After 4 months of training, my first marathon is finished! Yesterday I surpassed my goal and came in at 4:17! While I was the one out hitting the pavement, I surely could not have done this without the sacrifice, dedication, and encouragement from others. So here is my “thank you” list:

• To my husband – He likes to sleep in a bit more than me, and there were many times that he was up early with the kids while I was out running. It was just as much of a sacrifice on his part as it was on mine.
• To my sister-in-law and training partner, Terri – Thanks for the vision and the long talks on our long runs ! Great job yesterday!!!
• To my oldest, Aleyah – When Daddy didn’t hear Joel in the still-dark morning hours, she would go into his room and entertain him. That girl is definitely self-sufficient!
• To my mom- Thanks for the post-race meal! Mom’s homemade veggie lasagna- yummy!!
• To the man in the “I Dream of Jeannie” outfit at the mile 13 water break – The hairy chest under the pink Jeannie outfit was a much-needed, comical sight. You rock Mr.. Jeannie!!
• To the little 7 or 8 year old boy around mile 15 – Thanks for the high five! What a way to encourage all of us!
• To the man who ran tied to his blind friend – What dedication and selfless act of friendship! You definitely inspired me!!
• Most of all, to Jesus – Thank you for creating the human body that is capable of doing such amazing feats! I am grateful for my health and the ability to accomplish what I set out to do. May I never forget the ultimate sacrifice made for me- your death on the cross. I pray that I will always “race” to become more like You.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil. 1:6

With that, I must say that this will also be my last marathon. It was very taxing on my body, and I have listened to it along the way and know that this was a one-time stint for me. I am proud to say that I’ve completed a marathon, but just as proud to say that I know when my body has reached its limit. The half-marathon is a much more reasonable goal for me, and I look forward to completing one in the not-so-distant future.

The nurse at the doctor’s office this past week said that I had a runner’s pulse. While I am proud of my running career, I must say that dancing is my first love . I took 8 years of ballet and jazz, and after a 20 year hiatus, I have the opportunity to join my girls in the production of The Nutcracker. Today was our first practice and a mix of anxiety and excitement followed me to the dance floor. I enjoyed each and every moment, and I don’t think that I stopped smiling during that 1 and a half hour period!
If time and money were no object, ballet would be my first choice for physical activity. Maybe one day when my kids are all in school, I will seize the chance to once again find my place at the barre. I wonder how many of us are anxious about returning to a sport we once loved, or fearful of trying something that we’ve always dreamed of one day doing…