It is officially over. Unfortunately, I am not writing as a Boston Qualifier but as a sub 4 hour finisher. My official time was 3:51:51! I had to have a 3:50:59! It was so close it hurt! It hurt real bad. 52 seconds! I could taste it. But, today it was not meant to be.
Our family has a verse we live by: Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Today was the Lord’s day. I ran for Him. So, this is where I am supposed to be.
Now granted, it took me all day to get here. I had wonderful encouraging conversations with my mom, dad and sister, tons of ‘make me smile’ texts and many encouraging Facebook posts. All of these things helped me see what I couldn’t.
I ran well!
I finished!
I ran a sub 4 hour marathon at age 42!
I bettered my personal best by 41 minutes with only 7 weeks of training.
I have an amazing support system of family and friends!
I have an incredible husband who encouraged me at mile 13 and had me crying tears of joy! Once I crossed the finish line unsuccessful he surrounded me with a hug filled with comfort and love.
God provided him an angel named Marnie to help him find his way. Thanks, Marnie!
What more could I want? 😉 A Boston qualifying time. But, this is just one step(of many taken today) toward that goal. God’s glory is more important than my BQ. He will use this and has already to get me there. He just thought I needed two more mailboxes instead of one. 😉
Prayers were felt every step of the way! I tried my best! It was hard! But today, I ran 11 more miles than I have run in over 5 years and God carried me on His wings because my legs were done at 18. Your prayers are what got me through! Thank you!
Today is over. It was almost a perfect day! It was a perfect day! Sea World post marathon, In and Out Burger for dinner and chocolate covered strawberries from my sis and nieces for dessert!
I ran blessed the race set before me. He will be with me as the journey continues. Thanks for joining me!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
thenextmailboxboston 
First off, very awesome. Your time really is incredible given the time off between distances and the abbreviated training cycle. An effort that very few ever achieve.
As to the overall experience, what a great testimony to others in your post-race attitude. The goals are important and I believe God gives us the passion to use our gifts to the fullest and glorify Him through that. But it is His journey for us, not our journey for Him. In fact, I go back to your use of the word Godincindence. I wrote the following blog entry earlier today before ever checking in your results.
http://davidholcomb.blogspot.com/2011/06/message-from-margaritaville-not-exactly.html
You might find it timely as the Boston door appears to have closed for this week, keep moving as Paul did, and the next bigger, better door will open at the right time.
Thanks for sharing. I know you all had a great time and have great memories to bring back home.
Keep running with horses!
Again, thank you for your incredible words of encouragement. God is so good. He has used so many people…close friends, as well as people I have never met face to face to help me through His journey. The Godincidences have been amazing!
As my husband and I were reading your blog he commented on all the parallels in my current journey and your words. It shows how the Lord takes care of every detail in ways we can’t truly fathom. He knows ahead of time and provides peace and comfort in all different ways.
The bigger and better door (or mailbox) is ahead. I will see His light and be a beacon of it the rest of the journey. He has brought me closer to Him through this process and will continue to.
Thanks for letting the light shine through you and your words. I am truly thankful for the Godincidences!
Continuing on His journey ….running blessed!
Trish
Trish, hi.
Was just checking back in this weekend and really enjoyed reading your recent posts. You are a gifted communicator of scripture and assume that leading studies and small groups are quite natural. Also looks like you might have found a wonderful verse to accompany you down this next training journey, Habakkuk 3.17-19!
May you continue to claim His power and spread His love through your running. I look forward to checking in.
In Him, David & Christy (my wife has enjoyed following your posts as well).
Oh, and speaking of following, I was advised to change my blog address to http://www.runningwithhorses.com It looks like it deleted my networked blog site. I would love to have you continue to follow if you are interested. Just letting you know that you might have to click on follow again. Sorry. Have a great Sunday!
Thanks so much for your continued words of encouragement. I am thankful you and your wife have found my words encouraging as well. The Lord ministers to me every time I write. (As I am sure you understand.)
Yes, I have found the verse that will accompany me through this next phase. God is so good.
Thanks for sharing your link. I am encouraged by reading your blog and definitely want to continue.
Trish