Taking Time To Say Thanks

Nearly four weeks ago, I completed my first marathon. Running is an individual sport, but there is no way I made across the finish line without the help, support and encouragement of others.

It was an amazing journey. Of course, the race is still fresh in my memory, but I believe the 2012 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon will go down as one of my all-time favorite races. And why wouldn't it be? It was my first marathon! I had a truly amazing experience, and I'm ready for more.

But before I get too far away from completing my first and before I begin focusing on my next race adventure, I want to take a moment to take those who helped me get across the finish line. I realize it's impossible for me to name each and every one of you all, and I don't even want to try to list all who were there for me during the journey. There are so many of you I know I would leave someone out. It's inevitable.

No Foolin'! I Am A Marathoner!

I. Am. A. Marathoner!

I've been thinking about this all week, and I could not think of any better way than with that statement. 

This past Sunday (April Fool's Day), I ran the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon.

Allow me to let that last statement sink in.

I, Jay Stancil, ran a marathon. 

That is a sentence I never ever thought I'd pen. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would run 26.2 miles. At one time. Twas a mere two years ago I had taken up running. My goal then was to run a half marathon. After my first half and then my second one, I still couldn't see myself running a full. Yet, as I headed into the fall racing season with three half marathons lined up, I felt the itch to run a full. So, I signed up for the Knoxville Marathon.