Brad and Bethany at the halfway point (13.1 miles)–
obviously still feeling pretty good!
I cannot express my feelings of elation when someone yelled out to me, “you’ve only got a half mile left!” The road was packed with people lined on both sides, and it seemed every single one of them was cheering for me! Finally! I’m a rock star and this is my red carpet! This half-mile downhill slope with the finish arches at the end stretched out before me and suddenly my weary legs forgot the nearly 26 miles they had just pounded out. They pounded stronger for me than they ever had before and the closer I got, the stronger I ran, smile plastered across my sweaty face! This was it!
Nearing the finish line; reverting to bad habits after being so tired,
a.k.a t-rex hands.
But the finish line was not what it was all for. The finish line was not the source of my elation. For how happy could I be if I had not trained, but had jumped the fence to go through that finish line? The finish line, really, was only a symbol of something bigger, something greater than that very moment. It was a symbol of the time spent, effort put forth, the early, early mornings, the tired weekends after long runs, the doubts, the fears, the excitement, and now this finish represented something to me of which I was unsure: can I do it?
Near the finish line at the Columbus, Ohio marathon
When I was seventeen, I wrote down on my do-this-before-you-are-40 list that I should run a marathon. At the time I wrote that, I had no idea if it was something I could do. But it was something I wanted to do. Over the years, when I thought about running a marathon, it seemed like an impossible goal. I attempted two times before this, and both times had to drop out because of injury. Once, my husband and I rode our bikes 26 miles in the hot sun when we weren’t in bike-shape, and afterwards, my husband said to me, “that’s how long a marathon is—think you could run that?” My answer that day, standing in the heat of the sun, sweating and dog-tired was “no way. I don’t even want to think about it.” A marathon seemed to be the unachievable.
This runner’s t-shirt explains how I felt when contemplating a 26 mile run after having rode the same mileage on our bikes.
My husband asked me again earlier this year if I would train with him to run a marathon. We had just finished a half-marathon—also a first for me, and he said now would be a good time. I wasn’t committed to it at that point, but I thought I would humor him. The longer I humored him, the more I had invested in it, until I finally realized I really was going to run this thing—or at least try!
My 26.2 miles were glorious for me. Tough? Yes, absolutely. But so worth it. There must be 200,000 thoughts that can go through your head in the amount of time it took me to run the marathon (4:58:59 if you wondered), but there are only two thoughts that are worth sharing here.
Training for and Running a Marathon is a Life Changing Experience
First, accomplishing a feat like this is life-changing. At least, for me it is. I feel like a different person; or rather, I feel like the me I expected me to be when I was seventeen. I now know that I can do anything that I set my mind to. Yeah, I had to prove it to myself. And this was a pretty darned good event to do that in. And so out of that, I say to you, do something remarkable. Do something you know you can be proud of.
Running a Marathon is Better With People Beside You
And the second thought I had was this: this would be nothing without the people . . .
. . . first, the spectators . . .
If you are ever a spectator at an event like this, cheer your heart out even for those you don’t know. It means the world to the participants and it makes the experience that much more awesome. Thank you spectators.
. . . and spectators who happen to be friends
The most awesome spectator in my endurance-activity-life is my best friend Caroline. She’s the person that took all the pictures you see here. She has been to every single endurance event I have ever participated in, and she has faithfully taken all the pictures of the event. If you are a friend of someone who does these sort of things, I hope you manage to be half as good a spectator–a support–as my friend Caroline. She screams loud to get my attention when I am running by.
. . . and the people you run alongside . . .
Each person that runs the marathon with you has usually endured similar challenges over the last few months and has gone the same distance as you. When I saw someone who was obviously hurting in the run, I said a little prayer under my breath for them. Running alongside these athletes, whether they complete it in under three hours, or over five, it doesn’t make a difference. Some runners are running for a cause they believe in, some for themselves, and some just to have fun. It doesn’t matter the reason. We are all going through the same thing, enduring a shared experience. Thank you runners.
. . . and the people you run alongside who happen to be your family, your spouse.
At the point in my life where I took up this challenge, I know that I would not have attempted it without my husband’s encouragement. He trained with me the whole way through. When I didn’t want to get out of bed, he encouraged me to do so; when I had worries or concerns about the race, he helped to quiet them. On the same hand, it had been 19 years since he ran a marathon and he wanted to give it another go. And knowing that I was a support to him also, was something else that kept me going. And he was the first person to give me a hug at the finish line. And he was just the person I wanted to share my finish line experience with.
