The Tribune

There are instances in life when we talk because we are spoken to, move because we are told to, or times when we physically respond only because we are stimulated. Then there are those rare moments when we react not because we were incited, but because we know that we have to, or better yet, want to. On Sunday, Kendrick “I can run a quarter mile, half mile, any mile, marathon Big Guy” Williams ran because he simply could. Yes there were nerves, fears and even concerns but he left the starting line and arrived at the finish line all with one thing on his mind.

The joy of doing something because you simply can!

In little over three hours, he crossed the line and completed his journey.

Diary Entry 9

Final Entry

I made my way out to the starting point 45 minutes early. Positioned myself near the back and started to mentally prepare for the task in front of me. The gun went off, my legs started to move and I was well on my way to achieving something that at one point I never thought possible.

Don’t get me wrong, halfway through the race, near the turning point at Baha Mar, my legs started to get weak, I started to cramp and tell myself that what I was trying was simply impossible. I told myself that I should hop on a bus, hike a ride, do whatever was needed to get out of this race.

What was I thinking?

But, then my Ipod started a mix of Nicki Minaj and motivational lines from Erik Thomas; and I pushed through all the way to the end.

Some experienced runners told me that in addition to rest I should stay hydrated heading into the race. I assume they meant with water but quickly realised that some electrolytes would go a long way in a marathon.

What was I thinking?

Shortly after the completion of the race, my body completely broke down and gave in. I had a complete day of spasms and cramps. I was somewhat disappointed that I didn’t reach my goal of a sub three-hour time.

But then it all made sense - I finished a marathon. A marathon.

I figured it out.

No matter who you are, no matter your status in life, we all have 24 hours in a day to do whatever we deem important enough to do. I made a choice to use my days bettering my body, taking care of it, improving my health. I made my health my priority.

That’s a big deal.

I realised that I only have one body and I should work to take care of it, and I did. I completed a marathon.

I mean yes, there were days when I wanted to give in, bail, and cut my losses. Yes, there were days when I cheated on my diet plan, ate too much, ate the wrong things. There were days when I didn’t want to hit the gym, hit the beach or run. But, I pushed through, I made it and that is more important than a sub three-hour time. I made a drastic change in my life that could inspire others to do the same.

I guess it’s official, I am now Kendrick “run everyday because I like to” Williams and I just ran a marathon.

The Sunshine Insurance Marathon Bahamas race weekend took place January 17 and 18.