Believe it or not, I’ve completed five half marathons – a remarkable feat for someone not known for athleticism. The pride I feel is immense, and half marathons have become my favored race distance due to their incredible fun. Join me as I recount the excitement of running the Thanksgiving Day race and reflect on the growth that led me to this point.

Background

In 2021, my running journey began as a bright-eyed 42-year-old determined to adopt a new habit. A setback occurred during training for my first Thanksgiving Half Marathon – an IT band injury that made the race a daunting challenge.

My first year running: https://storiesinstride.com/sample-of-blog-post/

Fast forward to 2023, and with only six weeks to train, I decided to revisit the Thanksgiving Half to measure my growth.

Race Time

On race day, nerves were high. Equipped with a hip band for water, new fueling with Huma gels, my running ensemble- gloves, the free long sleeved shirt from the Atlanta Track Club, yellow biker shorts, my white fuzzy jacket and my She is Strong Be Light Compression socks, I braved the chilly Atlanta morning. Despite the nerves, I was ready to beat my previous records, supported by friends who played crucial roles in this journey.

At 7:30 am, I headed out to the corrals after warming up. I was scheduled to start in E until I saw Deonia. We snapped a few pictures, saw another running friend, Ashley, and then Deonia had me walking up the line to find our running buddy, Toni. As we walked up the corrals, I saw the cutest outfits—tutus, turkey hats, and all kinds of browns, yellows, and oranges. I was a bit nervous because E was my designated spot, but now I was in C. What! I told Deonia, “Girl, you know I am slow.” She shrugged it off and said it’s no big deal.

Mile 1-2: Cold, hands freezing, but determined.

Mile 3: Body warming up, gloves off, and the introduction of delicious Huma gels.

Mile 4-6: Encounters with fellow runners, including a Be Light customer, and a scenic run through Piedmont Park – the highlight of the race. Piedmont is a beautiful historic park in the center of Atlanta. In 1822, this park began as a forest, farm, fairground and then urban park that it is today. The park has a 4 mile loop. You see the scenic skyline of Atlanta, grassy meadows, towering trees. It is defenietly the city’s hotspots for running and fitness. Mile 6, I pop another Huma gel.

Mile 7-8: Feeling the grind. Numb legs from the chilly temperature and stupid inclines, but still pushing forward.

Mile 9-10: Battling hills with a caffeine-infused gel for an energy boost. For a moment, I was so excited because I thought that the pace I was going at would afford me close to a 2:30 time, but as the hills came and I started to walk, I knew that was a dream that was not going to happen this time around.

Mile 11-12: Moments of excitement, including seeing Toni and Deonia, and pushing through fatigue with a carefully curated playlist. Off to my left, walking to her car, I hear voices screaming my name. Deonia takes out her camera and snaps a picture of me. I am grinning from ear to ear, feeling so proud. I know it’s time to pick up my pace. I dig down, smile, and clap my hands in thanksgiving, audibly saying, “Thank you, GOD! Thank you!” I grab my phone, change the song to “Another One Bites the Dust,” and pick up more speed as I hear cheers from people lined up along the finish line. I see them, smile even harder, and start singing louder. I pump my fist in the air as if I have won a competition. I hear the announcer say, “YESSS… Look at that smile!” Singing to myself, clapping, and filled with pride, I cross the finish line.

CROSSING THE FINISH

Still running after I cross the finishline, I tell myself slow down girl, you did it! you finished. I hit stop on my watch, look at it and I did it! I finished achieving a 2:43 finish compared to my first race’s 3:05.

Sweet celebration!

The volunteer hands me my medal, I snap a quick video and alone I head up the dreaded stairs for my pie. Grabbed my cherry pie, devoured it and stood in line for a picture with the inflatable turkey.

What a race! I came, I set my goal and I conquered it.

The Thanksgiving Half Marathon has become a benchmark for my personal growth.

Despite setbacks, I conquered it and set a new goal for a 2:30 finish time in the future. This journey from injury to triumph has not only defined my love for running but also showcased the power of determination and resilience. As I look forward, I’m excited for more races, more achievements, and the continued joy that running brings into my life.

To purchase Be Light Compression Socks: www.belightcompression.com