Mission Accomplished

Twelve weeks ago I set out to do something that, at the time, seemed impossible. In 12 weeks I've gone from a complete novice to completing a 5k, 15k, and 1/2 Marathon. Yesterday was so wonderful. The organizers of the Womens' Half Marathon did an awesome job. I will definetly love to participate next year.

My goal going into this was simply to complete the 1/2 Marathon in under 4 hours. I did not want to be scooped up by the "sweep truck." No way, Jose! My official time was 3:33:36. I am so proud of my accomplishment and am thankful to God for instilling in me the determination to execute the plan of action and strive towards the goal. No one can ever take that moment away from me.

I won't give you the complete blow-by-blow but here are the highlights/take-aways:

1) Tylenol PM is awesome in helping you get a restful night sleep, just be sure to give yourself at least 7 hours to sleep or you may wake up a little groggy

2) Walking barefoot to your car in the dark can be hazardous--put on flip flops or something (stepped on a spring, ouch!!)

3) Get all your potty business done pre-race; this Diva detests porta-potties.

4) Start hydrating the night before!!

5) PowerBar Energy bars are excellent pre-race. No tummy issues and no hunger mid race.

6) the dynamic "stretching" routine is bleeping awesome and works!

7) 13 blocks is a great warm up. . .but not so great after the pounding your body takes. Think about the beggining and the end when you park. On my way back to office I was praying for my Fairy God-Diva to turn a banana into a corvette.

8) GU is nasty, but it works!!! It was just the burst I needed to get me pumped after mile 9.

9) My Iron Girl hydration belt rocks!!! It was so cool having my hands free but also having a ready source of hydration in between water stations. After mile 5 I switched to Gatorade mixed with a little water. The pocket on it kept my energy brownie (yes, they make those), my car key, and my massage money.

10) All those years cheering people on from the sidelines I never really knew just how much it can mean to someone. I absolutely LOVED the volunteers and "cheerleaders" along the route who kept us encouraged and motivated. Some were out there supporting specific racers but were gracious enough to send love your way. I will never view sideline cheering the same. To hear someone yell "Jenita you rock!!" or "Good job, Jenita" as I'm pulling out everything I have to get over a hill was simply beautiful.

11) God is so awesome! I downloaded a number of songs from iSweat Fitness on Thursday night. I hadn't had time to listen to all of the songs prior to making my "13.1" playlist. As I coasted into mile 3 a song named "Power" came on. After that was one named "Everyday." As I was walking these songs ministered to me--and yes I was singing!! IKeep your heart tuned into the spirit God.

12) I set a personal record (PR) back to back. I completed my first mile in 15:29 and my second mile in 14:50. After mile 4 my pace settled in at about 16:00. So glad I bought a stop watch b/c I was able to somewhat monitor my pace and not get to comfortable or too fast.

13) I want to thank the lady who I initially passed on mile 3 but who caught up with me at mile 6 and ran with me through mile 7. You motivated me at a moment when I was faltering. You encouraged me to dig deep and keep pushing. Thank you and congrats on beating your goal.

14) Words cannot fully express everything I felt along the 13.1 mile route. Just before mile 10 my right ankle started stiffening up and my left knee was aching. But this was part of the course that I had trekked before in my training, so I knew what was ahead and refused to give in to the pain. When I was about halway through mile 13 and walking up the Shelby Street bridge I could envision victory and almost started crying. But I told myself "keep it together girl! No blubbering!" When I rounded the corner of 1st and Demonbreun I couldn't help but cry because I remembered the chubby 7th grade me who couldn't tumble. I remembered I stopped riding a bike because the tires would go flat when I got on. I remembered the doctors all telling me that I would probably develop diabetes. I remembered what it felt like to be denied life insurance because of my height to weight ratio. All those things came flooding to my memory and all I could think was "No way!! No more!!" To see people clapping and cheering, to hear the announcer say "Jenita, you just completed the Womens' Half Marathon," and to have someone drape a medal around your neck. . .Such a wonderfully marvelous feeling. Victory is indeed sweet.

I have to take a momen to thank my friends and family who have been so encouraging and supportive. Although I step out on the pavement alone, it's your words that I call to memory when I start feeling alone. My mom and my step dad were cheering me on in spirit all the way in Georgia :) My fellow Zumba-lover, Yo-Jo supported me from Denver, CO. And my homegirls Al and Audrey had my back way over in Hawaii. Thank you to all of you prayed for me and kept me encouraged. Thank you to my pal Sandy C.S. who also completed the 1/2. Having her there meant so much.

What's next?? Monday starts the first day of the training schedule for my new running group, Fit Girl Posse. Currently I'm plannning out another fall race, either a 15k or a 10-miler, and the Country Music 1/2 Marathon in the spring. What I know for sure is that ther is no turning back. Fitness is not a hobby; it's not something you pack in a box and pull out when you need it. You live it every day. You wake up every day and raise the bar. "Good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best." Be blessed and stay tuned.