Determination

Determination
Marathon In The Morning  
  
I never knew I possessed it until I became a serious marathon runner.  
The things one must do to win in this game we call life, in regards from a marathon runner’s point of view.  
   
Treadmill duration lasting for over an hour, sometimes, maybe two, spinning classes, monthly colon cleanses, 1500 caloric intake, increase protein intake, watch carb intake, no starches. No sweets, thank goodness I’m a vegetarian.    
   
When you see all those entries runners’ bibs plastered to their backs, their shorts, their sports’ bra. Know that it took, grit, endurance, sacrifices, and sheer will power for them to participate, and a hunger to compete for twenty-six miles of feet pounding pavement. One will always have the notion he or she will win and feels elated within a group of others all trying to reach that common goal.  
   
I remember the first marathon I ever participated in. I started out running a 5k (Three Miles) and it was for the Mini-Heart Marathon, then the Flying Pig, the Hunger Run, Marvin Lewis Fun Run. The Susan G Komen Race For Cure, just to name a few. One regret to this day, I have yet to cross the finish line in the Boston Marathon; unfortunately, you must qualify by time.  
   
I never knew the allowances I had to adhere for such a small sacrifice, and the many personal activities I had to leave behind to sneaker up.  
   
Now that I look back in time, I feel so proud of myself for the feats I have accomplished. Before I retire to my golden years. I could tell stories of old, about how I ran up, steep hills, seen beautiful landscape grounds, paced over rough terrain, running in the rain, sweltering weather, watching the sunrise while running along the river banks, propelling people on along the way with laughter, when sore muscles, have taken their toll, usually for me, around the fifteen-mile mark. Once Gatorade in your sport bottle has been depleted, and water stations are not within drinking on the run reach, you have serious problems, it is you pretty much against yourself.  
   
However, the people cheering on the sides, the many costumes many will run in, the many races, nationalities, languages you hear in passing, it makes it all worth it.  
It really is such a unified gathering to be within, and to witness, very uplifting.  
   
I am writing this as a dedication to self. Six more months to go for I run a New York marathon again. However,  in the morning, and I’m like, wow can I do this, again.    
   
Although, I’m always prepared for any race day, but if I do not remind myself, what it has taken for me to get to this point in life, and all the countless marathons, I have indulged in, then who else can, who else will.  
   
For all the marathon runners of present, hang in there, the finish line is the main goal, our silent victories are showered by our own determination.    
   
Love and Hugs,