“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” ~ John Bingham
“Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.” ~ Lance Armstrong
"In running, it doesn't matter if you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that." ~ Fred LeBow
“There is no better feeling in the world than to take your mind and body to a place you thought it couldn’t go; a place you thought it didn’t belong. You should all try it sometime.” ~ Shauna Reid
“Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up.” ~ Dean Karnazes
"I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement." ~ Steve Prefontaine
"From the moment you cross the start line, you know that crossing the finish line will be one of the best moments of your life." ~ Author Unknown
"You have a choice, you can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face." ~ Gatorade 3
"There is no failure in running, or in life, as long as you keep moving." ~ Amby Burfoot
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." ~ John Bingham
My First 5K and More... 
Darlene…that is TOO funny ! In every single way, you are the living picture of someone who is addicted to running in the worst way. The only way this could be more proof of your “disobedience” in taking it easy and walking ONLY is if the next picture was of you leaping into the air and kicking your heels together once you crossed the line.
This DEFINITELY brought a smile to my face, and lightened my heart. You look so intense, and happy !
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I thought about putting my arms up in the air as I was crossing but in hindsight I am glad I didn’t.
I actually had tears in my eyes at the end.
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very cool to be in the paper…!
you look happy in the picture..!
I hope this was a good decision for you and you will continue to be good!!!
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mentally it was great…I feel fine…no miracle healing of the ankle but I don’t think it’s any worse.
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Love it.
You know your body best! I hope you are feeling good post-race!
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I’m not sure I know my body — I just got caught up in the excitement of the race. My ankle is still sore and stiff same as before but mentally I’m on cloud 9.
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LOL! That is just called DETERMINATION! You go girl! 🙂
Shannon
http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com
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CONGRATS.
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Love the look on your face! Just don’t reinjure yourself.
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You did the right thing brava! Great picture.
Now take care and recover well. I cannot wait for reading about your next race.
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