I have always had a place in my heart for running. Throughout high school, I ran 2 miles almost every single day! Then college started and I got out of the habit. Many of my aunts and uncles have always been runners, and they always talk about their races and events. For the past few years, I have had the urge to participate in the Turkey Trot with them, but I was too afraid to try! Well, this year, I finally just registered months in advance knowing that I wouldn't let my money go to waste! After running the 10 k (6.2 miles), I felt so accomplished!! I didn't stop there; my aunt and uncle convinced me to run a half-marathon. I started training with them, but it took me much longer to commit this time as I still doubted if I could do it! Like Nephi, sometimes we have to "go and do" before we really even know if we can do it! It wasn't until many weeks after I committed, that I realized I could run a half-marathon! At a weekly Saturday practice we ran 10 miles, and when I finished, I thought, "10 down, what's 3 more?!" So last weekend, I did it!! I RAN A HALF-MARATHON!! I ran 13 miles in just under 2 1/2 hours! It is amazing to think that just 3 months ago, I had never run more than 4 miles at a time! I am so thankful for my aunt and uncle's encouragement and support!
It has to be one of the most physically and mentally challenging things that I have ever done, but I am so glad that I did! I learned many lessons through the entire experience! On the very last mile of our long runs, a quote from Elaine S. Dalton's recent conference talk would run through my head: "I can do hard things, [but] in the strength of the Lord, I can do all things." A half-marathon was a hard thing for me, but I learned that I can do hard things. Although I can do hard things, I can't do everything! When my best is not enough, I can rely on the Lord to make up the rest. With Him, I can do ALL things! I am so grateful for my Savior and for the lessons that I have learned from running!
