Photography has been the main point of Believe Studio up until this year . I've felt like it's time to really make it an outlet for myself to share stories of faith / motherhood/ endurance / family / etc through my photography and words like it was always intended to be . So here I am . First running post is a GO!
At the end of 2016 I set a goal for myself knowing we were approaching a rare " stable " year as far as the Army goes. No moves , no deployments , no babies 🙀 which meant it was finally time to BQ.
Seven years ago I could not run a mile. One of my closest friends dared me to train for a half marathon and I laughed at her . I had never in my life ran a 5k , the mile we ran for college cheerleading twice a year was about my limit. However, being 23 and needing a new fitness routine I gave it a shot. We chugged along that course so proud of ourselves for conquering something huge ... a 2:35 half marathon . Looking back it's kind of hilarious because we had no clue what we were doing but had a blast stopping to take pictures and slowly walking up the dreaded hills of North Carolina . But we did it! 9 months later I gave birth to my first son ( how's that for timing ?) In the 7 years since that first race I've dropped over 4 minutes off my miles , ran countless halfs/5ks/10ks , finished 4 marathons under 4 hours each , oh ya and grew and raised 3 tiny humans. This is not a bragging list but proof that the human body and mind is truly capable of anything , especially with strength and grace from God .
Back to the BQ. Qualifying to run the Boston Marathon is something pretty attainable for seasoned runners with experience and a foundation in endurance sports . For an untrained Mama that just barely got her first Garmin watch ( I know I know ) it takes some serious work and dedication . I have worked my butt off running 5-6 days a week even through winter in Alaska , through frostbitten toes, through awful treadmill workouts , through the rollercoaster of parenting 3 kiddos frequently alone. Over these 7 years, and more so over this year, running has transformed from a fitness routine to the much needed anti anxiety pill with nothing but positive side effects .
Today was a turning point for training I had been anxiously anticipating. The training plan had worked up to 15 miles which I had done once or twice post baby but never a foot more ! Hitting 16 miles meant this training was really getting started , I hadn't ran 16 miles since the Tucson marathon 8 weeks pregnant 1.5 years ago 😳
This morning I tip toed out of my silent house before 5 - which is basically daytime in Fairbanks right now - and prayerfully set out .
Along the path I couldn't help but think of all my mother runner friends that are making huge goals this summer to start their running journey . I thought about the inspiring women I've met and have been blessed to run alongside and prayed that they all would find the sacred peace and quiet in motherhood that running has brought me. If they can push themselves to start I can surly push myself to my next level too. 16 miles at 8:15 pace. 16 is my hurdle because when you get to 17 it's basically 20 and training never goes past 20 until race day. Running is all mental incase you couldn't tell... or is it Runners are all mental I always forget 🤣
When we choose persistent FAITH OVER FEAR of failure God meets us at our weakness and makes us strong . This morning was beautiful and a steady two hours of peace after a challenging week as a Mama. Without even checking my pace much I finished those 16 miles with ease 20 seconds per mile faster than my goal . God is good friends and his love for us shines in all we do if we just let him.
Two months to go until the Anchorage Runfest Marathon on August 20th where I WILL qualify for the Boston Marathon. Expect some training updates here and on my instagram as well because it's all downhill ( or a I guess uphill? ) from here.
Thanks for reading along and sharing this journey with me, I'd love to hear what your current goals are and pray for you in any trials you're facing .
- B
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