Theresa - 9.2...what?!?!!

That's right...I ran 9.2 miles straight on Wed. afternoon. It is by far one of the biggest accomplishments in my life to date. My dear friend Ryan is a fitness buff and loves helping other people achieve their goals as well. I was realizing that my long runs were not happening, or at least not happening well and knew I needed so help. I asked Ryan if he would run 8 miles with me. He said yes. I also shared with him that in a perfect world I could run without knowing how far or for how long I had been running and that the route would be a surprise. This way I couldn't fake myself out or convince myself I couldn't do it.

Well, that is exactly what he did for me. He picked a route, he wore the watch and all he told me I needed to think/worry about was my breathing, my steps and to keep my head up. It was a miraculous day!! I couldn't believe how it felt. I couldn't believe that I didn't stop and once we finished and he said, that was 9.2 miles...I almost passed out! Not out of exhaustion, cause I actually didn't want to die, but out of pure excitement, accomplishment and achievement.

I feel like this day was a game changer for the rest of my life. I realized I don't push myself as hard as I can. I don't test the limits or take a lot of risks and I learned that there are some days that I just need to ask for help and be ok with that.

I will never be able to thank Ryan enough for showing me such grace, patience and belief in me that I can do this. I know feel like I have broken through a huge barrier, a point of no return and a knew confidence in myself that so many more things are possible.

I felt so proud that day and still do. I now 100% know that I can finish this half marathon and maybe even enjoy the process along the way :0)