Adventures of a Running Junkie (Part I)

I completed my first full marathon on December 14, 2008, in Dallas, Texas. It was also my last. I have no desire to run 26.2 miles at once, ever again. Completing a marathon is a life goal that I have happily checked off my list. Running and completing a marathon was absolutely grand, so grand that nothing can top it, not even another one.

I started running for recreational purposes in 2006. I was (and am still) NOT fast or fancy; I run with my music, tennies double knotted, and a smile on my face. I started off slow and at a leisurely pace: 1 mile turned into 2- 2 to 3- 3 to 4- and so on. I soon became addicted to running; and quickly craved my next "fix".

There is something special about running.

After a year of leisurely runs, I decided to train and complete a FULL marathon. I recruited my best friend to join me. After months of running and 16 intense weeks of training, we ran the White Rock Lake Marathon.

The first 16 miles were a piece of cake. Actually, it was somewhat difficult, but not a big deal. I rounded mile 17, then 18, then 19. I got a little excitement on mile 19 where they handed out energy shots. Luckily, I snatched the coffee flavored one. I spit most of it out. But hey, I was still sweating (good sign)! Around mile 22, people were handing out beer to the runners. At first I was confused about the beer offering, then overjoyed, then pissed off! I am sure I flipped off one of the beer-givers. How could they? On mile 22! Who needs/wants a beer! I was convinced the devil sent them from hell- evil temptresses!

Turns out, I wish I drank some beer.

Mile 24 came and went. After I passed the mile marker, a text was sent to my friend via the chip attached to the top of my shoe. It read: "Tessa completed mile 24".

Between mile 24 and 25, a song was stuck in my head, and it was none other than "She'll be comin' down the mountain".  I repeated this song over, and over, and over again.

Mile 25: My inner monologue ceased and I focused on my breath. My legs knew we were close and picked up the pace. I stopped sweating (bad sign!), but was ecstatic to see the finish line.

As I crossed the finish line, I locked eyes with my sophie and felt a mix of emotions. As a result of severe dehydration, many thoughts ran through my mind:
"I'm done! Thank God! Wait, I'm done right?"    
"Is that the food tent over there?"
"Where are those damn bananas?"
"Can a sister get a finisher T-shirt over here!"
"This is a pretty medal"
"Maybe if I lay down, Someone will carry me to the car"
"I really can't feel my legs.."

On the ride home, I couldn't feel my body. Even my eyelids were sore. It hurt to breath, to speak, to even reply to the many praises I was receiving. People asked me if I would run another one? With all my heart, I responded, no.

I loved my marathon adventure; so much so, I wouldn't feel right if I ran another one. One is enough for me.

But if you haven't ran one, you must!! RUN ON, man!....RUN ON!!



White Rock Marathon Course:

Please visit: http://www.runtherock.com/ to participate in this years race or volunteer.