I'm going to start tonight by saying this; if you've read any of my previous posts, please throw all rationale and reasoning out the window. Because I'm evidently like a flower blowing in the breeze. I change directions at a moments notice. I change my mind like I change my shoes, which is usually a couple of times a day...
This afternoon, I ran a little over a half marathon. 13.2 miles to be exact. Took me a hair over 2 hours and 15 minutes, which I was pretty impressed by. Last week, 8 miles was rough. I felt groggy and sick afterwards. Today, I finished 13 and was confident that I could have pounded out at least another 3-5 more. I just felt different. Charged up, energized, excited and purposeful. Today, I was supposed to do 9 miles. I got to mile 9 today and didn't slow down, didn't "negotiate", didn't reconsider my intention of running further. I continued and felt strong, and I've felt good for the rest of the day.
Why this change in heart, energy, mileage, and focus? It started on Wednesday with a very exciting outdoor run, and continued into Thursday when I went to a "Positive Only Women" seminar at my training studio. But the real reason didn't come until yesterday afternoon. And it's roots actually started a decade ago...
It was a Tuesday morning during my first semester in college. I got up substantially earlier than most mornings because I had to get dressed and curl my hair for what was to be a very eventful day. That Tuesday, I had my first Music History Exam, my first Piano exam, and for the first time, I was to sing an Aria in front of my 25 girl studio, alone, for a grade. I was excited and nervous, and I wanted to give myself enough time to get ready. I had stayed up late cramming the night before, slept little, but felt awake. I showered, put on my makeup, dried my hair, curled my hair, got dressed, packed my sheet music, performance dress, and heels and headed out my dorm room door. No one else was really up yet. So the hallway was quiet as I made my way towards the 4th floor stairwell.
At the bottom of the stairs, I was to meet my classmate, so that we could make the half mile jaunt to the Music Building. When I opened up the door into the lobby, there stood my classmate, stonefaced and crying. I immediately asked what was wrong. She then informed me of the fateful events that had begun occurring in New York City that very morning. Shocked, scared, and speechless, I took in her words, one by one. We began walking to class, and although it was very early, I did notice the lack of students out on campus. The students we did see, all carried the same somber look that was affixed on our faces as well. We entered our Music History classroom to a scene of chaos. Many were crying, on cell phones, and a classmate of mine was huddled in corner sobbing and pleading with the person on the phone to tell him what was going on. His brother was an intern at the Pentagon, and they were unable to get in touch with him (he was ok). Exam was canceled, Piano canceled, Studio performance postponed. I remember walking back to my dorm that day, alone, and calling my parents. I stayed inside the rest of the day.
Everyone has a "where I was on 9/11" story. These stories are all different and all interwoven into the fabric that makes up the America that was alive a decade ago. Everyone's lives have been affected and changed by that day in one way or another. Some, obviously, have had a greater impact than others, but regardless, we all have been changed. I can say with certainty that my life would not be where or what it is today without the events of that day. I have watched 4 Cousins and an Uncle leave for Iraq. They each have friends that have perished in the wars we are fighting. I also know in my heart, had there been no 9/11, I would not be married to the man I am married to today. It is doubtful that we would have met having grown up half a country away from each other. He is here because he came to serve on the frontlines to help keep our border safe and secure, something he was called to do after those events happened so close to home. He would never have made it here otherwise.
So my life course has been greatly altered because of what transpired on 9/11. Good and Bad. Regardless, because of that day, I live the life I now live with the person that I am with. A decade later, after knowing and meeting so many that have fought for our country, I decided to do something, even if it is a little last minute.
On the night of September 10th, 2011, in San Antonio, Texas, at 10 pm, Kristofor and I will begin running and continue running/walking for 9 hours and 11 minutes. At 7:11am, the running will stop, and at 7:46 am, 8:03 am, and 8:37 am, we will pause to remember the events that took place 10 years ago. All entry fee money and donations go directly to the Soldier's Angels project, a non profit organization that assists all branches of our Armed Forces. This organization assisted my husband's friend, Alex Sargent, who was shot in Fallujah. They assisted his family in many ways throughout his recovery. More information about the organization can be found here:
http://soldiersangels.org/
I have promised myself that I will make no mileage goals, time goals, etc throughout this event. I will be ramping up my mileage over the next 2 weeks to make sure that my body is prepared to be active in one way or another for that 9hr 11min stretch. My trainer, Renea said it best today. It will probably be very freeing to just be able to run without having the mental aspect of finishing a set number in a set time. And I think that is so very, very true. (Thanks, Renea!!) The next couple of weeks are going to be largely about getting prepared and truly reflecting on why I'm doing this event. I know that it will affect my regimented training for the Rock n' Roll SA Marathon in November, but sometimes, you just gotta change course. And this, for me, is one of those times.
Although I did not pledge to raise a specific amount of money for this event since I'm signing up so late, I would be more than happy to take donations in support Soldier's Angels on my behalf. If you are interested, please email me at lacysheahealey@gmail.com. Donations can also be easily made on the website that I have listed above. Here is the information regarding the event:
http://www.runintexas.com/911-relayultra
We are doing the Solo Ultra, although, there is a relay. Even if you don't have a team, there is capability to join a team, so really, anyone can participate. I know that this event will be a memorable and profound experience in my life, and I am thankful that I am getting the opportunity to be a part of remembering. I plan on running with a piece of paper with names of soldier's, survivors, or those that have passed in the events of 9/11 and the wars thereafter. If you would like someone's name added to my list, please feel free to email me with their name and their story. I would be honored to run a mile in honor of their sacrifice and service. Please keep me and Kristofor in your thoughts over the next couple of weeks as we "sandwich in" this very important race. We are very excited and can't wait to be a part of such a special event.
Thanks for cheering me on!
Lacy
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