Two years after the second half marathon, this year has seen me do two more within two months.
I’m planning to possibly fit one more in this year. I don’t even know me anymore.
If you haven’t heard of Emma’s story, let me get you to speed. A mum of FIVE girls, 12 months ago Emma was plagued with a life threatening virus.
Miraculously, she pulled through and also decided it was time to make some drastic health changes.
Emma started doing daily walks around local tennis courts. Slowly, she incorporated some running until she could consistently run five kilometres.
Not even a year into her new running regime, she decided to take on the Gold Coast Airport Marathon. Yes, folks – that’s 42.2 kilometres.
The physical toll that long distance running takes is one thing. What is even more of a challenge (well, for me, anyway) is the mental strength.
Having to set mind over matter; to get over the hamstring niggles, big toes rubbing up a blister storm, stomach stitches after drinking too much water.
Basically trying not to let your brain stray and to keep it rock solid focused.
It’s bloody hard. No matter how good your playlist is.
Emma decided that for each kilometre she was to run, she would dedicate one to someone in her life. Each person’s name was written on her arm. The 42nd and last kilometre? That one was saved for her.
It was a poignant reminder how running has literally saved her life.
Walking up to the starting line, I didn’t have a plan like Emma’s.
Instead, for the first two kilometres, I just paid close attention to my pace, making sure I wasn’t going too hard too soon.
But as the Gold Coast sunrise start to emerge across the bay, I started thinking about dedicating this run to my late cousin. Without a running partner, instead I “invited” her to join me until I got to the half way mark at least.
The moment her memory entered my mind, my legs felt lighter, my breathing eased up and my shoulders relaxed.
Usually I get anxious when people pass me. Not this race.
Instead, I rolled back through time, remembering our last conversation, giggling again at her self-deprecating jokes.
I pictured the time we swam together at a Sydney hotel pool, how privileged I felt to find some rare one on one time with her.
Next thing I knew, I was at the 11 kilometre mark.
Grieving is a bitch. It’s painful and rips your heart at the most unexpected, vulnerable moments. Almost three years since she’s left this earth, I still often cry.
On that road though, as my heart and head filled with thoughts of Kak Rytha, I actually found comfort.
She would’ve found it highly entertaining that I used her as a means to get over the finish line.
“Are you serious? What could possibly keep your mind occupied for over two hours?”
She would roar with laughter, flashing her electric red lipstick smile.
Well, dear Kak Rytha, it’s you. All I wanted to think about was you.
How much I love you. How much I miss you. How I ache to see you and your smiling face again.
How nice and pleasant it was to pound that pavement and have one on one time again. Just like we did at that pool, laughing, telling jokes, catching up on each other’s busy lives.
Thank you for keeping me company.
If you wrote a book or created a painting, who would you dedicate it to you? How do you keep loved ones’ memories alive? Are you familiar with Emma’s story?
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So many beautiful stories rolled into this one post Grace, Including your own, Well done!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I admire anyone who can run. Whatever gets you over the line, I admire it.
As for dedications – I dedicate each book to someone different, My kids, my husband, my parents ,,, but also to a more general mix of people. The book I am launching this weekend is dedicated to “The wildlife warriors who live in my home …” (I can’t remember the rest)
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 2457 – My Go To Travel Clothes
Naughty girl Grace for making me cry at 6am! What a sweet sweet post. Gosh, that red lipstick smiling part, got me. A massive congrats girl. And love Em and her story, she’s such a role model! Happy Friyay spunk xxx
Oh so beautiful Grace. Well done! The stories are the best way to keep memories going. I love sharing them with my little people and telling them about loved ones who have passed xx
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First and foremost anyone who runs a marathon or half-marathon is superhuman in my book! I am familiar with Emma’s story and think it’s impressive she ran the entire 42 ks…I’m still chicken shit and won’t even run 5ks! Love how you used your cousin to inspire you xx
Sanch @ living my imperfect life recently posted..Would you still read my blog
Beautiful, heartfelt blog post Grace.
