Miracles do happen!
My day started at 4:30 am I was wide awake and ready to go. I have been training for 33 weeks so why would I be nervous right? LOL! I wasn’t really nervous but full of emotions. We left our room at 5:30 am and walked to the elevator. The first elevator opened and it was jammed packed with runners. We decided to wait for another, the next one opened and it was full of runners. This time we squeezed ourselves in and to the lobby we went. There were runners everywhere and we had not even left the lobby of the hotel. We left the hotel and started our walk to the APLA meeting area.
There were people everywhere and it was a bit overwhelming. Once we got to a certain area only runners were allowed in and all these photographers were there stopping us to take our pictures. It was surreal, I felt like a celebrity. At about 6:45 am we made our way to the starting line. There were so many people all lined up waiting for the horn.
Finally, at 7:30ish the horn went off and the fast paced walked began to the starting line. The tears were falling down my face. It took me about 4 minutes to get to the starting line and off I went.
The first five miles I ran for one minute and walked for three. I took it nice and easy and took in the crowd, the cheering and the nice morning breeze. It all felt so unreal, as if I was dreaming. I was reflecting on the past 10 ½ months and how far I have come. I held back the tears a lot and tried to focus on my run.
At mile 5, I picked up my pace. I was doing really well; I was 3 minutes ahead of my pace and switched to a 1:2 pace. I was feeling really good and energized. There was so much to take in, all the people sitting outside their homes cheering us on, the generosity of strangers and all the runners by my side.
I was still feeling really strong and at mile 10 we approached our first and biggest hill. I hate hills and was not looking forward to what was ahead. My watch beeped and I began to run. For the first time I began to question what I was doing and began doubting myself, this hill was kicking my a$$. One of my running mates looked at me and said, “Lena, you can do this! You are amazing keep going." Little did she know that her words gave me strength and I conquered the hill with ease.
Miles 13 to 18 were relatively smooth; however I was beginning to slow down. We were now five minutes behind pace and the sun was starting to beat down on us. My mom was really beginning to struggle at this point so I slowed down and stayed close to her. I was determined to get both of us to the finish line. I was really excited to get to mile 19 because Kirsten was waiting to join us to help us finish our marathon.
We were greeted at mile 19 with hugs and smiles from Kirsten (who turned out to be our saving grace). She came in with encouragement and distraction. Her words of encouragement carried us when we were struggling. Somehow we managed to get back onto pace and we again were 3 minutes ahead of pace.
Miles 20 to 22 were a bit of a blur. I started to feel light headed and felt like giving up. I was hot, than I was cold. I had the chills one minute and I was sweating the next. Mentally I was drained. The one minute runs were getting longer and longer and the two minute walks were getting shorter and shorter. We took a few extra walk breaks to rest our bodies.
At mile 23, I began to feel better and the finish line was just around the corner. While running, I go somewhere mentally, I couldn’t tell you where my mind goes, but it disconnects from my body and I get a crazy surge of energy.
I don’t remember passing mile 24 and all of a sudden I could see mile 25 in the horizon.
Mile 25 brought on a wave of emotions. I was overcome with happiness, sadness and relief. It was a moment I had dreamed of for over 15 years. My mom grabbed my hand and looked intently into my eyes and said to me, “Lena you go on! You go and under no cir****tances do you look back!"
So, off I went! I was in my zone. I got my strength from a strange place. It came from all those in my life that doubted me, that teased me, that called me names or ignored me because I was fat. It came from those that believed in me and encouraged me to go after my dreams. The tears fell down my face for the last mile and .2. LOL! I could see the banner for Mile 26 and I tried to find any ounce of energy in my body. I looked back; I needed to know my mom was still behind me. She was and I could still see her. I powered on.
I passed under the Mile 26 banner. The last .2 was the longest part of the entire race. People were cheering. I was crying and before I knew it I crossed the finish line. 7 hours and 18 minutes after I started the most amazing race of my life. They put the medal around my neck and I headed back to the finish line to see my mom cross the finish line. She finished two minutes after me.
May 25, 2009 is a day that I will never forget. Less than 11 months ago I weighed 330 pounds and I couldn’t walk a mile without feeling completely exhausted. I had made a decision to take control of my life and give up my addiction to food. I made the best choice for myself and for my son and I had gastric bypass surgery. It saved my life! I am so thankful everyday and I never imagined that in 11 months I would say I just completed a MARATHON! It is so unbelievable.
I would like to thank all of you for your support and words of encouragement. It has meant the world to me.
Scott—you are truly amazing. Thank you for your dedication and coaching. I couldn’t have done this without you and your family. You are my inspiration and my mentor. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Kirsten—Double squeezes for you! Thank you for all your support, your friendship and for getting us to the finish line. It takes a very special person to take time to meet two runners at mile 19 and finish the race with them. I will forever be grateful to you! Your friendship means a lot to me.
