Friendships Beyond the Finish Line — Where every mile is magical…

This past weekend I joined thousands of other participants (mainly women) in the 4^th annual Tinkerbell Half Marathon. For many this was their first half marathon. For others, myself included, this event has become an annual tradition. If you had told me a few years ago that I would be a half marathoner, I probably would not have believed you. However, this year’s Tink Half was my 12^th Half and I’m already looking forward to the next one! Everyone has different reasons why they initially sign up to do a half marathon. For many though, the reason we come back time and time again is the friendships we form. Many of these extend beyond the finish line.

My sister introduced me to long distance events and Team in Training (TNT) in 2002 when we trained with the San Diego TNT Walk Team and completed the Honolulu Marathon in December 2002. We trained for several months and raised funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society before walking 26.2 miles — it was a great experience and I have many cherished memories of this event we did together.

When I met my husband in 2005, he asked what types of sports I was into and I shared that I had completed a marathon. He asked if I would ever do one again and I remember saying (almost chuckling at the same time), “No, never, but I would maybe do a half marathon…” Soon after our first date, Disneyland announced the Inaugural Disneyland Half Marathon for September 2006. He and I completed this half marathon and I mentally checked “complete a half marathon” off my bucket list.

Then in 2011 my friend, Raelyn, became diagnosed with leukemia and I felt helpless about how I could offer meaningful support. I was at a health fair and saw a booth for TNT. It clicked – that’s what I can do! I signed up to do another half marathon and helped raise funds again for leukemia and lymphoma treatment research. In September 2011 I completed my second half marathon and found a common bond with my other TNT team members. It was during this 2011 event that I became hooked on completing half marathons.

In 2012 I had the honor and privilege of mentoring some other TNT teammates while they were training for their first half marathons at the Inaugural Tinkerbell Half Marathon. In this group of Pixies I found not only some awesome running buddies, but I have also found some wonderful friends — cherished friendships that extend beyond the finish line. We have stayed connected via FaceBook, text messages, and meeting up for more races. Team in Training brought us together. I am thankful for the races we’ve shared – every magical mile!

“Believing is just the beginning.” — Tinkerbell

Picture Credits: Tink 2012 (Katherine, Krista, Michelle, Robin, Pamma, Ildi) by MarathonFoto; Tink 2013 (Krista & Katherine) by Katherine; Tink 2014 (Robin & Krista) from Robin. Photos used with permission.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”