My first half marathon: A time of reflection and remembrance

I decided to run a half marathon this year because it seemed like a goal that I could work towards and actually accomplish.

At the moment I’m in the middle of reading four different novels. I’ve started writing three different books, but have yet to finish writing any. And I can’t even count the number of sewing projects that I am in the midst of completing.

I’m good at starting things. I start lots of things. But when it comes to following through to the end, I struggle.

I signed up for the Garmin Half Marathon in January. The race took place this last weekend.

I signed up for the half marathon because I wanted a goal to accomplish, but in the weeks leading up to the race, the half marathon took on a deeper meaning.

A friend I had known since grade school was killed, along with her 5-year-old daughter and husband. When tragedy occurs it has a way of putting things into perspective, of re-framing our reality.

I dedicated my run to my friend Terry. I remember spending the night at Terry’s house in fifth grade. We listened to Ace of Bace and talked about boys. Our friendship drifted a part in middle school, as friendships sometimes do. But Terry was the kind of person who you always seemed to feel close to, no matter how infrequently you spent time together.

I can best describe Terry as kind, poetic, spiritual and genuine. In high school our boyfriends were best friends and we both worked on the school newspaper. Terry had a calming energy that she brought with her wherever she went.

I only saw Terry a few times after high school. It’s been years since I’ve audibly heard her voice. But through the magic of Facebook we’ve been able to keep in touch. Terry is one of the few people who I know actually read my blog.

As I’m writing this now, I really can’t believe that she won’t be reading it. It just doesn’t seem real. Last year, before I started this blog about bipolar disorder, I wrote a weekly blog for Her Kansas City’s website.

When you are a writer good comments are like prized medals. You tuck them away and then go back and look them when you are feeling down.

I posted this blog last February about my obsessive thoughts. I went back to look at the comment Terry posted, because it was one of those comments that I cling to whenever I get down.

Terry Thompson Prestley: I LOVE reading your blogs!!!! Your honesty with yourself is pretty darn inspiring! I think for those of us who think like this about our own thoughts can totally relate! And....you are freaking hilarious!

I don’t think I’m quite as witty and entertaining as Terry thought I was. But Terry had a special gift of enabling people to see the best of who they are. She lifted people up when others brought them down.

As I ran the Garmin Marathon I had plenty of time for prayer and reflection. (Two hours, 28 minutes, and 59 seconds to be exact.) What stood out to me the most was that in life you don’t know where the finish line is. And sometimes it crosses you before you cross it.

As I went into the last mile of the race I picked up my speed and lengthened my stride. I didn’t finish fast but I finished strong.

The great thing about half marathons is that no matter how you finish- whether you stride through gracefully or walk limply across the finish line- in the end you receive your medal and are invited to the after party.

I believe the same is true for life. At the end our finish line I think God is there to welcome us with loving arms and invite us to His party. I know Terry is there now and her spirit lives on in the memories we shared.