“Everything you ever wanted to know about yourself you can learn in 26.2 miles.” – Lori Culnane

On January 10, 2016, I ran my first marathon. Granted, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to have this experience in the greatest place on earth, Disney World. However, this experience is one that I will never let go of and will cherish for the rest of my life. I trained for months, handled my body with extreme care and when the day came, I was prepared. What I didn’t realize, however, was not only how difficult this feat actually is, but also how emotional it is. Running a marathon is not for the weak and the pride felt as you cross that finish line and the days that follow is unlike anything you can experience anywhere else. These reasons, as well as a few others, are why you should join in in the marathon club and add this to your bucket list.

The word hard is defined as, “Involving a great deal of energy, effort, and persistence.” Well, let me tell you personally, running a marathon, a feat of 26.2 miles, is really, really hard. When I look back at my experience, I immediately have a flashback to mile 21, running uphill, pain shooting up my leg, from my toes to my calf muscles to my thighs. While that may sound like the last thing you want to experience, travel with me to mile 25, smiling as I run around the countries at Epcot knowing that the finish was in sight. Let me take you to that finish line as tears filled my eyes and my hands pumped in the air. Join me, holding up my medal with the biggest grin on my face because I completed one of the toughest challenges in the world. Set new goals with me and dream of running at Boston.

Only 0.5 percent of our nation has run a marathon.That’s a pretty elite group, as I said, a marathon is not for the weak of spirit and mind. Training and running a marathon is difficult and tireless work, however, the benefits are worth it. Not only do you get into the best physical shape of your life, but you also are in the best mental shape. After running a marathon, trust me, you feel as though you can do anything. Get your dream job? Easy. Get that A in a tough class? Piece of cake. Running a marathon means that you will go for the gold now in every other aspect of your life. You feel as though you are an all-star because you have become one.

Most importantly, when you run a marathon, you find yourself. I know, that is so cliché, but it’s true. When you are at mile 22 and every step fills with pain, you find yourself digging deep into your core and finding a drive and ambition you never knew existed. You realize how strong of a person you are and that you never want to let that strength go. You understand what is important in your life, how you got to this exact moment and how you will carry it forward. You learn that you are unstoppable.

So, at least, try this for me, never say never. As someone who thought 26 point freaking 2 miles was a far off dream, don’t sell yourself short. Set the goal that at some point in your life you will run a marathon. Heck, you could walk it, but nonetheless, do it. Find yourself. Learn who you are and how much unbelievable strength you have. Be unstoppable and as Nike says, “Just do it.”

I’ll be waiting for you, smiling, in the marathoner’s club.