my family as it was for myself. I was running to set a good example for my kids about being a healthy and strong person. By accomplishing my goal I had become a better mother and wife. I am much stronger, healthier and happier than ever. It was an amazing experience and I'm so glad I pushed myself to do it.

Yesterday I decided to go for a little run. Just four miles, and it was a great run. It felt so good to be running again after a five day break since the marathon. This time when I saw that runner in the window's reflection I recognized her right away. She was strong, powerful and amazing and I was extremely proud of her! :-)

11 comments:

Ally said...

You are so amazing, Karen! I loved your entry, and I'm so happy that you accomplished your goal after eight months of very hard work. I miss you and your family: I can't believe how grown up Laney and Jack are. I love you guys-thanks for sharing!
-Ally

Wilmsens said...

Karen, we are so very proud of you. What an incredible journey you have been on this past year. You are an inspiration to us. Oh and by the way, that runner in the mirror is hot!

Love,

Lori, Matt and Shayla

Nat said...

LOVED this post. I admit to checking your blog frequently to see if there are pics of this yet. Thanks for the insight into your thought process, too. We are proud of you... and your SKINNY ARMS! (: Amazing job! I'll call you soon!

Unknown said...

Way to go, Karen! We are proud of you and inspired by your dedication to this feat. We truly enjoyed your comments and insight into your thoughts and outlook. We know Tustin is rightfully very proud of you too.

Love, Ron and Karen

someday-soon said...

Fantastic job Karen! You look so happy at the end of the race and I can see all your hard work glowing through. You are setting a wonderful example for Jack and Laney and you were already a great Mom and wife but it's wonderful you got to do something for you. That's not one bit selfish. Hope we get to see you soon =)

Love,
Caryn & Mike

Tina said...

Karen! I love your pictures, and everything you wrote. You are so amazing....:)

mmg said...

Fantastic Karen! Dad and I are very proud of you and love you more than you can imagine. I would like to run a couple hundred yards with you sometime.

David said...

Karen, you are an inspiration! Way to go! Can't wait to see you and your family. David

Kare said...

Thanks everyone for all your love and support! I feel so loved. :-)

Sabra said...

I'm so proud of you, too! I want to be a runner! I just don't want to get off the couch. I'm so lazy! What's in the Tiffany's bag?

Jeff and Lindsey said...

Ok, so I cried when I read this (the end got me) - then cried AGAIN while I was telling Jeff about it!
You're amazing!