Keep believing, keep achieving!
Well done, Grace! Emma is one of the toughest cookies I have ever met- an amazing person. You should be very proud of your achievements here 🙂
Beautiful story Grace – what a dedication to your cousin. I’m always amazed at the mental toughness of runners, but I think it must be magical to suspend time to pounding the pavement and spending time with someone or the people you love in your head. Emma’s story is amazing and a big congrats to you on your race.
Kathy Kruger recently posted..Divided we fall
I don’t have anything I can say…but just good on all of you and the strength you pull to finish is amazing.
Vanessa recently posted..Trying Out Dictation
Wow, well done you! I have followed Emma’s journey and think she is amazing. From those days in hospital to her amazing transformation, I so admire her. You both have inspired me to think about my own physical fitness, or lack of it. Happy Friday!
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It’s like two tearjerkers for the price of one this morning! I think Emma is amazing, as are you and I love both race strategies. I shall start drawing up a list of 21 people to dedicate my kilometres to when I’m running the Disneyland Half Marathon! 2016 is definitely your Year of the Run, you are smashing goals! So awesome! I think if I created a book or a painting or even finish my next race, I’d probably have to dedicate it to the hubster for always cheering me on and believing in me, even when I don’t believe in myself!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted..She’s So Inspiring – Jacinta Tynan
Oh Grace, what a beautiful post. Congrats on the marathon, congrats to Emma, and thank you for sharing that. Seriously, I’m beaming (but with tears in my eyes – ain’t gonna lie!!). What a lovely way to start my day.
Emily recently posted..The Little Girl Who Lost Her Name – a Lostmy.name book review
What a beautiful post Grace. Emma’s story is amazing and I like her motivation a lot. You did a fab job there making it a marathon along with your cousin…. so poignant. Thank you for sharing the beauty that is life.
Denyse Whelan recently posted..Rainbow Obsession. 366/190.
Oh I love this Grace. Emma’s story and your own motivation and commitment. Well done!
Deborah recently posted..Hospital couture
Beautiful post! What a way to remember your cousin!
Ingrid @ fabulous and fun life recently posted..L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche la vie en rose Collection
This gave me goosebumps, just beautiful c
Sarah @sarahdipity recently posted..On Being a Hummingbird
What a fantastic achievement, Grace. Congratulations to you and I’m sure your cousin would have loved being used as your motivation to get over the line. I really wish I could enjoy running. People seem to get so much out of it.
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Aww, that’s beautiful, Grace. You brought a tear to my eye! Well done on the run 🙂
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Good on you Grace. A mammoth effort. I’d dedicate a story to my late Mum. She stuck by my side throughout the darkness of my addiction and saw me through to the recovery. It eases my pain greatly that she saw me recovery for a good 4.5 years before she passed away last December. I put her and Dad through hell. She’ll forever be my strength.
Cheers, Damo
Well done Grace! Its wonderful that the memories of you and your late cousin brought you some peace with your running, and got you through the marathon. Grieving is a bitch. I miss my Dad very much and have teary-eyed moments when I wish he was here with us all. xx
Julie @ Off to the park recently posted..What is making me happy – family time
Oh…. I just love this.
Such a wonderful story Grace.
I love the 42 names.
And I love how your cousin was with you on this race.
Tears to my eyes.
Just beautiful.
And,
a wonderful way to keep those special memories alive xxx
Sarah @ Tomfo recently posted..Black and White laundry + clever storage ideas
INCREDIBLE! Well done and thank you for sharing that story. I can imagine how those lovely memories would have kept your legs moving forward.
Oh wow, what a story! This is the first time I’ve linked up with you as I’ve only just found your blog but I’m so glad that I did. Well done, this is inspirational on so many levels. I’m an ex runner and athletics coach and the one thing I hear time and time again is how running has changed lives. Congratulations on all of your achievements and I’m sure there will be many more 🙂
Amy xx
I love Emma and her story and I love you and yours as well Grace. Your cousin is always with you and will always be there to support you too. Well done x
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