And So I Ran the NYC Marathon

I leap. I trust. I take the next step without seeing the whole staircase. I believe that amazing things can happen to ordinary people. I believe in magic. As a dreamer, I have faith that these dreams can, in fact, turn into reality, if we just set the intention in our hearts to do the best we can. Despite all my doubts and fears, I am an action taker. This is my awesomeness habit. I trust my intuition and follow the rainbow.

When first asked to evaluate our habits as good, bad and awesome, I had absolutely no idea what makes me awesome. In fact, I tne to think I’m pretty boring. But then, I got to thinking about all the awesome things that I have experienced in the past few years, and I realized that I am the person who takes the leap of faith! Despite the worry that comes after an action has been set in motion, I do actually and wholeheartedly trust that things are going to work out. I must pursue the things that give me the feeling of both excitement and fear.

For example, in the spring of 2017, I was running, and loving it. I had been just newly introduced to the story of running icon Kathrine Switzer – the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon 52 years ago. Not only that, she also ran the Boston Marathon when she was 70 years old, on the 50th anniversary of her historic run! She is an amazing woman, working hard to empower women through running. I read her book, “Marathon Woman” before meeting her at my first half marathon, and was completely taken aback by her story and generosity. So I started to follow her on social media. Soon after, I was invited to run with Kathrine and her team in the New York City Marathon! “What an amazing dream come true!” I thought. A dream I had held for a month or two before getting an online interview to join the team. At the time, I was told, “Thank you but no thank you”. I wasn’t quite experienced enough. So I went on my merry way, proud of myself for trying.

A few months later, two months before the NYC Marathon, I received a call. Someone was injured from the team. They needed someone to fill in…would I be interested? Would I?! I wanted to scream, “yes!” but I had to run it by my husband. It was going to be a lot of money in travel fees, not to mention a lot of work fundraising for only 2 months. It was going to be hard work, but I felt like I couldn’t turn it down. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity! So, I went for it. I said yes and boosted my training (as at the time I was only up to a half marathon in training).

So what happened? I made the money. Barely, but I made it. And I ran the NYC Marathon. Me – overweight, slow as molasses, never having considered myself an athlete – I ran a freaking marathon…one of the biggest in the world, with the woman who altered history 50 years prior to make it so that women like me could run long distances. I also got to hang out at an Irish pub with Kathrine and her team of amazing women for the evening after the marathon. It really truly was an experience of a lifetime, and I am so grateful for the support I received. I am also very proud of myself for stepping outside of my comfort zone, dreaming big, and then going for it.

With that said, it is time for a new leap of faith; it is time for me to go all in on my art business. I have been taking steps over the past year, putting myself out into the world, vulnerable…excited and fearful. I am now stepping out into this new chapter of my life, not entirely prepared, but confident the timing is divine; I am ready for the hills and the struggle. I am so excited for the journey, as I know in the deepest part of my heart that I can succeed. Taking action to follow my dreams is my super power.

Written by: Liz Chamberlain; Lizzielou Mixed Media