I never really wanted to run a marathon, I certainly never thought I would, but then came 2020 with it's Corona and quarantine and for us, a big move, and before long my running groups--both in LA and Sac--were making big goals for made-up races because sometimes you just need something in your life you can have some control over. (Of course, for a few of my friends and family who suffered injuries during this time it was clear that we don't always have control over our bodies or our running, and my heart literally breaks for them. This year has been hard for so many reasons and taking away an outlet like running feels particularly tragic.) Way back in May, with races being cancelled in California for the rest of the year, we decided to plan our own race on October 10th, because I'm all-in for a cool date and this one could not be beat: 10/10 2020. Again, I didn't really want to run a marathon but if my mom and Ash were doing it, if Corie and Michelle would come up, well you know I wasn't going to miss that!
So I started training. I was already in half marathon shape so I had a good base to work from, but building miles was not always easy for me and I definitely prefer a shorter run to those 20-milers. Some days I threatened to quit running altogether, some days I felt strong and accomplished, but I just kept putting one foot in front of the other and running. I've trained like mad for the last five months and on Saturday I did what I set out to do--I ran a marathon! And even better than that, after a particularly hard first half I conquered my mental battle and truly enjoyed the second half so much. I wasn't worried about my time or pace from the beginning, I've never been fast, but I did have a goal to be happy during the race and be proud of my body and what I accomplished. And oh my gosh I did that! I'm so, so happy to report that Heather Wigginton, the marathoner, finished with a big fat smile on her face!
We organized a pretty great race! All in all there were 13 people who ran either a half marathon or marathon along the American River Parkway. We met in Granite Bay and started running in the dark at 6:30 am. We finished at Sac State a few hours later! This was the only picture I took the whole day. Bless Ashleigh, my hero sister, for capturing the rest of them. And I'm so grateful that my Mom and I were able to do this run together, I don't think I ever would have done it without her (read: I know I wouldn't have!)
My pit crew at mile 20 rubbed some cream on my tight calves. James ran the half so I didn't see him until this point, but my Dad and Logan were the very, very best pit crew in the world for the rest of the race.
Speaking of James and the half--he rocked it! I was so proud of him and I love to see him running and smiling and accomplishing goals! I wish I could have been at his finish line but I'm glad these cuties would take my place.
Bad posture but happy girls!
Such cute little cheerleaders!
Ash asked if there was anything I wanted during the run, and it probably shouldn't surprise you that I thought a Big Gulp sounded pretty darn good! A little sip of Diet Coke at mile 20 got me reaallllll excited to finish it six miles later!
I live for race shirts and medals so this was really important to me. My Mom and Dad designed the shirts and oh my gosh, they are perfect, and Brendan and Kate designed and made the medals and they are swoon-worthy. This may have been a made-up race but the swag is some of the best I've ever had.
10-10 2020 Mara-Mara Thon-Thon rocked!
But it legit did.
James said he saw these balloons at the store and just knew I would love them...HE WAS RIGHT!!! I love number balloons and cute photo ops and celebrations and this was so much fun!!!
It earned him this kiss right here, hahaha!
Ashleigh trained with us for a couple of months before her body started freaking out. Her knees, her hips, her back, they all gave her--and are continuing to give her--heck (edited, you're welcome!) It's been really hard for all of us not having her by our side on the trail. She is the best running storyteller and really just the best runner, its effortless for her, and she loves it. I can't wait for the day that she is running again, but for now I am just so grateful that she was willing to be there to cheer us on, even though I know she longed to be accomplishing this goal with us. Her shirt is the best because she is the kindest, love you Ash!
I am the slowest and was the oldest to join the ranks but I'm a marathoner just like these girls. Glad to join their crew...because you know I have FOMO!!!
The five marathoners up front at the finish line!
I told Uncle Buck that he's one of the very best Wigginton's that ever existed...and I meant it! He's kind and loving and always makes people feel like they are the most important and special person in existence. I am so grateful that he was there.
Our pit crew is the best. We could do absolutely NOTHING without these guys cheering us on and more importantly, changing out our water bottles and passing us Ibuprofen!
I want my babies to know that even when life feels difficult or confusing they can always find reasons to be happy and fulfilled. And also that while we are not in control of everything, we can choose to be in control of some things. Accomplishing things is hard, but also rewarding and fun. Oh, and life is better when we're together!
Wigginton Crew, all here!
Grammie and Aunt Ann were there with ice cold Diet Coke's waiting for us. #winning
We came home to find a giant congratulatory message written on our driveway. James and I felt so loved! We talked and talked that afternoon about how we live in the best area with the best neighbors.
Thanks again to everyone who made my first marathon the most magical experience. I really loved it, and that's not the reaction I expected to have. I did it! I ran a marathon! I'm a marathoner!