What I’m trying to say is, when it all comes down to it, no matter what we do that is awesome, being able to share those moments with people, and especially with people you love—that is priceless.
Halfway point–I’m waving in the blue shirt and Brad is beside me in the black shirt
Halfway point
Nearing the finish line. We ran 19.5 miles together and then I told him to run on because I couldn’t keep his pace. He kissed me goodbye before running on, and said, “I’ll meet you at the finish line.”
Here I come to the finish line!!
See? I was on TV at the finish line!! Rock star!
After 26 miles and the finish is just around the corner.
Thanks for reading.
WOW, I am just so happy for you. You couldn’t have asked for a nicer day. I can only imagine what it must have felt like when you heard that you were only a mile and a half away for completing your goal.
It has been quite a journey, one I know that will stay with you for the rest of your life. I am so proud of you and proud to call you my friend.
Susan, you are too sweet and kind with your words. Thank you so much for being with me on this journey. I hope there are many more for both of us to share.
Great article Bethany! I feel like I was right there with you when I was reading it
Melissa! Thanks for reading it and for stopping by! It’s always an honor when you do. You, too, should try a marathon. It appears your daughter likes to run . . .maybe you can do an event together?
I am so in awe of you, Bethy. You are amazing. Just being able to be there that day was so exciting to me. If anyone reading hasn’t been to a marathon, you should. The positive vibes were a high, even if you weren’t running. And Brad is pretty darn amazing, too. Just goes to show what we all can do if we prepare and put our minds to it! Thank you both for the inspiration!
Thank you so much Caroline!! Your comment here means so much to me and the time you spent taking these pictures and cheering us on really is priceless.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it.
I can’t begin to say how much of an inspiration you are Bethany. Having followed your blog during your training to hear about the actual marathon is amazing- you bring a lot of light to the world!
I’m reminded of the idea of a pebble being thrown into water and the ripples spreading out. Your actions have a very positive effect on those around you- even those very far away in the UK!!!
So, so happy for you!! Your husband must be very proud of you too!
Thanks Rachel.
You painted a very beautiful picture here. I can see the ripples.
Thanks for following me along this long journey. Now, I need to go take a peek at your journey!!
Hello Bethany,
This is indeed an exhilarating experience. Now, you’ve inspired me to go ahead and sky dive, at my age!
That’s one thing that’s also positive about your experience – aside from those you’ve mentioned – you inspire readers with your story.
What I liked most is what you said about the priceless moments you had when you have shared your victory with your loved ones.
The pictures are also vivid, and kudos to your friend,Caroline, for documenting that momentous activity.
Thanks for sharing this post with us. It is a heart-warming and inspiring story.
Awww . . . thanks so much Jena. I appreciate your kind words. And I’m totally surprised I inspired you to go ahead and sky dive. That must be your remarkable thing!!
Awesome!!
Congratulations and well done. You continue to inspire me. Unfortunately, while training, I’ve injured myself, my knee is swollen and hurting, guess if it doesn’t subside by tomorrow I will need to see a doctor. But, I know I should not give up.
Hi Lubna, did you trip or fall or anything? Or was it just the pounding that accompanies running? If it’s just the pounding, maybe slow down, or maybe go shorter distances, or maybe even find a new sport?? Either way, a trip to the doctor is a good idea. She will let you know what to do. I really hope you are ok soon. Let me know.
yay for finishing! Looks like a great race, actually a lot people do those rex hands when they are tired. my friend used to all the time
Hi Alex, haha on the rex hands!! I used to do it all the time, whether I was tired or not. I worked on not doing it for a very long time, but when I get tired I revert back to it.
Thanks for stopping by!
Woo Hoo! I knew you could do it! Well done my friend. What an accomplishment. Once again you are an inspiration.
Woohoo!! YOU my dear Cheryl, are an inspiration to me as well. You have been popping in so regularly I can’t help but actually believe you might like what I write??
And that gives me a little confidence in the blog world. 
Now, for those splits . . . keep your eyes open!
