Running Through the Storm: A Life-Changing Marathon Experience

Never say never, I told y’all. Last year, I walked, and this year, I will be running, both literally and figuratively. My foot and I have been on quite a healing journey, but I must say, I am loving the Kareema on the other side of once a nightmare.

Last month, I decided to take a leap of faith in my abilities and endurance, and I participated in my first marathon! Growth is truly an achievement that deserves more celebration, as I began my twenties swearing I would never pay for running. Well, look at me now – not only did I pay, but I ran my little butt off, full of glee and pride. I found the entire experience symbolic of life. First, I was hesitant and had to survive the storm to participate literally. And I do mean literally; it was pouring, with lightning and thunder in the sky, as I stood outside without an umbrella or hood, hoping and praying the race wouldn’t get canceled and I could still run. 

Now, as I stood in the rain, my determination and tenacity kicked in. I didn’t see a possibility of ending the day without running somewhere, given how far I had come! Then, Al-Humdillah, it was show time! The gates opened, and I was able to participate in The Night Nation Run. It’s the world’s first running music festival, an ultimate blend of a Music Festival and a 5 K fun run. Plus, the proceeds went to a great cause, Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), a charitable organization that funds groundbreaking cancer research by encouraging collaboration between scientists from different institutions. Its mission is to accelerate the development of new therapies and bring them to patients quickly, turning every cancer patient into a long-term survivor. It was a privilege in more ways than one to be physically able to participate in an incredible event!

Like I said, it was show time. I wasn’t there for the party; I just wanted to run. Complete transparency: after pinning my number on my shorts, I started to feel anxious and talk myself out of running. Then I accidentally ate a high-dose edible, intending only to micro-dose, but the damage was done. As the effects were starting to hit, the race was beginning, and I took a moment to give myself and my foot a pep talk of a lifetime. Then I took off!

Throughout the race, I learned a lot. First, you can run and exercise while elevated, and I have the potential to be a quality runner! As I mentioned earlier, the experience was very symbolic of life; each time I felt like giving up, I never stopped moving. I walked, jogged, and ran across the finish line, but ultimately I finished. While I was running, it felt surreal. It was my first time running in over a year, and I had never enjoyed it so much until that day. With the help of the edible, my inner voice was the cheerleader, coach, and support that I have been pouring into myself since the injury, reminding me I’m unstoppable. 

I’m damn near in tears writing this post, but I cried my eyes when I lay my head on the pillow that night! I went to bed feeling powerful and ready to keep moving and being unstoppable in this race of life. But as far as marathons, I’m training for my next one and prepared to add running to my lifestyle. 

It’s a privilege to move my body freely, and I hope never to stop moving again.