Marathon training

A year ago to date I was just finishing my training for my first half marathon.  I trained for months in preparation for race day.  During my training Chad and I had decided to take a break from all fertility treatments.  We as individuals needed a break from it all, as well as us a couple. The world of fertility can easily engulf all of you and before you know it, it has taken over your life.  We knew that it was time for a break.  Of course that was much easier for Chad than it was for me.  With each passing day I couldn’t help but think of the “missed” opportunities we were wasting.  About two weeks into our taking a break I realized that I had to do something to keep myself occupied.  That is when I decided that I would train to run in the Detroit Half Marathon.  Training was a healthy way for me to reduce the tension and stress of everything fertility.  When I started doing my long runs I found my mind racing and reflecting on past issues that I normally wouldn’t take the time to digest.  There would be some days I would cry and or laugh during my runs.  With each day of training that I finished I had a sense of accomplishment and control over my body.   I know I cannot control what happens with the inside of my body, but I can control how I treat my body.  Training for this race gave me so much confidence……..confidence that had been taken away from me during our battle with fertility.  I remember the first time I ran 10 miles without stopping.  Chad had come to meet me and give me water and I broke down in tears.  He thought I was hurt, but I simply explained to him how happy I was that I had been able to push my body to new levels.

Race day quickly approached and there I was standing at the start line with close to 10,000 other racers.  I was geeked!!! I couldn’t stop smiling.  The race was the fastes 2 hours and 16 minutes of my life.  I remember I was at mile 7 and a spectator yelled and said, “You are still smiling…..you go girl”!! I didn’t realize it but I was grinning from ear to ear.  I don’t think that grin left my face for the rest of the day.  Crossing the finish line was filled with so many emotions.  I cried because I just accomplished something that not a lot of people have accomplished.  I made up my mind that I was going to run and I gave myself a goal and I did it!!!!  I was greeted at the finish line by Chad who gave me the biggest hug he has ever given me…..in fact I almost fell over.  Kaylee had made me a beautiful sign that read, “Go, Mom, Go”. My Gram came to show her support.  And to top it all off my best friend, Mindy, and her mom came and completely surprised me. 

While I was training I kept a daily journal.  I filled that journal with inspirational quotes and of my thoughts after I completed a run.  The night before my race I sat and read through my journal.  I had set my mind to run a race, but I did not know that I would also gain so much self-confidence and respect for myself as a person, mom, and wife.  I want to share one of my favorite quotes with you.

            "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." 
-John Bingham 

A year ago I was in the best physical shape of my life and today well……I can’t see my feet, ha! A year ago I wasn’t even thinking about creating new life and now we are about to welcome not just one, but two new lives into this beautiful world.  I am no longer training for a marathon of running, but instead of marathon of no sleep, late night feedings, and unconditional love.  A year ago I was trying to run a little bit faster with each day, and today I am lucky if I can make it to the end of the driveway to put Kaylee on the bus.  I think snails could walk faster than me, ha!!!  I am thrilled to begin my new marathon with all three of my girls.  It will be exhausting and my body will be pushed to new heights, but I know every second will be worth it.  We had the courage to start fertility treatments and look at the two miracles we are about to meet and bring home.