About 15 years ago my dad and I started something...and yesterday, I finished it. I ran my first full marathon in Las Vegas, NV on Sunday, December 5th 2010 in approximately 4 hours and 28 minutes. I was told this one might be a difficult one for a beginner but it seemed only appropriate since it's the one my dad and I were training for so many years ago. And it was hard, but I wouldn't have had it any other way.
The marathon itself lived up to every expectation I might have ever had about a marathon. It was exciting, exhilarating, inspirational, fun...and it was also the exact opposite of all those things. It was exhausting, long, strenuous, brutal, down right miserable at times and also painful...mentally, physically and emotionally painful. I finished it feeling satisfied and fulfilled. I am so very grateful that I took the time to train and prepare for the entire 18 weeks, and I was not left wanting at the end. I have never been so happy to be done with something and so happy that I did it at the same time.
There was no better feeling than to run down to the finish line and see my mom, dad, husband Austin, Amanda, Gina and her friend Nicole there cheering me on. It made it all worth it when my dad gave me an embrace that no one could ever put a price on. Words cannot describe what I felt and how I still feel.
There were 30,000 runners. It was an incredible sight. I remember when the 1/2 marathoners split off from us and were almost done...it was sooooo tempting just to hop over to their side and just be finished, ha ha ha. I'm so glad I stuck with it, even if half the marathon was up hill!! The first half of the marathon was on the strip where I ran alongside the likes of hundreds of Elvis's, santa clauses, one Axel Rose and many others dressed up in fun outfits. There was live music and high school cheerleaders playing alongside the entire marathon. I am eternally grateful to all the volunteers and spectators who handed out energy gu, drinks, water and encouragement the entire way. I have no idea what might have been registering on my face those last 3 miles, but everyone made a point of looking right at me and telling me to keep going.
I was emotional at the end and I'm emotional now just writing about it. Like I said before, words can't begin to describe the array of emotions that I felt the entire way through and at the end. I really feel like I accomplished something for me and my dad. I'm so glad he was there and got to see it. It's incredible what we can accomplish if we set our minds to it, make a plan and take the time to prepare.
Thanks again to my family who could be there and the love and support from those who had to stay home. LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
The marathon itself lived up to every expectation I might have ever had about a marathon. It was exciting, exhilarating, inspirational, fun...and it was also the exact opposite of all those things. It was exhausting, long, strenuous, brutal, down right miserable at times and also painful...mentally, physically and emotionally painful. I finished it feeling satisfied and fulfilled. I am so very grateful that I took the time to train and prepare for the entire 18 weeks, and I was not left wanting at the end. I have never been so happy to be done with something and so happy that I did it at the same time.
There was no better feeling than to run down to the finish line and see my mom, dad, husband Austin, Amanda, Gina and her friend Nicole there cheering me on. It made it all worth it when my dad gave me an embrace that no one could ever put a price on. Words cannot describe what I felt and how I still feel.
There were 30,000 runners. It was an incredible sight. I remember when the 1/2 marathoners split off from us and were almost done...it was sooooo tempting just to hop over to their side and just be finished, ha ha ha. I'm so glad I stuck with it, even if half the marathon was up hill!! The first half of the marathon was on the strip where I ran alongside the likes of hundreds of Elvis's, santa clauses, one Axel Rose and many others dressed up in fun outfits. There was live music and high school cheerleaders playing alongside the entire marathon. I am eternally grateful to all the volunteers and spectators who handed out energy gu, drinks, water and encouragement the entire way. I have no idea what might have been registering on my face those last 3 miles, but everyone made a point of looking right at me and telling me to keep going.
I was emotional at the end and I'm emotional now just writing about it. Like I said before, words can't begin to describe the array of emotions that I felt the entire way through and at the end. I really feel like I accomplished something for me and my dad. I'm so glad he was there and got to see it. It's incredible what we can accomplish if we set our minds to it, make a plan and take the time to prepare.
Thanks again to my family who could be there and the love and support from those who had to stay home. LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
Me and Austin in front of Caesar's Palace
My dad and Alyssa, poor thing was sick the whole time.
All of us at Serendipity's. The frozen hot chocolate was amazing!!!
My family is incredible. They all wore "Team Lady Lux" shirts at the race. Aren't they clever!
My dad and Austin sporting their shirts
They even made one for me
My dad and I...I look a mess because I just ran 26.2 miles and had been crying too. :)
Almost to the finish line!
8 comments:
AWESOME!!! All I can say is, YOU ROCK! Seriously, you such an inspiration to me and everyone else who knows you!!! I love you so much and am so grateful you are my sister :)
Congratulations! I'm still deciding if I ever want to run one . . . my half marathon just about did me in. :-) You rule!
WOW! Good Job Rach! Seriously, I think you are AMAZING! I crave the feeling you describe. One day....One day! And I will drag you along with me! :)
Love ya sista! Can't wait for the pics!
It was an awesome thing just to watch I can't even begin to imagine doing it!!You are incredible!!
Way to go Rachel! That's a great time! You're not the only one that gets emotional at the end of a big race. I think the only times I've ever seen my husband get really emotional were our wedding day, the birth of our kids and at the end of his big running races, especially after his first 50 miler and the Wasatch 100. To tell you the truth, sometimes the spectators get emotional too. CONGRATS!
You are amazing!!! It is an awesome story!
Rachel!!! You can top all bragging rights! Way to go girl.
Rob and I miss you and Austin! We might come back to Utah for my sisters wedding and to bless the baby. I'll keep you posted. It would be sometime in May. I don't think we have eachother's emails - mine is aarikabranham@gmail.com. Love ya!
Rachel you are amazing! So proud of you right now . . . so proud. It's getting late and I'm getting cheesy. Hope to see you some time soon!
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