I DID IT!!! I can now say that I've run a half marathon! 13.1 miles! It was definitely the hardest thing I have ever done mentally, physically, and emotionally in my entire life. I am still letting the thought settle in a little bit. I remember writing a post not even 18 months ago, about how my family thought I had died somewhere along the trail of the 5k we were informally running as a family. It's hard to see how far I've come, because I live with myself every day...it's hard to gauge progress and success. But on Saturday, when I crossed that finish line, it was pretty easy to be ecstatic with how far I've come. This has been such a big journey for me, trying to get healthy again. Such a roller-coaster. I have been struggling with my health/weight for over 7 years now...and with each passing year I gave up on myself a little bit more. There was a point that I honestly just stopped looking in the mirror...I wasn't happy, and it affected every area of my life. And then, at some point, I decided I could change, that nobody was going to do it for me, and most importantly, that I was worth it. This realization didn't come as a lightning bolt moment, it happened gradually. It happened every single day as I forced myself to be aware of how I was feeling not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Awareness and perception have allowed me to take on my struggles a little piece at a time. That, and relying on my Heavenly Father, my higher power. I still make mistakes...a lot of them!!...and I still have a long way to go...but I know I can do it! This half marathon is a monumental milestone...it doesn't mark the end of my journey, and it definitely hasn't been the beginning...just somewhere in the middle of this life-long process of me remembering who I am, who I can be, and the things and people who are going to help get me there. One step at a time... :)
The last half-mile...My sister met me there with my girls to finish with me...one of the coolest moments of my life! 
The last turn...so...much...pain... 
The big finish!! 
The medals... 
A piece of my inspiration... 
Kiss it... 
My biggest support...:) 
Me and my sister Angela...she got me through it...thanks Ang!!! Couldn't have done it without you... 
The whole fam... 
Hot mamas... 
The reward... ;) 
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Thanksgiving Point Half Marathon!!
at 7:58:00 AM
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13 comments:
That is such a great post. I don't think I can say anything more. Great post. Great run. Great story. Great person.
You are an inspiration to me! I want to go and run a half marathon. Wow!!! Way to go!!! You know you are right nobody can change it for you, or do it for you. You have to decide for yourself that you want it. You can go far once you have made that decision! I'm just so proud of you, you are awesome! I love the pictures you have posted too! Keep up the hard work. Love you Audge!
Audge, you are AMAZING! Never forget how good it felt. Hopefully one of these days, I'll be able to do a race with yall (maybe on a smaller scale).
Seriously just teared up a little while I read this Audrey! You are my hero--for reals. I am with you on so many points--thanks. You rock. I love you friend!
Oh. Gosh. You made me cry. I think I'm past it, then I keep reading and cry more. Then I see the pic with you with your girls going to the finish and I cry more. Then I saw the "kiss it" picture and I smile and laugh. You are incredible, Audge; I'm soooooo proud of you. A half marathon is a huuuuuge accomplishment. Maybe one day I will be as cool as you and do one of those... or maybe I'll just stick with getting lost during the 5k. :) You are so inspiring. I love that you have found that "you are worth it." Because oh, I think so much of you and love you so much, it makes me so sad that you have felt any other way. Seriously, you are amazing and I look up to you so much. I'm so proud of you! You are looking great too by the way!!!
we so totally rock...!
You are AMAZING!!!!! I can't even imagine running around the block. I seriously admire you and your ambition!!! Your awesome:)
you look great!!
audge- you are such an inspiration to me. thank you for sharing your experience.
Such a cool post and very inspirational to me and I am sure others who struggle with the same issues! I am so excited for us to hang out more often and get to know each other better!
Holly
That is truly the most inspirational post I have ever read. I'm so proud of you!! I feel like I have had a little window to watch you grow and change and struggle and get back up again. You never give up no matter how hard it gets and I really need to remember that right now. Thank you for living an inspiring and inspired life. Love you!!!!
Thanks for sharing that! You are so inspirational. What a great accomplishment.
It seems you guys had a lots of fun. By the way ur blog is cool and looking forward to come back.
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