Then, one day, I pulled the trigger and did it. I registered for a full marathon:
The bayshore marathon in traverse city in may, to be exact.
I was terrified. I would be running it solo (I couldn't convince any of my running crew) and 26.2 miles is a long freaking way. Training was rough. I encountered some road blocks (like a wonky calf), but somehow I did both of my 20 milers and survived to tell about them.
A funny thing happened while logging all those long roads. I found myself. That sounds corny. Well, it is, sorry. But, it's true. I was floundering around for so long and needed something. It helped me gain confidence and made me feel like I could do things that felt impossible. It was during that time I decided I wanted, needed to go back to school.
I was unsure. Would it be too hard? Would I hate it? What if I just couldn't do it?? I still worry about those things, but I'm doing well so far. I just took my first two anatomy and physiology tests and got an A on both. I hope that is indicative of the rest of the semester. Is it hard? Heck yes. But, with every passing day, I feel more confident this is what I want to do. This is what feels right for me. Sure, there are days that I don't love it (super long chem equations, I mean you). But there are days when I get all nerdy and excited about the things I'm learning about.
I still have a long road ahead of me, but this past week, I got accepted into Wayne State to finish the pre-req classes before applying to the RD program:
official acceptance letter!
Sometimes (read: always) the long, tough roads end up being worth it. The fight makes you stronger in the end. It prepares you for whatever life throws your way. It challenges you and changes you.
When I crossed that finish line last year, I felt like the world was mine for the taking. That anything was possible. I did something I never dreamed I could do. I know people run marathons every day, but I like to think that most people cross that finish line feeling inspired. I have never thought of myself as an athlete. (I still don't, necessarily). When I was in elementary school, I was lucky if I even finished the mile test in the allotted time. So, it was a big deal. It remains a big deal to me. Despite the fact that it was slower than I wanted. Despite the fact that I puked into a garbage can and felt like death the remainder of the day. I still want to tackle another marathon some day. I still encourage anyone to run one. I still feel proud, accomplished, and like anything is possible because of it.
Tomorrow, we head to Traverse City to run Bayshore again. This time, I'll be doing my 8th half. Ryan will be doing his 7th. RunnerSis will be running with RunnerSis^2 so that RunnerSis^2 can complete her first half. RunnerBro will be doing his first full! I'm excited. I can't wait to return to the course. It's beautiful. But also, I can't wait to return to the course that changed me. I can't wait to relive it. The moment when I realized, whatever course I'm on in life, it's the right one.
moments from last year
So, in the spirit of true corniness, there are few things I know for sure, except this: if I can run a marathon, anyone can. If I can survive 26.2 miles, truly anything is possible. There will be road blocks. It will be hard, it won't always be fun, but it will be worth it. Do the things in life that scare you, because those are the things that will end up meaning the most to you.
Cheers runnerfriends, I hope you have an amazing memorial day weekend! And for those of you running, good luck!
Questions for you:
-What's the last big thing you did that scared you but paid off?
-Who else is racing this weekend? What distance?
-Any big plans for the holiday? Fun trips?
-If you've run a marathon (or half, or any distance really), what's your fav memory from one?
Megan





























