I digress.
So I purchased the number, posted my purchase on Facebook, and therefore generated accountability. I HAD to run this race.
It wasn't so much about the racing for me. It was about finishing. It was about getting inline with 50,000 of my closest smelly friends (uncomfortable), running 6.2 miles (miserable), and being able to say that YES! I finished the race and I lived to tell about it!!!
If you know me, you know that I seldom do things outside of my comfort zone.
This kind of crowd is definitely out of my comfort zone.
Likewise, a year ago, lacing up my shoes and hitting the streets in 90+ degree weather just for shits and giggles would have been light years outside of my comfort zone.
I used to joke that I wouldn't run unless I was being chased... (I am not seeking points for originality, by the way).
Yet, those are my laced up shoes... and my cankles... and my comfort zone is somewhere on the wayside. And as far as I could tell, no one was in hot pursuit of The Mama when this picture was being taken.
I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Peachtree. I actually smiled for the cameras that were poised over the road just before the finish line. I relished in feeling my muscles ache as I pushed my body to it's limits.
It was kind of like natural childbirth - minus the stitches, 6 weeks of postpartum discomfort, hospital stay (thank GOD), and screaming newborn who demands to be fed all hours around the clock despite the fact that you just stared death in the face trying to bring the little bundle safely into the world. Oh, and on the plus side I got to go home and take a nap... after the race, I mean. Nap after childbirth? Fuhgettaboutit.
Moving on.
This is me in a shameless self portrait taken with my iPhone that thankfully still worked despite being thoroughly drenched as I ran through numerous fire hydrants and poured dozens of cups of water over my head. Hooray for the otterbox!!!
Hot, right?? No, I mean it really was hot when I took this picture!!!
Unfortunately I don't have a picture to adequately share the most significant moment in the race. It wasn't when I crossed the finish line or even when I mastered cardiac hill. It was when I had the privilege of walking alongside another racer.
Around mile 3, I looked over to see a man dressed in full fatigues. Now, there are many race participants who dress up to further enhance the "fun factor" of the Peachtree. But this man was not only dressed in Army fatigues, but was carrying a full pack on his back. His focus was fierce and it was apparent that he was not in the race for fun.
A woman asked him if he was active. He breathlessly answered yes and wiped his brow. As we pushed further up the hill, she asked him where he was serving. He answered in a strong voice that he was serving in Iraq. And with sweat pouring down his face, it became clear in that moment that he was participating for his brothers who were still overseas. He didn't need to say another word. The message was clear.
I was instantly overcome with emotion. In my own selfish ambition, I had forgotten that it was more than just "the day of the Peachtree." It was, in fact, a celebration of our freedom - freedom that has come at a cost greater than the quantifiable numbers of lives and days.
I told the soldier Thank You. He nodded. And with renewed energy and appreciation for the fact that we were able to even walk publicly in the streets to celebrate our country's birthday, I pushed through the last 3 miles of the race and thought of that man - and his brothers - as I crossed the finish line.
While I may not support the war, I am incredibly appreciative of the men and women who are sacrificing so much - their families, their time, and their lives - to protect individuals, like me, whom they have never even met.
Love, hugs, and blessings,
The Mama
