I never thought I would be doing something like this.
I never thought I’d lose the weight.
I never thought I’d be “skinny.”
I never thought I would become a Runner.
I never thought I COULD run a race like Hood To Coast.
Remember how I said I was an emotional wreck after Leg 24? That I was sad and lonely and feeling overwhelmed with my emotions? Those were some of the thoughts I had been having. And those were the thoughts I had while I was running my last Leg–Leg 36.
I left off my story with reaching the Boardwalk at Seaside. One mile left. I could see the tips of the tents on the beach ahead of me. I knew the finish was close. I wasn’t going to cry. I was going to smile and be happy when I crossed that damn finish line!
I wasn’t just overwhelmed with negative emotions–I was MORE overwhelmed with the positive emotions! The: “I DID IT!” and “I RAN HOOD TO COAST!” I was sooo proud that I’d come as far as I had! And I did NOT WALK!
I kept running down the boardwalk, the tents getting bigger and closer. Other people who’d already crossed the finish line were telling me “Good job” and “Keep going, you’re almost there!” I felt so determined! Sort of like that scene in a horror movie where the heroine of the story (bloodied and crippled) drags her body across the floor to shoot the psycho killer. I’m freakin’ DOING this!
I got to the finish area. My feet hit the sand and the last few feet I was limping, stumbling, dragging myself across the sand to the staging area. My team number was announced and the rest of my team appeared next to me. The loudspeakers blared our team name ALL 12 of us CROSSED THE FINISH LINE together!
Right before I was crossing the Finish Line, I saw Michael immediately! My heart soared! He made it! He was here at the finish line!!! I was so happy! Tired, sore, in pain, but HAPPY!
Leg 36 Stats:
Time: 59:48
Distance: 5.23 miles
Pace: 11’43
Calories Burned: 622
I FINISHED HOOD TO COAST WITHOUT WALKING AT ALL!
Our Rank: #927
Pull It Together Team #210
Total team Time: 31:32:02
Amber from Girl with the Red Hair
GREAT JOB! That is quite the accomplishment 🙂
Bruce Lundy
Wow–this post really moved me. I know how huge it is for me that I did this, and to read what it means for you is really inspiring.
Lisa Eirene
Thanks Bruce! I know everyone’s journey is different and for me I had a lot of emotions surrounding finishing. I’m happy to have met you guys! It was an amazing experience.
Morgan @ healthy happy place
awesome job! love the video
Colleen
You are amazing! I have really enjoyed reading about your experience with Hood to Coast. Congratulations!
Ivie
Awesome Job, you accomplished what few will and have! I am proud of you, as I’m sure all your readers, friends, and family are!
YOU ROCK!
Lisa Eirene
It felt really good to cross that finish line!
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
Yay Lisa!!!!! I’m so proud of you!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!
Lisa Eirene
Thank you Beth!
C
Congrats!!! Awesome Job!!! I am so happy for you!! What an accomplishment.
Carbzilla
OMG – I totally cried reading this!!!! Good for you! You really pulled yourself through the most difficult part. I’m so glad you could take pride in you accomplishments!
Lisa Eirene
Thanks Tiff! Trust me–it took all my power not to cry as I crossed the finish line. I waited until I got home and then cried like a baby. 🙂 Of course Michael teased me, too.
Kassi
Reading through your hood 2 coast experience has been really really really motivating. You did such a good job of conveying your emotions, I felt like I was there with you. When I finally got to the end of this post and watched the video, I had tears in my eyes. I know we’ve never met, but I feel so close to you and proud of you! I am so happy for you Lisa. I bet it felt incredible. Job well done. Thank you for the inspiration, you are amazing.
Lisa Eirene
Thank you Kassi. That means a lot to me. Some friends in my life didn’t act like what I was doing was a big deal and it was for me…I came a long way!
kat
WooooooHooooooo! That was awesome!!! Know how inspirational you are!
XLMIC
Really just incredible! Thanks so so so much for sharing your journey 🙂
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Roxanne
Thank You for sharing your Hood To Coast story. I had tears streaming down my face when I finished reading.
This blog has been a wonderful source of support and I truly appreciate reading about your journey.
Lisa Eirene
Aw! Thank you Roxanne. It was definitely an emotional experience for me. How did you find my blog? Are you running HTC?
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