****USA TRACK & FIELD, the governing body of running events, recently amended the rule prohibiting headphones to allow them in non-championship events. Ipods allowed.
So I don't know if I mentioned this already but there is an iPod ban on this marathon. It's not one of those iPod bans that people don't take seriously. Apparently this one is FOR REAL and you get caught, you get disqualified. TOTALLY not worth the risk! That's right! NO MUSIC in my ears except what other runners may be singing or the bands on the street corners. But Heidi and I have had some of the greatest conversations I've ever had in my life while running our 20 miler on Saturday. I'm really okay with no iPod.
Wendy gave me a great idea. Pray during each mile or each two miles or however you want to divide it for others in your life. For sure I will be praying for myself too! :) I'm already gathering scriptures and quotes to memorize before the race. You never know, maybe God will use me to help another runner through a tough spot by passing on some words of encouragement. I really want the entire 26.2 miles to be used for something besides me being able to say "I ran a marathon!". Yes the bragging rights will be incredible but that's not what I am running this marathon for. I am running for something very specific (hope to share that with you in a few days). I'm already claiming a victory for myself in a few areas. When I cross that finish line, I will DROP some bags I've been carrying for over twenty years. And I'm NOT going back to pick them up! Those bags will be gone from my life forever!
A friend texted me last night. She said, "Where do you need us in the race? What mile markers? We will be there with signs." When I saw that, I felt like crying. WOW! There is so much excitement going into this race. I wonder what her signs will say???? I wonder what signs my Dad and Jeremy will hold up? Who will be there to support me? I just get so choked up thinking about it. My Dad asks me about how the training is going just about every single day. I'm sure his co-workers are ready for Steve's daughter to be done with this marathon because I'm pretty sure it's all he talks about. :) He hates crowds and traffic. He hates riding in the car with someone else so this will be totally out of his comfort zone but oh well! :) He will have to just get over it!
I keep hearing that I will experience something in the marathon that will blow me away. Something happens that you never forget. Something deep within. I hope so because that last 6.2 will be something I've never experienced before.
The taper has begun. The peak of my training has come and gone. For the next 20 days I want to focus on the excitement of what I am about to do! I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!!!
THIS WILL NOT BE MY ONLY MARATHON! I'm already planning another one in October in Chicago with one of my best friends, Wendy!
My greatest ideas stem from running.
-Sasha Azevedo
4 comments:
That is so awesome about your Dad being there! I'm so excited for you. You have trained hard for this and I know you are ready.
Can't wait for Chicago!
I am in awe of your ability to run that far. It seems impossible to me, but I thinks it's awesome that you have worked so hard and you are accomplishing such a huge goal. It's also great that you have so much support, especially from your family. That must bring so much healing to you that your Dad is so supportive. I know I would be feeling very emotional if my Dad were to do that for me.
Julie
Hi Amanda! I found your blog online in a round about way. I love checking in to see where you are on your runs. For some reason I am not able to leave a comment on your running blog.
I just completed my second marathon in December with only eight weeks of training! I normally follow Hal Higdon, but I only had eight weeks to train because of the timing of my broken foot healing. You are doing an amazing job! Keep up the great work! I will say a little prayer for you and your marathon.
Please feel free to email me k_dodson1@hotmail.com if you ever want to discuss running. Most of my friends think I am crazy for running 13.1 miles let alone 26.2 and do not like to discuss it!
I too get choked up just thinking about running a marathon. It is such a great moment with yourself and the feeling is unbelievable! When my fiance saw me finish my first marathon, he had tears in his eyes. Tears of pride. Having that feeling of someone being so proud of you, wow, it is so great, not to mention how proud you are of yourself.
Good Luck! You will do a great job! I am hoping to run Chicago this year too!
Keri
P.S. The second marathon was 100 times easier than the first!
Running without the iPod? Have mercy, I just don't think I have it in me! I never had anyone to run with that point in my training, though so that might have been different.
It is a long and winding road but life changing for sure! Even watching so many others around you with stories to tell through their running is emotional.
Husbands/wives, Fathers/Sons, Best Friends, those running for someone else or in memory of someone they love ... so incredible.
Have you ever gone back and read your beginning posts about running? I remember when you first started! Girl. Look how far you've come!
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