February 2006: I ran my first half-marathon. That's 13.1 miles in case you were wondering. I don't say this to brag. I have never been an "athlete" (unless reading is a sport! ha ha! *insert nerd joke here*) But I found a great running partner and we were determined to do it. Let me tell you, we felt pretty hard-core when we crossed the finish line in the 32-degree weather. (Austin can be suprisingly cold in February!) Especially when we looked back on our 6 month trek to the finish line. It all started in August of 2005, when we started we could barely run half a mile without being completely out of breath.. no joke.
August 2006: We are now training again for the same half-marathon (and hopefully another). And I was getting that pride-ful "I'm super hard core!" feeling back again....and then I saw this video (see below) and I was completely humbled.
You may have heard this story before: Dick Hoyt's son Rick came into this world with an umbilical cord around his neck. The very thing that gave him life in the womb, left him unable to walk and talk. To make a long story short, Rick wanted to run in a race, but couldn't, so his Dadr ran it for him and pushed him the whole way. Years later, Dick Hoyt is still pushing his son in marathons and now triathalons. It's an amazing story.
Click on the link to see their full story. http://www.teamhoyt.com/
The other night (ironically the night of our first training day) I ran across this video. And pretty much cried my eyes out. It's amazing to see the love, dedication, and compassion this man has for his son. (Sidenote: Makes me think, if this human man can express this much love, this sacrifice, think of it in comparison to God's love! wow, makes me think that my imagination cannot even comprehend God's all encomassing love...but I digress)
So this year, I'm running. Not to lose weight, not to be cool or hardcore, not to keep from being bored, but because God made me incredibly healthy and because I CAN.
Anyways, here's the video. Watch it if you choose. Be prepared to cry.
6 comments:
ok, tears. tears. tears.
I didn't know you ran a half! I am so impressed! Wow. Did I already tell you I asked carol for her email? She hasn't responded yet.
yes, we will be here this weekend. He eats at 8am, 12pm, 4pm, 8pm and 11pm so if you come 20-30 minutes after those times- you can meet Ranger when he's awake.
Did you know Ellie Mae is in town? She'll be here until Friday or Saturday...
Emily, thats such a great clip that I posted it on my myspace. When are you guys training? I would to join you guys if you wouldn't mind a tag-a-long. That clip is really inspiring.
~Rosa
i fought long and hard. i lost. i cried. i watched the video yesterday morning before going to class and i didn't want to muss up my face so i tried to hold the tears back. note to self: videos like that plus a touch of homesickness, bad combination.
Geez Louise (literally...lol). I told myself I wouldn't cry when I watched that video....but no such luck. Maybe its b/c I have a son of my own now...not sure. Thanks so much for sharing with everyone Em! Leave it to you to make us laugh and cry all in one sitting.
I'm still trying to find a training partner for the half...I think Crystal may do it with me. A friend at work said that we need to do the 3M Half Marathon. She said she likes it a lot better and its a true "Half Marathon." I'll send you the info on it.
Love ya!
Sara
Sara, i would love the info on the 3M half, I may just do both! I've really got to put a stronger warning label on that video...Give Colton some love from his FAVORITE aunt.
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