that which does not kill you, can only make you stronger

I have never been an athletic person, God did not bless me with those attributes, He did however bless me with an incredible stubbornness that can be viewed as athleticism. When I was a sophomore in High School, my algebra 1 teacher, who just so happened to be the cross country coach, asked me if I would be at all interested in joining the cross country team. Now, you are probably curious as to what my teacher was thinking when she asked little unathletic me to join the team? Were you? I certainly was!  I gave no thought to the question and said "yes!" That's right, I said yes. What was I thinking? Well, I really wasn't thinking except for the fact that being on a sports team could look really good on my college applications, and that cross country required little to no developmental skills. Perhaps it would make me popular, although being popular in my little private Christian school meant nothing, it was worth a thought. 

I embarked on the journey of a runner. If I was going to be on the cross country team, I was going all out. I bought the magazines, the clothes, the shoes, the really cool and stylish ( and completely unnecessary ) water bottle. My first practice wasn't so bad, I began to think that maybe being a runner was my hidden talent. I could almost see it.....crossing the finish line in first place at internationals with a record time. That thought motivated me for those 2 practice hours. But then I woke up the next morning.....I couldn't get out of bed. I was in so much pain ! I had been to the gym maybe once before that practice, so why I was thinking this was going to be easy for me? I couldn't quite, although I seriously considered it.....my parents were so proud of me for taking ownership of my health and wellness and disappointing my Dad is something I dread ( plus he told me he was going to train me into a runner and was so exciting about it. I think he secretly wishes my sister and I were boys so he could have someone to play with.....instead he got us! ). 

I did succeed in cross country and improved vastly. Becoming a runner was one of the best things that happened to me. The sense of euphoria you get when you finish a run is incomparable to any other. Although I am not a superb runner, I still love it.....and this long segway is all to say ......I'm going to run a marathon !

When? Where? How? I have not given thought to. But you my readers are going to read about my journey every step of the way. 

"Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there's some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
               - Robert Frost