Crossing the finish line: the highs and lows

St. Paul-Highland Moms on the Run franchise owner Stephanie Veldhouse ran the Twin Cities Marathon last Sunday. Crossing the finish line, she is pictured both last year and this year in KARE 11's photo feature "100 Amazing Ways People Crossed the Finish Line at the Twin Cities Marathon." The top photo was from 2016; the bottom from 2017. Read her story in her own words:

"Two completely different races and outcomes, but these pictures so perfectly capture what running is like. The highest of highs and lowest of lows. It's a journey. Last year, tears of complete joy as I crossed the finish line and got a BQ (Boston Qualifier). This year's photo tells a much different story. A story of pain and hurt, but of grit and determination. I watched my BQ slip away as I became sick at mile 15. Vomiting 20 times along the rest of the course, and running an hour and fifteen minutes slower than my goal, I felt like I've never felt before — mentally, physically, emotionally. But, thanks to my amazing cheerleaders and friends who encouraged me, I finished that race."

Photo credits: Ben Garvin, KARE 11

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One important lesson Stephanie learned and wants to share is about hydration — or in her case, overhydration. While she was in the medical tent, they told her she might have an imbalance, possibly from drinking too much water the day of the race. Indeed, she had overhydrated both Friday and Saturday before race day.

No matter what stage of runner you are, just beginning or a marathoner, Stephanie added: "It's important to know that everyone deals with the good, the bad, and the ugly; it's how we deal with it that determines our future. I'm surprisingly really happy about the outcome, simply because I kinda can't believe I managed to finish! I had, again, the best support a girl could ask for. I love my giant team of MOTR throughout the cities who were there cheering and running with me, and my friends who were texting me, checking in on me during the race. Thank you. It was tough out there today. But together, WE are tougher." ❤️💪🏻 #motrstrong