TRAVELING TO MARATHON: So I just got back from my marathon trip in Eugene. I figured it was going to be a trip to find myself and it sort of was to an extent. My trip didn't start off the best, my flight was 7 hours delayed. (Note: I don't recommend flying Spirit Airlines). But I decided I wasn't going to let this bother me. I'm an impatient person and when plans change it frustrates me easy but I figured out of my control need to let it go. I met this pretty awesome traveling tattoo artist who told me stories of living in Costa Rica and a hippy commune.7 hours gets you talking to everyone on your flight at 2am just a heads up.People are amazing and everyone has a unique story.
Finally, I arrive in Eugene dead tired but really wanted to go to Hayward to watch World Jrs so my ticket wouldn't go to waste. Even on 3 hours of sleep I was full of adrenaline just stepping on campus. The cultures that were all around me warming up and the different languages was just overwhelming. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience seeing a international track meet at historic Hayward Field even if I had to suffer watching Japan win the 10k race walk in 38 mins. Of course what would a trip for a runner be without going to see Pre's rock and his trails. His rock was definitely not what they make it out to be it was kind of out in the middle of nowhere in a neighborhood kind of hard to find actually, but I found it.
DAY BEFORE MARATHON: The day before the marathon I found out some awful news that I would have to move out where I'm staying at by the end of the month. I have no job so it's was kind of frightful to think about and that I would be losing someone in the process. I tried not to think about it too much but it was in the back of my mind.
MARATHON DAY: Didn't get much sleep the night before due to nerves but woke up feeling fresh and ready to go. I started out with the 3:35 group but felt amazing so moved up to the 3:25 group ran with them for about 10 miles then started rolling. Of course I thought hey I'm running like a bad ass right now might as well run 7:30 pace even though I'm not halfway done. By mile 20 I hit that damn wall that I had been dreading. I could not lift my knees up anymore for a decent stride. This is when you experience the spirit of the marathon.
Running camaraderie. I met a girl from Texas who helped me for a mile or two. I met another girl who was struggling as well and we kept pulling each other. We ended up finishing near each other and hugged after and thanked each other for not giving up!! I ran with a guy from Chicago who has ran 20 marathons and kept telling me work the tangents, don't run more then you have to! I ran with a guy from Eugene who didn't do more the 8 miles to prepare for this but he worked with my pace to help me for the last mile. It was an overwhelming emotional 10k. I was struggling but each and everyone of those "guardian angels" helped me work that course to feel the crowd and the announcer say my name as I crossed the finish line of Hayward Field. Crying after that last step and receiving my medal by our military just gave me intense chills that no one would be able to take away from me.
FINDING MYSELF: I think in a way I learned how to depend on people. I never ask for help I'm pretty independent but at that point I'm thankful for everyone that helped me. I think I need to not be afraid to ask for help sometimes when I'm completely lost and suffering. I also learned through the trip that anything can change in a moment. Live life like you are running out of time. Stop making plans, they don't stick. Stop trying to figure out the future. My life has gone a 180 in a year you can't predict anything. I learned that sometimes you just need to let go. It may be hard but it might be for the best. I learned that you must be able to tell people things that you are afraid of. Open up let people in. You never know when you might not be able to tell them what you are really feeling.
Till Next time,
Alice
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