Twenty Six point Two

On Sunday, I ran a marathon. It's crazy that I am even writing that sentence. I can hardly believe that I did it, and I definitely didn't do it alone!


This was not my first marathon, however, it was my first in over 6 years. Since then, I have gotten married, moved, had two children...you get the picture. I was terrified of running this time. Probably because, while I did train for the race since June, it wasn't the sole focus of my life like it had been in the past. I didn't get in all my weekly runs, and scheduling my long runs was quite often the last thing on my mind. But I did it.


This was probably the most emotional race I have ever run. When running Chicago was first brought up, I wasn't sure that I would do it. But, there was an amazing group of women who were committed to running it, and I knew I would be lucky to share this experience with them. Sue, Kris, Emily, Jessica, and Jill-I couldn't have done it without you all! You are all amazing women! Your persistance and perserverance is a huge inspiration!!!

Photo courtesy of Emily Samson




The most important reason I decided to run the Chicago marathon was for my boys. All 3 of them. I kept thinking about everything we've been through as a family these past 5 years. I thought about how Andy had to be the strong one while I was on bedrest with Monkey, and deal with my crazy emotions through our pregnancy and adoption. I thought about how Monkey spent four weeks in the NICU hooked up to machines and fighting to come home. I thought about how Spike was seperated first from his birthmom, and then from his foster family. He was brought into a family that looked different, talked different, and were strangers to him in so many ways. I thought about how difficult those first few months were for him. And I realized that if they could find the strength to get through all of thoe things, I could find the strength to run 26.2 miles. In a way, it was my tribute to my family.


The race went much better than I ever could have expected. It was a physical and mental battle for most of the way, especially since the heat was so extreme. But I finished. My motivation came from my family, friends and Seoul Sisters. When things got tough, I thought about my boys, and my friends that were cheering me on along the way.




I was so excited to see Jo, C, and J at mile 13. Their smiles and cheers kept me going.


Photo courtesy of Joanna Ardell

At mile 18 I was feeling very hot and I could feel "the wall" looming in front of me. I called Andy and found out that my cheering section was waiting for me in Chinatown at mile 22. That kept me going. When I finally saw my two precious children holding up their signs, I burt into tears. It was a very emotional moment for me.








Even though there were many times I wanted to give up, I kept picturing my boys little faces and kept going. I had a mantra that pulled me through the final miles: 4 more miles, I can do this. 40 more minutes and I can see my kids...2 more miles, I can do this...you get the picture...


Along this marathon journey I have learned so many things about myself, my body, and my family. I learned that love really can carry you through anything. I learned that my family will support me now matter what physical or mental state I am in. I learned that five girls standing in a semi-circle is just as good as a port-a-potty. I learned that the bonds of friendship are so strong that you can make an instant connection with some people that you have never before met. I learned that blisters can form between each and every toe. And I learned that when I set a goal, I can accomplish it, no matter what.


Thank you to my beautiful family and all my Seoul Sisters for sharing an experience of a lifetime!