To read a synopsis of the half marathon, visit my personal blog at wonderfulworldofwhitney.blogspot.com.
This post I would like to focus on what it takes to overcome a condition that at times can be debilitating and frustrating. This was my way to prove that Gastroparesis will not defeat me and I have control over my body.
Here is what I learned:
Start Small:
I did not wake up one day and say that I was going to run a half marathon in a week. In fact, my first running goal was a 5K and I slowly increased that goal. It didn't happen as quick for me as for other people, but slow and steady helped me to finish the race.
Listen To Your Body:
This is a tricky one. When I started seriously training for a half marathon last year. I researched training schedules and tried to force things to happen, even when my body was telling me not too. That is why I ended up with a stress fracture in my foot. Because I pushed too hard and too quick, when it wasn't what was best for my body. This year, I was able to more evenly train and mixed up the training. There were days when I knew I couldn't run, so I didn't. One week, I had a cold and knew that I needed to run. I decided that instead or a hard-core run outside, I would go to the gym and run until my body showed me signs I needed to be done. I listened and was short 4 miles of my goal, but was able to still function.
Don't Give Up!
There were so many times when I could have quit. When I first thought about the goal, I thought it was impossible. Then I began to think maybe I could, but it was unlikely. I attended a half marathon, to support some friends, and saw people finishing who had beaten so many odds and I was inspired. I began to think I could do it too. Between health scares and my foot last year, it would have been so easy to give up, but in my head the thought was there and I still wanted to make it happen. During the race, my stomach decided to fight back and try to get me to quit. I was scared that I wasn't going to win. The last mile and a half were difficult, but I was battling more than fatigue, I was battling a condition that wanted control and I didn't want to let it happen. Guess what! I beat it! I was even able to run the last half mile.
As much as the condition can drive me insane some days, it has made me a stronger person. Ten years ago, I never would have thought I would ever be healthy enough to run a half marathon, let alone make it through a day without being worn out. Over those years, I have learned valuable lessons to keep me healthy, happy and stronger, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Finishing a half marathon solidifies that our difficulties can make us stronger!
