Good morning!
Listen in for the poem out loud and scroll down to finish reading part two of marathon morning and the finish.
Thank you for being here.
Mama You Made It Rain lands on my arms Shorts stuck to my thighs, Shirt clings to my back Well, it’s pouring out— No surprise It could be worse The wind is soft the grass is green My legs are moving I have a team God is here, He got me to— the start. Thank you, Lord With all my heart. Pay attention Focus on my breath Mindset matters In this last stretch. Though the pain grows Don’t give up My feet feel slow Don’t give up Twenty miles to go. The finish is up ahead Dig deep and believe There is more in you Wake up, it’s not a dream Cowbells ringing— Spectators are loud Eyes up—my children cheering proud. Mama, you made it! Take a bow.
Part Two: Thank you for reading and running along—
I kept my eyes ahead as the rain continued. A runner was in sight, probably a half mile but I couldn’t seem to close the gap between us. I wanted to run with someone. I’ve noticed in the second half of a marathon it’s wonderful to have some running buddies especially when spectators were not around to keep you going.
Thankfully someone caught up to me and I tried my best to keep their pace. My legs just wouldn’t turn over—I was stuck in a pace I couldn’t snap out of. Sigh. I watched her pass me with such ease and I was disheartened I couldn’t go with her. I refused to stay in that feeling long, don’t give up, keep your eyes ahead.
I looked up and more hills were coming. I groaned. Okay, I can do this, I can do this. I needed to change my attitude fast—These hills are nothing compared to back home. As I battled with crazy Aunt Phoebe (my inner judge), another runner came alongside me. He began chatting with me and I was able to keep his pace for a bit. I was grateful for his support and encouragement as we tackled the hill together. He kept moving along though, and I wasn’t able to change gears at that moment to go with him.
He took off, up the next hill as I stared at the back of his red shirt hoping to not let the gap get any bigger, but that’s exactly what happened. Mile 20 was a struggle. I found myself comparing how I felt at mile 20 of the last marathon I raced. It was polar opposites. The marathon in October of 2022 I was picking up speed at his point. I felt great—charging ahead to the finish. Here. Now. I was barely moving. I could walk faster than this.
I was frustrated and disappointed. Oh, Julie don’t do this—don’t compare—this is a new day, a new course, a different race. Don’t do this to yourself. My Sage spoke up. I was grateful to listen.
Meanwhile, the small stone was moving around in my sneaker. I managed to wiggle my toes to keep it from moving down towards the arch of my foot. At least it wasn’t a breathe right strip—I recalled the story Meb Keflezighi shared in his book, 26 Marathons: What I Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life from My Marathon Career. Remembering his story gave me strength. I kept on.
From mile 20 to 23 I was alone. I prayed for my God to help me—give me the strength to climb the remaining hills, give me the courage to finish, and give me a grateful heart. I get to run. I get to be here enjoying this beautiful course—time for me.
My left hip ached and tightened as I shuffled uphill. My third goal, to finish in under four hours changed to, just finish, as I looked down at my watch. I could be miserable or happy these last miles and I decided to choose happy. I shook out my arms, smiled and thanked the volunteers handing out hydration, and kept my eyes ahead.
At mile 23, a runner caught up with me, and this time I was determined to not let her get away. We had a few more short hills to conquer than it was flat and fast. I was grateful to have her by my side to help push me through the last miles.
I passed her, then she passed me. I was behind again, determined to not lose sight—I’m almost done. With a half mile to go, I caught up to her and we exchanged a good job and I shouted, Let’s finish strong! I was hoping she would come with me but as I made the left turn heading to the finish I was alone. I charged forward with all I had left. I crossed the finish with a smile of relief and gratitude. I made it. I finished.
THE END.
You’re invited. We meet tomorrow May 5th at 11 am (EST) for Write Together Friday. Click the button below to join us on Zoom. I hope to see you then and feel free to invite a friend.
Mama, you made it!