Kevin—The same goes to you!
Janine--- you lady are incredible. Your ongoing support, unconditional love, and selflessness is refreshing and unique. You inspire me and remind me that this tool works. Your belief in me has kept me going over the past 33 weeks. You are truly one of a kind!
Barb--- My special pal. Thank you for your love and support.
Michelle W--- Thanks for believing in me and for cheering me on.
Liz—Thanks for the late night chats on FB and for believing in me.
To all my fellow runners—Keep running.
To everyone else---- Reach for the stars! Challenge yourself in ways that you never imagined. If I can do it you can do it.
Good night OH!
There were people everywhere and it was a bit overwhelming. Once we got to a certain area only runners were allowed in and all these photographers were there stopping us to take our pictures. It was surreal, I felt like a celebrity. At about 6:45 am we made our way to the starting line. There were so many people all lined up waiting for the horn.
Finally, at 7:30ish the horn went off and the fast paced walked began to the starting line. The tears were falling down my face. It took me about 4 minutes to get to the starting line and off I went.
The first five miles I ran for one minute and walked for three. I took it nice and easy and took in the crowd, the cheering and the nice morning breeze. It all felt so unreal, as if I was dreaming. I was reflecting on the past 10 ½ months and how far I have come. I held back the tears a lot and tried to focus on my run.
At mile 5, I picked up my pace. I was doing really well; I was 3 minutes ahead of my pace and switched to a 1:2 pace. I was feeling really good and energized. There was so much to take in, all the people sitting outside their homes cheering us on, the generosity of strangers and all the runners by my side.
I was still feeling really strong and at mile 10 we approached our first and biggest hill. I hate hills and was not looking forward to what was ahead. My watch beeped and I began to run. For the first time I began to question what I was doing and began doubting myself, this hill was kicking my a$$. One of my running mates looked at me and said, “Lena, you can do this! You are amazing keep going." Little did she know that her words gave me strength and I conquered the hill with ease.
Miles 13 to 18 were relatively smooth; however I was beginning to slow down. We were now five minutes behind pace and the sun was starting to beat down on us. My mom was really beginning to struggle at this point so I slowed down and stayed close to her. I was determined to get both of us to the finish line. I was really excited to get to mile 19 because Kirsten was waiting to join us to help us finish our marathon.
We were greeted at mile 19 with hugs and smiles from Kirsten (who turned out to be our saving grace). She came in with encouragement and distraction. Her words of encouragement carried us when we were struggling. Somehow we managed to get back onto pace and we again were 3 minutes ahead of pace.
Miles 20 to 22 were a bit of a blur. I started to feel light headed and felt like giving up. I was hot, than I was cold. I had the chills one minute and I was sweating the next. Mentally I was drained. The one minute runs were getting longer and longer and the two minute walks were getting shorter and shorter. We took a few extra walk breaks to rest our bodies.
At mile 23, I began to feel better and the finish line was just around the corner. While running, I go somewhere mentally, I couldn’t tell you where my mind goes, but it disconnects from my body and I get a crazy surge of energy.
I don’t remember passing mile 24 and all of a sudden I could see mile 25 in the horizon.
Mile 25 brought on a wave of emotions. I was overcome with happiness, sadness and relief. It was a moment I had dreamed of for over 15 years. My mom grabbed my hand and looked intently into my eyes and said to me, “Lena you go on! You go and under no cir****tances do you look back!"
So, off I went! I was in my zone. I got my strength from a strange place. It came from all those in my life that doubted me, that teased me, that called me names or ignored me because I was fat. It came from those that believed in me and encouraged me to go after my dreams. The tears fell down my face for the last mile and .2. LOL! I could see the banner for Mile 26 and I tried to find any ounce of energy in my body. I looked back; I needed to know my mom was still behind me. She was and I could still see her. I powered on.
I passed under the Mile 26 banner. The last .2 was the longest part of the entire race. People were cheering. I was crying and before I knew it I crossed the finish line. 7 hours and 18 minutes after I started the most amazing race of my life. They put the medal around my neck and I headed back to the finish line to see my mom cross the finish line. She finished two minutes after me.
May 25, 2009 is a day that I will never forget. Less than 11 months ago I weighed 330 pounds and I couldn’t walk a mile without feeling completely exhausted. I had made a decision to take control of my life and give up my addiction to food. I made the best choice for myself and for my son and I had gastric bypass surgery. It saved my life! I am so thankful everyday and I never imagined that in 11 months I would say I just completed a MARATHON! It is so unbelievable.
I would like to thank all of you for your support and words of encouragement. It has meant the world to me.