You did it, you did it! I am jumping up and down for you. I know how much this means to you and how hard you have worked for it. Well done! And you are so lucky to have such great support alongside you.
Thanks so much Marina!! Since the only picture I’ve seen of you is of the back of your head/hair, I imagined the jumping up and down that way! LOL!
Hey, Bethany! I’m so proud of you! Sorry I haven’t been keeping up with your new blog but a lot has been going on. I took a break from Facebook too, but came back just in time to see this post. I felt it before and I feel it now–there is something wonderful you have discovered about the “marathon mentality.” There are principles you see in the natural, but I know there are nuggets of wisdom too for those of us who are on our own “spiritual marathon.” Each of us has the same finish line, but the training is different for each of us. And the marathon is a different experience for each of us. There are the people cheering you on, and the people running alongside you–even those close to your heart.
Again, I’m so proud of you! Can’t wait to see what you conquer next! God Bless You!
Lisa Ann!!! I am so happy to see you here! I noticed I wasn’t seeing you on Facebook anymore either. So nice to see your face and “hear” your voice.
So, I guess that’s the next thing I will conquer (although I’m going to get my personal trainer’s certification too!). Thanks so much for stopping by! I would love if you would drop me an email and let me know what’s new with you too.
I do hear what you are saying about the spiritual marathon here. I remember way back when I wrote my first marathon post and you told me I should turn it into a book. Actually, that is exactly what I am working on now.
Just awesome Bethany! I am sooo happy for you. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks Trish!! I hope to inspire you to something too…:-)
Nice way of outlining the benefits of a marathon. It goes to show the little things in our lives that we should be thankful for….family, friends, company!
And sure you are a ROCKSTAR…pssst that was a no brainer!
LOL! Tope, we are all Rockstars, aren’t we? If we just think we are…
Thanks for stopping by!
Congrats Bethany. The pictures with the article gave me the feeling of watching you running. You rock girl!!!
Thanks Bindu!! It would have been cool to have you there, but I’m glad you felt like you were with the pictures.
Good on you and such a nice day…………..
It WAS a beautiful day for a marathon.
WOW!!! Well done Bethany! What an amazing feat to have accomplished! Congrats to you!
Thank you so much Claire!
Bethany.. so happy that you shared this!
I am so freaking proud of you and super inspired!! That is so freaking awesome that your hubby was there for you, too! Amazing support!
Thanks Jennifer!!!!
You are awesome-sauce!!! A sub 5 marathon for your first, and considering you weren’t sure if you could do it?!?! Amazing job!!!
Funny, I can so relate to everything you shared even though I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum running solo
Are you ready for another??
OOHHH YEAH!! We are already looking for another one that coincides with our schedules–sometime in January or February. I’d do one in December, except the ones I looked at were sold out. Thanks for stopping in!!
Unbelievable. Way to go. So inspirationa and you were so luck to be able to train with your husband. What’s next Boston?
Hahaha! I don’t think I could ever qualify for Boston–I don’t even want to try.
YOU DID IT! Plus you captured a great balance between pictures and text to really re-create what the experience was like for you. You truly inspire. Kinda makes me want to go an extra mile on Sunday!
Congratulations on finishing the marathon and thanks for posting on my blog
It was neat to see that your husband was kind enough to run with you for the first 19 miles – its nice to have a running partner like that. Glad to see you had enough breathe left in you at that point to give him a kiss sendoff -lol.
As to the skydiving comment someone posted above – go for it – it’s a lot easier than running a marathon, lot more fun and really not that scary. Probably cheaper than a marathon too
Make sure you find somewhere scenic and pay for the video for the first time.
My husband didn’t just run the first 19 miles–he trained me and we ran every run together in the six months preceding the race. He’s the bomb!
Congratulation! What a great accomplishment! I’m wondering what else was on that little girls list, and what challenges you might be setting for yourself next!
The story of that is coming soon!!
My niece runs a half marathon race annually (does competitive gym workouts throughout the year) and her husband competes in marathons with his hand-cycle. I understand how hard the training is and how great the rewards–as you have so nicely illustrated with photos and words. Congratulations on the achievement.
Thanks so much for stopping by Rose. And you are so right–the training is hard, but so worth it.
Congrats Bethany!! Such a huge accomplishment. Although your T-Rex comment had me rolling…