So I was startled awake this morning not by my six month old daughter but rather the sound of heavy rain hitting my bedroom window. The day looked like my last month of life...cloudy with a chance of storms! The last month has been trying in every way possible as far as stress, depression and exhaustion goes. Whatever the reasons it has been tough and I have pretty much been empty in almost every aspect of my life. Even during a 3 day vacation that was a great break from work and a chance to escape the daily routine seemed to be somewhat mediocre.
Now back to this morning and the gloom that so rudely startled me from my slumber. I laid in bed for a few moments and then the day and date suddenly struck me. Monday, May 9th! Now to most anyone else this is just another day, for me however this was the day the results of the St. George marathon lottery was to be posted. So like a 10 year old boy on Christmas morning I sprang out of bed as quick as I could to find my laptop.
With the suspense and waiting for the laptop to load I suddenly realized the feeling as I waited. It was excitement, butterflies and calm all rolled into one. as I mentioned the last month has been rough for me emotionally and for these 2 minutes waiting for the computer to load the stress and emotions were gone. Gone by way of excitement at the idea that I could possibly know if I was going to get the opportunity to fulfill a goal that I have had since I was a teenager.
And so I found the website in which I was prompted to enter my first and last name to see if I was selected or not. I quickly typed my name and hit enter. If I was selected my name would appear on the next screen...no name...I of course was not going to accept failure so I did what any desperate person would do...I blamed myself and entered the name again thinking I must have typed it in wrong.
The name popped up on the next screen and after my heart skipped at least 2 beats the thought crossed my mind...what have I done! 26.2 miles of running? What person in their right mind would do that to themselves? I am pretty sure there will be a waiver I will sign saying there is some kind of risk of injury or death!
After the initial shock and surprise passed came the excitement and joy. I am going to have a chance to do something that will challenge me, something that gives me an opportunity to grow and push me to the very limit. Those closest to me know my life and they will all tell you I have had my problems and setbacks in life. This marathon is officially going to be something I am doing for myself and it is something that may not be important to others but for me it is a chance to reclaim my life and take charge of me once and for all.
I do not have a lot of time and today is my day off of work so I am going to spend much of today putting together a training plan and getting everything in place for the long months of sweat ahead. I will be updating on a more consistent basis from here on out and could use all the support I can get so please follow the blog and keep me going. I love you all and let the countdown begin!
