The title of this blog literally speaks for itself. I am beyond humbled from this experience. Nobody could of prepared me for what I experienced while running this Marathon. I am going to keep this short because I could write probably 10 pages. There will be video posted below from my experience and also a series of photos that show my entire journey.
The Beginning of Race:
I was in Corral "H" so we started 20 some minutes after the race because they went from A-T. In the video you will see the start of my corral and the fireworks that went off. I was stretching and anxious while waiting. I had thoughts going through my head constantly: "Can I really do this?"
Mickey Mouse counted down and the fireworks went off and I started crying because it finally started, and I began to run.
The Race:
I had my NikePlus Running watch on and I constantly viewed my pace. I knew I had to keep a 15 minute mile. The Disney Race said you must maintain a 16 minute mile or you could be picked up from the course for going too slow. I knew I had to stay in a certain range. I played around with running and walking. I knew I had to go slow because I had to remain strong until the end. At the beginning of the race you have the most energy, so I know I had to look ahead until the end and remain calm and steady.
The volunteers at Disney were the BEST I have ever seen. People are looking you directly in the eyes and high fiving you and encouraging you. I honestly felt I had family members there cheering me on. There were so many funny running signs that people made that had me laughing out loud.
The Race Route:
We ran through all four of Walt Disney World Theme Parks and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. We ran through the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Epcot.
They had surprises along the way. They had characters throughout the park where you could take pictures with. They had live entertainment along the sidelines. We got to run on the baseball field at ESPN complex. They had live animals that you could pet and hold along side the sidelines. They made sure you stayed entertained through the entire 26.2 Miles
When It Got Hard:
I was feeling ok until I reached Mile 10 and sure enough my right knee started. My husband taped my knee in advance because I hurt my right knee during my Marathon Training and sure enough it made it's ugly face present during Mile 10. My knee was aggravated when running, so I had to speed walk more than run. Thankfully the Lord above let me speed walk without feeling the intense knee pain. My first thought was "oh well, at least I made it to Mile 10 before I threw in the towel." I continued speaking to Jesus during this race. I started confessing scripture out loud and reciting it over me as I continued. I asked Jesus to give me the strength that he had when he had to walk and carry the cross to be crucified. I told him I would do this for him and that when I am weak then he is his strongest. I continued and was able to keep going. My husband surprised me at a couple of stops during the race. I saw him at Mile 8, Mile 13, and Mile 19.
Hitting The Wall:
People always talked about "the wall" and I was curious to know what that felt like. I felt it at Mile 20. Mentally my mind was like "Katy, 6.2 Miles left this is easy you got this, almost done!" But my body had another idea. The pain I was in was so extreme, I don't even have words for it. My body physically could not run. I could barely put one foot in front of the other. I was stumbling and in so much pain. I thought I broke my foot at one point because of the pain. I could feel all the blisters all over my feet. I knew for sure I lost 2 toenails. Both of my knees were DONE!! My hands were extremely swollen. It was everything for me to keep continuing for the last 6.2 miles. I did these last miles at a snail pace. At Mile 25 I saw a double amputee and I began to start weeping. It was so moving to see him doing this Marathon and it was so encouraging. I then got a rush of adrenaline and said to myself "I am doing this for my children and for those who cannot run." I was in Epcot and approaching the fnishline. Keep in mind the Disney Parks are open at this point, so you have people that are there for Disney watching this whole thing. I had people shouting my name and cheering me on. Their cheers kept me going and I continued to cry at this point because I was in so much pain and was so moved from this experience. I crossed the finish line and did it !!!!!!
What I learned:
I learned how strong I am mentally!!! My mental is stronger than my physical!!! I learned it was God and him alone who got me through this race!!! It was Jesus himself!!! I learned I can do ANYTHING and ALL things are possible with Jesus!!! I am 31 years old and a Mother of 2 and I can proudly say I am a Marathoner and a Finisher!!! I am a woman who couldn't run 1 mile that set a goal to do one 5k. I did that 5k then set a goal to do a Half-Marathon. I ran my entire Half-Marathon and finished with a time of 2 hours and 18 minutes. I then set a goal to do a Marathon!!! I have officially smashed and conquered EVERY single one of my goals!!!!!
Here is my video below:
(The Expo Event, Morning of Race, Jamming out to music to pump myself up (this song is from my brother "See-Z" song called "Work.") The start of the race for my Corral, Running during race at Mile 8, After race, and me walking to the car.
Here is a photo collage from the entire weekend!!!
(Song by my brother "See-Z" called Fire in My Soul.)
Congratulations, Katy! To God be the glory! : )
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much!!! Amen!!! To God be the glory indeed!
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