13.1 Miles

It has been almost 6 months since I wrote THIS POST entitled "This is War!" I made a commitment to myself and to my family to take my health back. Along the way I have had road blocks, such as changing schedules, sickeness (my own and my babies), lack of motivation and many others. But I never stopped. I just kept pushing on towards my goal. To cross that finish line this morning was a feeling of great victory. To put my finisher medal around Kate's neck was a sweet moment for me. Yes I did this for myself but I also did it for my family. I did it to show my kids that what seemed impossible (at least to me) can be possible if you really make the commitment to do it. I could not do this alone. Jared's constant support and motivation was essential. My running partner Hope kept me going on my long runs. The long runs are where I actually thought that maybe 13.1 miles was in my future. It is a sweet experience to accomplish your goal. I am so thankful to God that he answered my prayer this morning for strength, endurance and most of all for my safety.
Jared took this picture as I was coming up to meet him after the race . I was very tired and sore but oh so happy!

The registration for the race was closed when I tried to sign up so I put out an announcement on Facebook that I was looking for someone who couldn't run the Rock so that I could take their place. My friend Brenda sent me a message saying that her running partner's husband was injured and couldn't run. That was my open door. So for the purpose of the race my name was Paul Steen. Thanks Paul!