I started my half marathon adventures just over 1 year ago. My very first half marthon I was dead last....by a LONG amount. The only people still at the finish line was my family and a race director. I was in tears at the end of this race. I finished out of shear determination. My legs were jello, my heart and spirit ached for the loss of my eldest daughter who I was walking in memory of, and I felt very alone as nearly the entire race every one went faster than me.



But I did not quit. Over the last year I kept taking steps, kept adding races, kept working through the depression, kept trying. Most races I ran with my heart much more than legs. I ran for me, I ran for my daughter who no longer could, I ran for my other children so that they see a healthy mom in all facets - spiritually, physically, emotionally; for my husband - most importantly for me.

I had victories and learned that it is okay to be slow - just go. I learned that I am in this for no one but me. I learned that the people at the back of the pack have some great stories. I learned that we all cross the same finish line eventually. I learned that being a fat athlete is nothing to be ashamed of....I am out there.




I began this year with a half marathon....and finished 2012 today with one last half marathon -



So how far is 13.1 miles?

It is measured in steps - LOTS

It is measured in medals - (from this year alone)

It is measured in weight - 24 Pounds gone.

......

But most importantly for me - 13.1 miles is the distance between life and death.