How many times have you set a goal only to have it come crashing down on you because of any number of reasons: not enough time, unachievable metrics, too many other goals, etc.?  I felt like this about 30 days ago when I learned I had Sphenoid Sinusitis at the peak of training for my first half-marathon, the 41st Drake On-The-Roads on April 25. I can remember my ENT doctor telling me (while reviewing my CT Scan of my sinuses), “Hmmm, that doesn’t look good,” as he went on to explain that my Sphenoid cavity on the left hand side (located in the middle of your head right next to your optic nerve and a major artery) was filled with something. He went on to say, “In fact, it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up to think about having to operate on this.” Always a comforting comment from your doctor:).

Long story short(er) – I was treated with 20 days of antibiotics and about 2 weeks ago I was medically cleared after my final MRI. I tell you this because after 6 months of training, I wasn’t sure if I would get a chance to run in this race…after all the hard work.

I’m happy to say that I ran in the half-marathon yesterday in Des Moines, IA. It was 50 degrees and raining at 8 a.m. The longest I had ever run was 7 miles so this would almost double my longest run, but I was dead focused on accomplishing this goal. The gun shot and…

• I quickly realized I ran the first 3 miles (pure adrenalin) at about a 7 minute pace (much faster than I typically run)
• At mile 5 I watched about 2/3 of the runners make a turn back towards the starting line (they were doing the 8K)…I SO wanted to make that turn with them…but didn’t
• Mile 7.1 I was in virgin territory (for me)
• Mile 8 my cousin (who lives in Des Moines took this picture right in front of her house) I forced a smile:)
• Mile 9 I started losing feeling in my legs but didn’t feel too winded
• Mile 10 I was fortunate to connect with a friend running in the race who gave me some amazing jelly beans for energy (thanks Jelly Belly)
• Mile 13 my feet were numb, my legs were trembling but I did what felt like a sprint…and finished

It’s great to set goals for yourself.  We will all face many hurdles and excuses about why we shouldn’t accomplish them (that’s quite easy). But when you do, it helps you realize that you can accomplish anything you want and inspires you to set and accomplish many more. I hope the same for each of you.

Have you ever accomplished a personal goal in the face of adversity? I’d love to hear about it!