The 26.2 Long Version Of My Marathon.

Running a marathon usually starts with a spark of inspiration. Whether it's proving you can do something difficult, the desire to try something new, losing weight, or there may be some who just really get off on running for 26.2 miles (I don't get it) but I know they're out there. The point is I gained my inspiration when a couple of friends Jamie and Lacy, decided to run one in Ogden. I think up until that point I thought only crazy distance runners and Kenyans attempted marathons, and surely I would never be able to complete one. But as I witnessed my friends work hard and train, it occurred to me for the first time that maybe I could do one too; at least I was mildly curious if I could really do it. So, a year later (and some new baby weight later) I was pretty open to the idea when my friend Cherise told me about the St. George Marathon. I talked my pal Janette into signing up with me and before I knew it, I was in the lottery to run. I'll never forget the deer in the headlights feeling I felt when I got the news that I was in the marathon. It was a little daunting to think of the training I would have to do solo, but at the same time really exciting to have something to work for. I enjoyed my runs in Dallas. We needed a change of scenery and that's exactly what my runs provided. It was so therapeutic to drive over to the lake and soak in my new surroundings. I think Marana is great and all, but it is really lacking in the greenery department. I couldn't get enough of Dallas's manicured lawns and lush trees.I really felt connected to Heavenly Father through those runs while admiring his creations.

It was nice to come home though and have a training partner for a few weeks! Janette is quite possibly one of the coolest girls I know, and it was fun to spend time with her after being gone all summer. She introduced Jeff Galloway's training style and that proved to be incredibly helpful during the actual race.Janette is also one of the toughest girls I know, and despite some major setbacks while training, she persevered and was incredibly inspiring to me.

It was also neat to have so many people from our ward and in Marana Participating. A few Days before the race Jen Lynn organized a breakfast with all the girls and it was fun to hear about every one's training and thoughts going into our first marathon. Jen made kick booty Cd's for each of us and Cherise designed awesome t-shirts for everyone to wear after the race.

The day of the race, I was just REALLY excited. It was kind of nice entering a race where I had no expectations for myself...it really took the pressure off and allowed me to just enjoy every moment. There is this incredible inertia that happens when the gun goes off and you are surrounded by hundreds of runners. I simply basked in the positive energy that sort of permeates the air.

Janette and I couldn't believe it when we were 8 miles down because we felt so amazing. We talked and laughed casually, and my body felt strong and unstoppable. So many times during this process I have marveled at what my body can do and I have thanked Heavenly Father for it! Then at about mile 12/13 I tweaked my knee somehow. It ended up being no big deal, but I sort of panicked for a few minutes because it hurt to extend my knee and I had to stop running. I told Janette to go ahead and offered a quick prayer asking Heavenly Father to allow me to keep running. I hoped my prayer would be answered and after stretching my knee for a minute, I felt it move back in place and I was good to go. On a cool side note, right at that moment I Will Rest In You by Mindi Gledhill came on my ipod and as I continued to run I cried for a minute because I knew my prayer had been specifically answered.

The other thing that I was SO GRATEFUL for during this race was the support of family. My Jordy was there at three different points in the race holding up a sign "DANIELLE IS MY HERO!" I so needed that. It felt so good to see my name (especially at mile 23!). My parents were there, Jordan's parents were there, my brother and his cute wife flew in from California, Sarah and Craig and several of my cousins and aunts/uncles came to cheer me on.I felt so blessed and so loved!

Crossing the finish line was amazing. Despite the buckling knees it was incredible to come down the homestretch with hundreds of people cheering me on. It all felt really symbolic to our journey here on earth; I almost felt like a living object lesson of the plan of salvation. All along the marathon road you see and feel setbacks, tears, triumphs, perseverance, heartache and yet you watch all of these people still will themselves to keep moving and endure to the finish. The joy's we felt came through the friendly smiles and encouraging words along the way, but even more importantly,we felt joy for just being given the opportunity to run the race.

I am so grateful for this experience! It was worth the 26.2 miles and ridiculously sore muscles :O)







Marilynn's magnificent Pre Race Meal! I am almost tempted to run another one just to get to do the carb loading!

Chrissy, Me and Janette on our way to the buses.


Janette and Me just before the start of the race.

I believe this is mile 7. It was such a great sight to see!

Chrissy, Cherise and Emily! Look at these hot mamas!

My Running shirt that said, "Happy Birthday Mom!"


My favorite Peeps in the whole world!!