Today’s post was submitted by Jen over at fat girl in the fitness world 

 <– So this came in the mail this weekend. Needless to say, I was shocked. And, very flattered, but mostly shocked. Anyone who’s been reading along knows what a hugely disappointing race I had that day. At first, I thought maybe I had won it because only two women (someone else and myself) were the only “competitive walkers” in that age group & I had won it by default. (husband was actually mad that I jumped to this conclusion. So to appease him and my own curiosity I looked up the results.)

There were 6 of us in that category. I won my 2nd place title fair and square. Which then automatically made me think if I had felt great that day and not been throwing up an hour before the race or had a massive migraine that 1st place title would have been mine. It wouldn’t be my 1st “1st place” award for my age group as a walker, but it would have been nice. I will gladly and very graciously accept this award!

Again, I am very humbled by this entire experience. And I must say, the last 5K of this award belongs to my husband. He is the one who walked the last 3 miles with me and brought me some soda to give me enough energy to carry on. Not sure I would have made it past mile 23 without him. So, congrats husband. You placed 2nd in the female competitive walkers division (not being sarcastic, really, he deserves a big chunk of this one).

It just goes to show that you really can accomplish anything you put your mind to. This race was not “pretty” by any means. But I was determined to finish. I had made a promise to myself and I was not relinquishing. The only way I was not going to finish it, was if an ambulance had to carry me away.

So I encourage all of you to find a goal to reach for and not stop until you’re there. Of course, let people help you if you need it. But just go do it!

Thanks Jen! If you have questions for Jen, ask her directly at @jenniferbracken. And if you’d like to submit a story to #Anywhere5K follow this link.

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