I arrived at windmill in golden gate park at 6:30 AM on Sept 20. I was nervous, worried, scared and was unable to sleep the previous night. I was looking forward to that day all week. This was the Nike race preview! The target for full marathoners was to run 20 miles on the race course including that big hill we were training for all week. I knew I had to finish the 20 miles. It was my big confidence booster. My coach kept telling us “Train like your race, race like you train’ I kept saying to myself ‘This is the last big run before the race and I needed to ace it , period’
The five months of training was going to pay off now and it did! I ran, ran like a girl, for 20 miles, injured. I hurt my right knee while going downhill at mile 7 and then at 10 my right leg was out of order. I limped the next 10 miles exerting pressure on the left leg and ended with shin splint on my left leg. There was not a single muscle in my body that was not sore. I had a complete brain drain, total loss of motor skills & lack of coordination. The bagel in my hand would fall off before it got to my mouth.
I have endured the 18 weeks of intense training with Leukemia & Lymphoma’s Team In Training. I have constantly challenged my body & my mind. I have started to yearn for pain. I feel the emptiness when there is no pain. Seven years ago, I read on a billboard in New York, ‘Pain is weakness leaving your body’. And only now, have I come to know what it means.
I would return from training, in pain, unable to walk or make an intelligent conversation. Seeing my state of affairs, my hubby would go ‘Why put yourself through this?’ I asked myself the same question. Why? Why run 26.2 miles?
I run to celebrate the most precious thing I have, my son.
I run so I walk the talk, before I do the talk to my son.
I run so I can be a role model to my son.
I run to get a sense of accomplishment
I run to challenge myself to do something that I thought I was incapable off.
I run towards freedom
I run to get away from the life’s rat race
I run to be who I am.
I run to let out the stress and to be me again.
I run to keep my mind & body healthy, a priceless gift to my family & to the community
When I run I hear my son in my head cheering me on and saying he’s proud of me! There is my inspiration! Now, I dare to dream running with him and I can’t wait for him to grow up!
Nike women’s marathon is this weekend. I have been worry about it all week and am a wreck at this point. The big question in my head is, ‘Can I do 26.2 miles?’ I’m getting cold feet. I have been making frantic calls to my coach asking the same. I don’t remember the last time I was so nervous. Well, you know what; I have no other option than be victorious.
My race strategy is simple. Go slow, walk downhill and just FINISH the race. Wish me luck!
If you've never run a race, it's NOT impossible. If I can do it, anyone can. If you want to run and save lives while running, I would encourage you to join Leukemia & Lymphoma society’s ‘Team In Training’. Help find a cure. What better cause than to find a cure for leukemia! Yes, run every mile to save lives!
Run like a girl! Run every mile to save lives!
Go Team!
..More after the race
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