I have officially completed a marathon and I must admit it was one of the hardest thing I have done in my life!!! The day started with a marta ride down to five points where I got off and walked to Centenial Olympic Park where the start line was. There were 15,000 runners total so it was a packed house, I had to jump three fences to get into the starting corral. The race started at 7:04am and the weather was perfect for running, 45 degrees and overcast. I had a goal of under 4 hours so I started on a pace that would get me there about an 8:30-8:45 minute mile. I felt great for the first 15 miles of the race, probably the best I have ever felt running. At about mile 18 my legs started to cramp and by mile 19 both my quad's and hamstrings were locking up with every stride. I can't tell you how awful it felt to have no control over my body, my cardio was in good shape and my mind was prepared but my legs wouldn't let me run. I finished the last 7 miles walking/running and with each mile the pain got worse. I had to pull to side for a minute or two to stretch on mile 25 because I couldn't even walk without cramping. I finished with a time of 4 hours and 31 minutes and it was an amazing feeling to be done!! Even with the pain it was a blast, one of the best things I have ever experienced! I swore I would never do one again right after the race but I alread think I would like to do another one to hit my time goal.
More importantly than the experience I had running it was great to get involved in "the cause". I ran to raise awarness and money to fight sex trafficking in Atlanta and th world. We raised a good amount of money (not sure final total yet) to help the girls at Wellspring Living. These girls are coming out of the industry or abusive homes and are being given an opportunity to start their lives over. The gospel of Jesus Christ is being shared with them and great things are happening. Thanks to everyone who has prayed for Justice or give financially, you truly have been a blessing to me. For me it's just the start of being involved in this cause as it is something you can't walk away from once you have heard what goes on. Continue to pray that God would do immeasurably more in Atlanta than we could ever ask or imagine!!
