It’s My Fairytale!

So, I have been trying some visualization. Running the marathon in my mind, having a good time, not dying, not being in pain, not crying, not quitting…just running with Mel and waving at the crowd, leaping for joy every once and a while, a rose flies at me,  maybe I am winning?! Oh yes! I am winning!  Go ahead, close your eyes…see? I’m waving to you! You’re cheering for me, “GO!! Amanda! Great job!! Almost there!! (nope, scratch that. Don’t say that, especially since this is mile 10 or something). Looking strong! Are you even sweating?!” It’s foggy, like a whimsical haze, but the sun is shinning and sparkling, reflecting off of all the shiny Vegas things around me. My lip gloss is shimmering, my legs are tan (I have no idea, just go with it people, ok). My marathon outfit is smoking! I am looking groovy!

(Ok, back to the important running part) I am having a good time, my legs are fresh and not tired or sore. My shoes are light as feathers, my socks are dry and perfect, no blisters, my shoulders are relaxed, arms are loose. My neck is not cranked downward, like in Portland where I was watching every step land in water puddles and rivers. My eyes are upward, I am looking at the crowd, the scenery, the people! I find inspiration in all the people around me, running, just like me. I am with my people, others of like mind and will. I come up on a runner who is tired and dragging.  Mel and I encourage her, tell her she is awesome! And after today she will be a MARATHONER! One of a few! A special cat! She perks up, and looks like a new person. Our work is done and we continue on….we have a marathon to run too.

The huge sign for Mile 25 is ahead! What? Already? Can’t be! I feel so great! I don’t want it to end! I feel like a rock star with all the people cheering for me! I think I even saw my name on a poster! Mel and I smile at each other, the glisten in our eye some would call straight up NUTS! The way we are enjoying this, the challenge, defeating the beast that is 26.2, not a beast today. Not this time! The marathon is mine! I came. I ran! I CONQUERED!! Mile 26 sign is there, just steps ahead! The last .2 which has felt like a mile in the marathons past is but a step! It is there, within reach!

The finish sign says “YOU ARE AMAZING! YOU ARE STRONG! YOU ARE A MARATHONING MOTHER!”  Mel and I finish, hands clasped, arms raised! Tears sting my eyes, but not tears of sadness but tears of joy and pride. Tears of accomplishment. Above all hardship we raised above and we said, “We will do this.” And we did. Mel ran an awesome race to honor her dad, and you could feel the calm pride surrounding us. 

Now, hopefully come Sunday afternoon I can just repost this as my race recap. =) Off to finish packing and finish up some last minute work stuff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Me, The Hubs and LB were in Vegas just over a year ago for Breaking Pace’s wedding. I remember after my run  in Vegas (read about it HERE) I said to my aunt, “Maybe I’ll be back next year to do the Rock n Roll marathon.” I wanted to, it was a just a thought at the time. I hadn’t even run one yet! And now look!  Marathon #3 in less than 48 hours!  Holy smokes!!! Woooooo Whoooo!!

Can’t wait to see Mel and hang out, have a good time…and kick some Marathon Bootie!!

 

See you all in Vegas since I know you ALL are coming to cheer us on. I know because I just saw you in my fairytale…