Back in December 2009, while recovering from foot surgery I was contemplating my “theme” for the new year.  (I refuse to make “new year’s resolutions” as they just don’t work for me.)  After much deliberation and consultation with family, I decided my 2010 theme would be “Finish the Race and Finish Strong”.  In 2010 “Life’s Rat Race” was the only race I anticipated running but I have always been intrigued by long distance running.  In fact, one of my life-long dreams was to run a half-marathon. For a variety of reasons, I never made the effort to transform that dream into a reality, however, the more I contemplated my 2010 theme, the more I thought that 2010 could be “my half-marathon year”!  I was at a bit of a disadvantage since I am not very athletic, I had never been on a sports team and I certainly had never run a race of any kind…ever.  With this in mind I didn’t feel comfortable sharing my goal, simply because as a “card-carrying rule follower”, I knew that if I told anyone – that would mean that I made a commitment and I would be obligated to follow through with it.  Thinking realistically, I just wasn’t sure I had the strength within my mind and body to do it.

But I did have a secret motivation – a yummy carrot dangling in front of my running cart.  What was it that motivated me?  What was my inspiration?  What would be the power that would carry me over the finish line?  THE FINISHER’S MEDAL.  I wanted to finish the race within the allotted time, I didn’t want to finish last, and most importantly I wanted to be awarded a finisher’s medal.  I wanted to be able to say “Yes, I finished the race, I finished strong – and here’s my medal to prove it!”  So, I made the commitment – I officially registered for the December 2010 Las Vegas Rock and Roll half-marathon and then told everyone that I planned to run it.  There was no turning back.

After enlisting my husband, two daughters and one son-in-law to join me (there’s strength in numbers) my year-long training began.  I knew I needed a plan so I went online and found a training schedule for beginners.  During each week of my training, I increased the distance of my long runs, and my confidence grew stronger with each added mile.  I had my set-backs (such as a major “trip and fall” during my 10 mile long run) – but as the date for the race got closer, I knew I was ready.

There were 28,000+ runners and although my family finished ahead of me (as well as thousands of other runners) as I crossed the finish line, I looked back to see several thousand runners were still behind me!  Woo Hoo!  I wasn’t last!  And the best part is that I got my medal and achieved a life-long dream!   I finished the race and I finished strong! The emotion that I felt as I stepped over the finish line was unlike anything I have ever felt.  It was a truly phenomenal experience.  I didn’t want it to end – and I didn’t want to lose what I had gained during 2010.

“Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”–Walt Disney

…and the Moving Forward Mary-thon was born!

The Las Vegas Half Marathon in 2011 had 44,000 runners and I’m pleased to say that once again, I finished in the top 60% and received another beautiful finisher’s medal.  I am working toward another Half Marathon in 2012 – with the help of the Mary-thon to keep me motivated throughout the year.