26 Miles

I wrote this on January11, 2013.

Today is the day. Well, not the day day but the beginning of a day or days. I am on a plane now. I am on my way to the WDW marathon weekend. CIC has joined me for this adventure. I have signed up to run a half marathon, 13.1 miles, and a marathon, 26.2 miles in two days. I want the medals. I want the bling. I want the glory. I thrive for the challenge and push of my body. it excites.

Back in September 2012 I did the Disneyland half marathon to earn my coast to coast medal. I earned a lot more than that in that race. The Fish's dad has colon cancer, as you know, so I decided to dedicate my race to him.

He's an amazing man. A mammoth of a man. He's dedicated his entire life to serving god. He's an inspiration. I channeled him that day. He's a fighter. His sprit is tough and he got me trough those miles. The interesting thing is that we've never exchanged many words. I haven't spent that much earth time with him. I know his soul though. His unconditional love. What he gave me that day, I don't know how to thank him for.

I experienced for the first time what it was like to run for someone else and it was amazing. I PR'd that day, running the fastest race I've ever run at 2:14 (2:24 according to the Disney clock). It truly was an amazing experience. Every time I wanted to slow down or give up I thought about how he hasn't given up on this cancer.

I decided a short time after that race I would find 26 people to contemplate on during my marathon to get me through. As my priorities have been out of order, I have not trained for this run physically in the way that I should. However, with my life changes lately and my focus on mind, body, and soul through yoga, I have trained mentally for a run in a way I have never imagined.

My body has some issues right now such as a core in training, a lower back in recovery, overworked hip flexors, and some kind of crazy stress in my neck and traps causing huge knots. Having a mental and spiritual grounding is what will carry me through with those conditions.

So, the 26. I suppose it's time to make a decision on this. 26 people for 26 miles. I think that I haven't been as strong in my relationships with my friend's and family as I should've been in the past. Nevertheless I know I have their unconditional love and they have mine.

Mile 1, Grandma. The matriarch

Mile 2, Najee. The future

Mile 3, Alora. The beginning of a new Williams woman.

Mile 4, Dionne. If I were half as smart and beautiful as she is when I was her age, I'd be unstoppable.

Mile 5, Kitana. An old soul here to bring light to many lives. She knows too much.

Mile 6, Julia. Another old soul. Perhaps a reincarnate. The only one of my nieces I had the opportunity to see in infancy.

Mile 7, Jonathan. What a mission this kid has taken on. His strength will be needed here.

Mile 8, Raja. My protégée I want so much for him.

Mile 9, Tiffany. She'll always be my best friend in a sense. She's so intelligent. She'll know what I need at this mile.

Mile 10, Courtney. The angel in my life, in my family. Push me baby girl!

Mile 11, Shaheed. At this point in any race I'll need the laughter and nurture only he could provide. Mile 11 kinda sucks but shaheed is shawesome!!

Mile 12, Cory. The confidence to know that I can do it. That everything will work out.

Mile 13, my Mother. For many reasons why that I can't type. I'll save the reasons for the race. I am grateful she took me on.

Mile 14, Pep. My father. I'm blessed to have two. No one will ever understand me like he does.

Mile 15, Dennis. My father. My kindred spirit. What an interesting turn of events in our lives.

Mile 16, Laura. Without her support in my life, I wouldn't be running.

Mile 17, Kara. Pronounced like Car. My best friend. A soul mate. My teacher.

Mile 18, Devin. My sister. Holy yoga!! This is the furthest I've ever run before. I need someone in my head who knows what I say and think before I say it.

Mile 19, Cole. My soul mate. For some reason cole will be running next to me in a yellow t-shirt and very short and tight powder blue shorts with a drink in his hand screaming, "oh lord Jesus its a marathon."

Mile 20, my Chica!!!!!!!! Nough said. =D

Mile 21, Carl. My running coach. My twin.

Mile 22, Sandra Tatum. My second mother. My angel. Thank you!

Mile 23, Michele. No matter how long it's been you have still called me a friend. The original Chica. Thank you.

Mile 24, Grandaddy. The patriarch now and forever.

Mile 25, Aunty. No words can say why.

Mile 26.2, Me. Why? Because I know I can hold myself up after all the love I've been given.

I'm ready. I'm grounded. I'm grateful. I'm loved. I am a runner. I am a marathoner. Let's get it!