Scott—you are truly amazing. Thank you for your dedication and coaching. I couldn’t have done this without you and your family. You are my inspiration and my mentor. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Kirsten—Double squeezes for you! Thank you for all your support, your friendship and for getting us to the finish line. It takes a very special person to take time to meet two runners at mile 19 and finish the race with them. I will forever be grateful to you! Your friendship means a lot to me.
Kevin—The same goes to you!
Janine--- you lady are incredible. Your ongoing support, unconditional love, and selflessness is refreshing and unique. You inspire me and remind me that this tool works. Your belief in me has kept me going over the past 33 weeks. You are truly one of a kind!
Barb--- My special pal. Thank you for your love and support.
Michelle W--- Thanks for believing in me and for cheering me on.
Liz—Thanks for the late night chats on FB and for believing in me.
To all my fellow runners—Keep running.
To everyone else---- Reach for the stars! Challenge yourself in ways that you never imagined. If I can do it you can do it.
Good night OH!
Girl all I can say is YOU ARE THE BOMB,.,,,I am sheddlig tears as I read this. You are the MOST inspirational person ever. I am so proud of you . YOU ROCK for sure., You have accomplished so much, CONGRATS to you my friend,,,,I am sitting here thinking...can I ever do this? Maybe?
Thank you for the most inspirational story.,...again,.,..,I am so proud of you...
Hugs and love
Thank you for the most inspirational story.,...again,.,..,I am so proud of you...
Hugs and love
Jean 
OMG Lena...you made me have tears in my eyes as I read about your experience from Monday!
You are the inspirational one....I still remember that scared girl showing up at dinner in October last year. Did you ever think you would come this far? I think NOT....!!!!
What you have accomplished is a benchmark for your continued success in life and what is even better is that you have laid a foundation for your son to walk in too. He will know that his mother took the world by storm and have a fine goal to inspire to be if you know what I mean. You lead by example Lena....you have just done something people only think about!
I know Scott and I know his dedication to running marathons and his inspiration to many out here. I met him and Dolly both before they ever had surgery 5 years ago...and he was out there hoofing it at his weight. I though dang dude...you are a better man than me LOL!!! He continues to support and guide people along the way. You're going to be that same kind of person!
We will talk soon Little One....I could not be prouder of you!!!!
“When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.” –Peace Pilgrim (1908-1981).
Oh Lena,
Congrats to you! How amazing to accomplish this huge feat in such a limited amount of time! I so wanted to do this and I backed out as I had no one to do it with me. I will do this next year! You are such an inspiration to us all and I am so proud of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story with us.
Rhonda
Congrats to you! How amazing to accomplish this huge feat in such a limited amount of time! I so wanted to do this and I backed out as I had no one to do it with me. I will do this next year! You are such an inspiration to us all and I am so proud of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story with us.
Rhonda
Rhonda,
If you ever get a chance I would highly recommend training under Coach Scott through APLA. You will have a lot of people to run with. I have to say that one of the best parts of my training was all the wonderful people I met. I made some lifetime friends during my training.
Thank you for the kinds words.
L
If you ever get a chance I would highly recommend training under Coach Scott through APLA. You will have a lot of people to run with. I have to say that one of the best parts of my training was all the wonderful people I met. I made some lifetime friends during my training.
Thank you for the kinds words.
L
Lena,
Wow that was awesome. You said it all. Anyone who has come from where we were and to do what you and the rest of us has done knows what you are saying. The generosity of strangers out there banging pots and pans together sititng outside there house cutting fruit. Knowing you are running in areas where bad things happen at times. Again the humanity out there. My god you said it so well I cant say it enough. Reading this I had tears streaming down my face. I felt every step with you. I wanted to be out there with you that day so bad. Again so very very proud of you. The picture speak more than 1000 words. You are a true hero. Know one thing that have joined an elite group. Those who have run marathons are less then 1% population of the world.
Lena my friend you are now an ATHLETE and a HERO.
Well, with that being said I left my house this moring a bit after 5 a ran for 3 miles. Decidede I need to run LA next year 25th anniversary baby.
Congrats.
Liz
Wow that was awesome. You said it all. Anyone who has come from where we were and to do what you and the rest of us has done knows what you are saying. The generosity of strangers out there banging pots and pans together sititng outside there house cutting fruit. Knowing you are running in areas where bad things happen at times. Again the humanity out there. My god you said it so well I cant say it enough. Reading this I had tears streaming down my face. I felt every step with you. I wanted to be out there with you that day so bad. Again so very very proud of you. The picture speak more than 1000 words. You are a true hero. Know one thing that have joined an elite group. Those who have run marathons are less then 1% population of the world.
Lena my friend you are now an ATHLETE and a HERO.
Well, with that being said I left my house this moring a bit after 5 a ran for 3 miles. Decidede I need to run LA next year 25th anniversary baby.
Congrats.
Liz
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