During the very first mile, there was a tear for the fact that I was actually doing it. I think there were thousands of people running around me. Once you leave the finish line there were only a handful of people along the way. The next emotional scene was crossing the Ambassador Bridge, amazing how beautiful Detroit can look with the sun rising. Being welcomed by the Canadian crowd pushed me passed the fourth mile. The entire run through Canada had overly excited crowds with signs and cheers that somehow made you want to keep pushing.Getting into about mile six or seven you pass into the tunnel and it gets hot and somehow the incline and decline surprised me. It was sticky and took a lot of energy out but coming out with the blast of cold air was a sweet release. Entering into the US is most appreciated as the border patrol is smiling and applauding, such an odd feeling. Then the American crowds appear and you get another wave of energy. However going further the crowds thin and near mile 9 or so I slip a bit on a water cup and my energy really starts to drain.
Throughout the race I told myself I was running this race for my roommate's father who recently passed. This brought back emotions from nearly three years ago. It gave me the courage to keep going, pushing beyond the pain. Got through about mile eleven and ran into an old college friend and she somehow gave me more energy to do the last two miles. She was just smiling as she always does. Finally reaching the tall buildings of Detroit and seeing the split where the full and half marathons go their different ways, one turn to go! Taking the last right I see the finish line, maybe a quarter mile away. FUCK was it painful. I gave it my all, legs burning, eyes a blur with tears, I DID IT! Writing this brings all those emotions back but really without actually doing it I would never have been able to understand.
Well after that weekend I made sure to keep the spirit, signed up for the KONA Chocolate Run. I finished that 10k today and it felt great. Glad that even though it wasn't 13 miles, I still stayed motivated and achieved another goal. The half-marathon led to a greater good. Through October I did not feel I was living the healthy life I wanted to and had back during the Spring, even with the half marathon now complete. Starting November 1st I made a goal with a friend that things were going to be different. We talk every day about where we are at and what is working. It is great to have that support and be able to bounce ideas off of someone working to the same goal. Joined my gym buddy again almost every weekday since and continuing to push myself. Exercise would be pointless with the food choices I was previously making. Now completely cutting out restaurants for the month and instead concentrating on the food I am preparing. Every ingredient has a specific purpose. I have not felt this good in a very long time. I feel like a new person. Excited to see what the results are in the next couple weeks and beyond. Here is to self-improvement, really that's the goal, isn't it?
