The Climb: My Half Marathon Story

It is hard to believe only 8 months ago I was staring down my biggest physical challenge to date (unless you count birthing a child), my first half marathon.  I remember that day as if it were just a moment ago.  I trained all summer (ok I attempted to train all summer and managed to get in most of my runs) and I was motivated by my need to conquer inner fears and self-doubt, as well as begin to create life long habits of physical health.  You see just a year prior I was in such poor shape that I couldn't even run a mile.  Not to mention the fact my mom had experienced a heart attack and nearly lost her life.  Let's just say I had a lot to push and propel me forward.  I'd like to say the entire race was easy and I never though about stopping, but that wouldn't be true.  If it weren't for my sister running right along side me I'm not sure how the rest of that race would have gone.  There is something truly magical about the fact we ran that race together.  I know I was holding her back, but she stuck with me anyway.  She pushed me to reach my goal, our goal, and we did it.  As we crossed the finish line I was full of so many emotions.  I was crying so hard my husband thought I was injured.  I wasn't by the way.  I was just so overcome by the fact I had done something so incredible.  Something I honestly doubted I could really do.  So, what did this all teach me?  It turns out if you set a goal and take small steps towards it day after day you can and will obtain it.  What are you working towards in your life?  What do you want to do, but lack the courage?  I want to challenge you right now, today, to make a plan to attack that goal and crush it.  When I first started running I couldn't finish that mile, but I did all 13.1 in under 2.5 hours.  Not too bad if you ask me!  Let's hear it below!  What goal are you ready to crush?  Not sure yet?  Watch this for a little motivation:

By the way, in this video I used the song The Climb as my background music.  I'm not normally a Miley Cyrus fan, but these lyrics spoke to me and I thought they might speak to you too

• The Climb performed by Miley Cyrus.  
• Songwritters:  Jessi Alexander;Jon Clifton Mabe

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

Let's hear it below!  What mountain are you going to make move?!