Wednesday, October 01, 2008

An Anniversary of Another Sort

Two years ago today, I ran my first marathon. On Saturday, I will run my 23rd marathon. Add to that six ultras (five 50K, one 50 mile) and it reflects an amazing two years of running.

When I stepped into the starting area of the Portland Marathon on October 1, 2006, my goal for the day was to finish. I thought maybe I could pull off a 5:15 marathon, which did not happen - my time for the day was 6:08:31. I still haven't pulled in a 5:15, but it doesn't matter so much. Turns out that what matters is that old cliche that tells us it's "all about the journey". These last two years have brought me a kind of confidence I never thought I would feel, a level of fitness I didn't think I could achieve, and best of all, a myriad of friends to be found at every race. I have forged deeper friendships with my running buddies - something magical occurs when you share long distances - I've found myself helping other runners achieve their goals, helping out at races, and amazingly, running through the deep, dark forest on high mountain slopes. I've challenged myself and stretched myself and it has all been for the good.

So, here's to the journey! Leavenworth, Marine Corp, Autumn Leaves, Seattle Ghost, Pigtails Flat Ass and Last Chance will carry me through the calendar year. After that, who knows? I've got some planning to do!

22 comments:

Irene said...

Happy Marathonaversary?

Thanks for the reminder that it's all about the journey.

iJuls said...

Happy Anniversary. You have sure done a lot in a short time.

Adelyn said...

Congratulations on your anniversary. What a busy two years :D

Wes said...

Talk about an amazing two years! All I can say is WOW!!!! :-)

Darrell said...

I can hardly believe that I've been running marathons longer than you. You seem like such a veteran, and you are, but I thought it was way longer than two years. I know you've run forever. I'm just amazed.

Congrats, enjoy the remainder of 2008, escpecially MCM. You are gonna love it.

Thomas said...

I remember your first marathon, even from a continent away.

You had two amazing years. Congratulations, and be rightly proud of yourself.

Joe said...

Yeah, that WAS two years ago today!! How cool, I had forgotten the date! Special for me...that was the first time for me to meet you at dinner the night before the marathon!!

Congrats...quite a journey...glad to see the reflection here!!

Enjoy your race this weekend...I'll eat some pasta for you here in Italy!!!

jessica said...

What an amazing journey indeed. Really, it's only been two years? You are a great runner, mother, leader, back-of-packer, and inspiration! Remember how many people you have helped along the way, if it wasn't for your flier I would still be on the couch, and instead I'm heading to Portland this weekend for my second marathon! Yes, plan away, send in the registrations and have a blast in all of your upcoming races. You are getting so speedy that you'll be pulling down a 5:15 soon enough, then I'll be the sweep!
Have a great run in Leavenworth and take lots of photos!

Anonymous said...

You're so cool!

Unknown said...

It's hard to believe it has been two years, but it's not hard to believe how far you have come. You're a seasoned pro now! I look forward to finding out what the next two years of marathoning and beyond bring for you.

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

Hey, It's my anniversary too! Congrats to me! Not quite so many as you, but the journey where it's at! Congrats and keep on Truckin.'
Jenny

Jack said...

That truly is an amazing two years, bravo! I ran my first marathon in May 2005 and just completed my 21st marathon (including ultras). I thought I was busy, you are incredible.

You are so right about the journey, the new found confidence, the deeply forged friendships, and the magic - it's all there. And this is only the beginning, who knows what lies over the next mountain!

Anne said...

That's an amazing amount of mileage in that span, Michelle.

The Smith's said...

Happy anniversary, Michelle ... Wow, you are such an example of perseverance and determination. I love it! Congrats on an amazing, mileage-packed 2 years.

And yes, we LOVED the co-op. Thanks so much for letting me know about it.

Jesse

Scott McMurtrey said...

Happiness to all the anniversaries you've had recently. You're amazing! I hope to see you at Autumn Leaves.

Anonymous said...

happy anniversary!!!!

Ryan said...

It all starts will a few steps "Keep on Rollin" Michelle :-)

Olga said...

Wow, I remember it like it was yesterday!!! 2 years?? Have an awesome day tomorrow!

lizzie lee said...

You got to be kidding me.... How have you handled life doing 23 marathons in 2 years, plus six ultras??? I feel like I'm doing an incredible effort doing one a year!!!!!

Happy Marathon Anniversary but neighbor please, give me tips!!!!!

Dori said...

Happy Anniversary, Michelle! I was there (virtually) for your first marathon! You continue to inspire me. :-)

Sarah Elaine said...

Happy anniversary. A helluva way to start your fifth decade of life. How you gonna top that when you turn 60? No worries... you've got time to figure it out. :-)

runliarun said...

OMG, Michelle, you've done so much.