march 2nd, 2010 i wrote my first blog post, just three months after my second acl reconstruction, i wrote "today i started training for my first half-marathon." now, almost a year and a half later i can successfully say that my training is over, and i can finally cross that first half-marathon off the list.
in true fashion, i suppose i will start out with my thank yous. i am forever gratefully for my ever-growing cheering squad. i was lucky enough to have three of the most important my people in my life bouncing around the race course, cheering me on throughout the thirteen miles. i am not quite sure my parents fully understand how much it meant to me to see them there at miles one, three, four, four and half, six, eleven and the finish. and of course, papa schutte repping his steps foundation t-shirt was enough to make me blink back the tears when i first spotted them out of the starting line. along with my parents, having kayla reeves along the course was all the motivation i needed to keep my legs moving. although i could have done without the vomit comment at mile eleven, she has constantly been a source of motivation, inspiration and consolation since day one. i can confidently say that without her, i would have given up a long time ago.
the quote at the top of this page states that "if you run, you are a runner. it doesn't matter how fast or how far. it doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. there is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. you just run." i also believe this applies to the running community. runners accept and encourage each other regardless, which is why i am so thankful to have met another inspirational runner at acs. elise has been a constant supporter and partner as we simultaneously trained for our first half marathons. although she was not along the race course, her support during the weeks leading up to race day was comparable and i am unbelievably excited for her to experience her first half on august 7th.
the prizes of this weekend include much more than my finishers medal, t-shirt, or pint glass. i have forever joined the 13.1 club and proved to myself that i am capable of things that i, and many others, never thought possible. i tried to look at my second acl tear as a set back, knowing that a set back is only a set up for a comeback. i think it is safe to say that i have made my comeback and i have savored every mile.
this certainly isn't over, there will always be more roads to discover and new races to run.
Well I shouldn't have read your blog at work because now I am teary! You are truly incredible and I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with you! I suggest a gluten-free carb fest to celebrate . . . say August 11th-ish! Keep running, keep believing, and keep reminding yourself that you can do anything you put your mind too!
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