Garmin Kansas City: Kansas City, Missouri, October 16, 2021 – Marathon #1
To say that I was a ball of emotions before my first marathon would be an understatement. Just 10 days before the race, I had buried my mom, and my heart was completely shattered. I desperately wanted her to be there to see me finish, but I knew she wouldn’t be. That thought weighed on me heavily as I prepared for the big day.
On top of the grief, there were the nerves. I had read countless articles, talked to experienced runners about training regimens, nutrition plans, and all the “must-dos” before a marathon. But, the truth is, I didn’t follow any of that. My training wasn’t fancy—I ran every day, sometimes just 6-8 miles, and the longest run I’d ever done before was 13.1 miles. In fact, I didn’t even consider myself a runner until July 1, 2020, just a few months before this race. I was new to this world and was figuring it out as I went.
On September 28th, I made a decision. Since my mom wouldn’t be there, I decided I would run from my house in Kansas City to Liberty and back until my watch said I’d completed 26.2 miles. It was a powerful, emotional run—just me and my thoughts. That run marked my longest distance yet, and I had no strategy except to keep going, one step at a time.
Race day came, and I arrived extra early—anxious about everything. What if I had to use the bathroom? What if I got a cramp? The weather was 40 degrees, and I made the bold decision to run in just a sports bra and shorts. It was cold before the race, but as the adrenaline kicked in, I didn’t mind. I didn’t have a race strategy, other than the knowledge that, no matter how tough it got, I had to finish. I knew that if I ever ran another marathon, this one would be the time to beat.
And here I am, 10 marathons later, and my first marathon still remains my personal best with a time of 4:41. I came close to breaking it at the Mesa, Arizona Marathon (number 9), finishing at 4:45, but I’ll get there eventually. With 40 states left to go, I’ve got plenty of time to chase that elusive PR.
But the real highlight of that first marathon was crossing the finish line and seeing my kids and colleagues waiting for me, cheering my name and holding signs. The love and support from Brittany, Nick, Emma, Carrie, Lauren, and Ava made that moment unforgettable. I will always remember that feeling—the best reward after such an emotional, challenging journey.