Take my mom for example: My sister, Jamie, made her mind up to run the Chicago Marathon in 2013. I immediately said YES can I tag along for the ride. My mom quietly, she's sneaky in a great way, contemplated joining the journey. I'm sure she had many reasons to say no. It's hard, I'm not in my 20s/30s, how can I fit in the training with my busy work schedule, etc. But as registration neared, she said YES.
Somehow the stars all aligned and the three of us all got into the Marathon (2 by lottery system).
Now I am so fortunate to have trained along side my mom and oldest sister for their first marathon. We shared laughs, tears, stress, joy, smiles, and maybe a few choice words. We were a team.
I got to experience lots of "firsts" with them. It is really incredible to have others accept you to share in their journey. I think my favorite was running my mom's first 20 miler. We had highs and lows (Like her music dying well before the end) but we made it through and I knew she would be ready for the marathon. I think I make a pretty good personal cheerleader/iPod if I do say so myself! Mom may have used some of those previously mentioned choice words ;) Marathon day came and we gladly stuck together! I know people build up the event but I loved the day in day out runs of training. Time spent with some of my family, those memories stand out to me.
If you know me, you know I'm a sensitive soul and often commercials can get me teary eyed. However I can say I have never cried tears of joy finishing a race until crossing the line with my mom and Jamie. I was so proud and honored to have shared the miles. (Not just the 26.2 on race day but the journey that began several months prior)
(Photos from Chicago 2013)
6 Days after these photos I ran my first 50 mile event. People said I was nuts to run Chicago and turn around and run DPRT 50M. I kept telling people.... "How can you say no to running a marathon with your sister and MOM?!?!" I'm so glad I didn't listen to the naysayers. Sure, I didn't have the freshest legs and struggled throughout. But my mom and dad joined in with Steve along the course cheering me on (and giving me snacks). I finally rounded the final turn and saw Steve, my parents, and Jamie's clan (I had some fellow running club ladies that stuck around for me too!) I couldn't believe I was at the finish. I cried for my second race finish, not because I was in pain, but because I felt so incredibly loved and special. These moments can't happen with the "yes" so long before.
My mom and sis are returning the "yes" in running with me on my birthday run! It will be my mom's first trail race. Wow, how cool is it that I get to start my next 50 miler with my mom and oldest sis?! (Maybe we can even get Erin on board ;) )When I said this was my plan for my birthday weekend. They said.... "we'll be there." I'm a lucky lady. So.... enough about me.....
Do you have a lingering feeling that you need more out of life? Is there something you having been thinking about and are struggling to say yes out of reservation or fear?
How can you take a chance on a new/challenging opportunity?
Life offers so much; sometimes in scary,sneaky ways.
It may just take you on the most amazing journey of your life.
Live more... smile through the challenge.... say YES!
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