I couldn't have done it without my wonderful sister and friend, Bethany. She trained for the half marathon and provided me with companionship for parts of the long runs. We talked together, prayed, giggled, and told stories...(well, I mostly told stories!)
The day began early at 4am! We arrived at 6 and it was cold and raining! About mile 17, the sun came out and it was pretty nice after that.
Everyone said I looked so energetic at the end...I was concealing the pain (I think) and I was just excited to see everyone cheering me on...especially...
My sweetie!!!!! and family!!! I was surprised at how I finished. I aimed for 5 hours and I made it in 4 hours, 39 minutes! I didn't know what I had in me! (I am a bit competitive, though) :)
Allison is my hero. She trained for the half marathon and took care of a wonderfully energetic 3 year old and a sweet 16 month old doll. She is super mom. I want to be like her when I have kids!Ryan finally met up with me at mile 17..It was still pretty cold at this point, but he took my jacket and sent me off with some gluten-free chips for sodium (cause that's what the expert (jason pagel) told us)! It was so good to see him!
3 comments:
Thanks for the sweet sentiments :)
You're the star though! We were all so proud of you.
My runs with you were probably the highlight of this whole crazy semester! ;) I was telling my mom a few days ago how thankful I was to have you as my sister, friend and running buddy. I love you so much and am so so proud of you. Way to go miss marathoner! You're amazing!
what do you say... a triathalon next? :)
From Sharon: What an awesome accomplishment, Natalie!! I wish I could have cheered you on along the way! I'm guessing the training & preparation for the marathon were almost as significant as the marathon itself, especially as I read what you wrote about you running/training partners/encouragers - Allison & Bethany!:) It's an example how God designed us to need one another! (Heb 10:24,25) Congratulations!!!
Love, Sharon
PS - Maybe you & your Pagel brother-in-laws should plan a marathon together sometime!! :)
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