Going the Distance

Journeys are always quests of discovery… whether discovery of history, culture, something fun and different or bigger than ourselves and our world.

And then there’s the quest of self-discovery.

Self-discovery is that purposeful digging into the very deepest parts of our minds, and often our bodies, and setting on a course to complete a journey-quest. One step at a time.

A few months ago, Jane told me that she was going to begin training for a marathon. I was not surprised by this… for many reasons. Jane loves discovery. Jane loves testing the boundaries. Jane loves a challenge. Jane digs very deeply. Jane was a runner in high school and she loves to run. But a half marathon two years ago was her longest and deepest run.

As the days and weeks and months passed, I watched Jane’s mind and body transform before my very eyes. This is a remarkable thing to watch in your own child. The desire. The decision. The determination. The discovery that dreams do come true with hard work and focus and an inner quest that becomes an external quest.

Yesterday Jane joined thousands of runners who each had their own journey to that moment when the starting gun blasted through the May morning mist. The Cox Providence Marathon began. And off the runners went, each accomplishing what may at times have seemed impossible. My daughter-in-law Aimee was there with her sister, Jen… two moms who carved the dream into a beautiful reality as they began their half-marathons. Friends were there, too… Ali running a half-marathon and Jill and Megan stepping into their marathons. People were cheering and clapping and Chariots of Fire came floating from the giant speakers.

3 hours and 37.10 minutes later, I watched Jane come around the corner of the last 1/4 mile of her 26.2 miles. She was strong. She was steady. And she was smiling!

My heart soared… because, I think, of all the journeys we may take in our lives, the ones that we see our children accomplish are the greatest journeys of all. The journey of motherhood… and the continuing miracle of that journey.

About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. She’s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. She’s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

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6 Comments

  1. 5.4.09
    Chrissy said:

    What a beautiful post. Congratulations to Jane; that’s quite an accomplishment! I know how proud you all must be.

  2. 5.4.09
    Erin said:

    That is such an accomplishment! My friend Erik came in 192nd in the last Chicago marathon, and I was so amazed and impressed by his endurance. I am impressed by Jane, too! Anyone who can accomplish such a task is simply amazing.

  3. 5.4.09
    Heather said:

    Way to go, Jane!! I’m so proud of her…for the run, yes. But, also? LOOK AT THOSE ABS! She’s my hero!

  4. 5.4.09

    What a great accomplishment for Jane and a great time. As the mother of a runner, I know how proud you are. There is such determination and focus in running a long race like that. I don’t even remember how many marathons my Cindy has run, but her crowning glory was running Boston last year. She ran the Indy mini this past weekend against most peoples better judgement. She ran with a bad knee and is paying for it now. I guess that is just a runners mentality. You can read all about it at her blog, if you want. http://www.justanotherreasontoeatchocolate.blogspot.com

  5. 5.5.09

    Thank you so much for your sweet comments on my daughter and my blogs. You are one of the nicest people I almost know. And yes, we are lucky mamas!

  6. 5.9.09
    Poppy said:

    I am so proud of you, Jane!!!!

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