There have been many times along my journey to fitness where I have needed help from others. Sometimes I feel like not walking in those early morning hours but then I read other posts on this blog and I am once again rejuvenated. I have wanted to give up trying to meet my goal of walking 2015 miles in 2015 but then when I post my progress I receive so much positive feedback that my confidence is renewed and I know that I can do it. When I set a goal time I want to walk a half marathon in I think I must be crazy to believe that this 60 year old body could possibly walk that fast. Then others reassure me that I can and I start to believe them.
Yesterday, I walked in the Run To Stay Warm Half Marathon in Eugene, Oregon. Back in May I had walked in the Pacific Northwest Half Marathon and my finish time was 3 hours, 31 minutes, and 42 seconds. In the Run To Stay Warm race the finish clock would stop in exactly 3 hours and 30 minutes, so I knew I would need to shave off some time to finish before the clock stopped. Along the way, during the walk, I was able to walk with some younger walkers and to keep pace with them. When my legs felt like they were going to give out, these two women keep telling me that I could do it. They were so encouraging and so positive.
When I reached the finish line, I had accomplished 2 goals. I had reached 1,900 miles walked since 1/1/15 and I had finished in 3 hours, 17 minutes, and 13 seconds(that is a 15 minute 2.4 seconds per mile pace). I had shaved more than 14 minutes off of my previous personal best. I was so thrilled. My legs and body hurt but my spirit was soaring.
I realized how much we can accomplish with a little help from others. For me, that help has made all the difference in the world. To all of you, my victory is your victory as well.
