#RunLagos, #RunMichelle. This will be the words on most billboards and hashtags on social media as a result of the up coming Lagos City Marathon, 2018.
In 2017 I participated at the Lagos City Marathon #igetstamina. Indeed this girl has stamina.
It seemed like a child’s play when I registered for my first marathon in 2017 and it became a reality when I saw myself at the starting point with some friends.
In my wildest imagination, I never thought I would one day run a marathon, because being overweight for most part of my life, and haven lost 45kg; I keep pushing myself to various lifestyle adventures from boxing to playing squash to swimming and now the marathon.
A marathon is a long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.219 miles, or 26 miles 385 yards), usually run as a road race.
Saturday, February 11th, 2017 marked my first marathon which I completed in 7hrs:8mins. Would I be doing it again? Definitely yes! And my target is to beat my record of 7hrs:8mins. My Goal was to finish the marathon, Yippy!! I did.
My Experience
At 8km the game has just began as 8km was a stroll in the park for me.
By 16km, I guess I never really knew what it was like to keep walking, jogging and running, when your body is telling you that you’re done. It’s was beyond doubt; a case of mind over matter. During my pre marathon training sessions, I always felt pretty strong but that was not the case on Saturday’s marathon.
By 32km somewhere around Bourdillon road, Ikoyi ( if I recall rightly) I kept telling myself at 40km just give up, but my spirit said, why give up at 40km when you are almost there.
Finally at 42.1km, I arrived and struggled to get my medal and certificate, before finally taking a rest.
I will never forget the feeling when it finally dawned on me that I Michelle was, I am, a marathon finisher.
One thing is certain: This is a proud accomplishment for me and indeed every leg muscle and a toe hurts.
So whether you were out on the course cheering me on, praying for me or tweeting or IG or Facebooking at me, thank you all for helping me conquer my first marathon. I couldn’t have done it without the strength from the inner man (Glory to God) #Igetstamina.
This is a fantastic achievement Michelle. I’m in complete awe of your transformation and truly proud of you. Well done Honey
Thanks Adesuwa,Your Comment and love means so much. One Love from GraciousMichelle