Last Sunday, I ran a half marathon. Crazy, I know. But it was something I did 4 years ago and wanted to do again. This time around, my goal was to finish in 2 hours and 10 minutes. I came close and finished in 2 hours and 19 minutes. I am very proud of my accomplishment especially since Brady isn't even one yet and I got myself back into enough shape to have a 2:10 goal. Aside from feeling that sense of accomplishment and being proud of myself, I walked away with 2 much larger gifts. The first one is such a huge overwhelming feeling of being loved by my family. I knew they supported me in this goal to run but they went over the top to demonstrate it on Sunday. The first and most important support was my husband. The first time I ran this race, I told him not to let me ever do that again. I felt I had stretched myself too far and I hurt for weeks after that. So when I told him I wanted to do it again, he just shook his head and reminded me of what I told him. I went ahead with it anyway and he went along for the ride. In order to not regret my decision to attempt this again, I promised myself that I would train properly for it this time around. That meant running a lot. John was so patient and spent lots of quality time with Brady while I was out doing my long runs. I couldn't have done this without his help. I knew he and Brady would have some quality time together but I was still being selfish in spending so much time preparing for my goal. So thank you John from the bottom of my heart for helping me see this through to the finish. The rest of my family were great fans. They made a sign to cheer me on. They got up really really early so they could see me at the starting line. (Thank you Betsy) They cheered, took pics and watched Brady all while standing out in the damp, rainy weather. Betsy made me a pasta dinner that was delicious so I could carb load the night before. The biggest gift they gave was a playlist on an Ipod to give me encouragement all the way through the race since they couldn't be at every mile marker cheering me on. Jamie coordinated the play list and even ran to Walmart at 1:00am the night before to get an arm band to go with the Ipod. I wish I could share the whole thing with you but she had everyone do a voice over and pick a song to go with the 20 seconds of encouraging words everyone recorded. I haven't decided which one is my favorite but I will forever think of my dad's pick as such a special gift. He picked Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye. That is exactly what I love about my dad. There isn't a mountain high enough that will keep him from me whenever I need him. He is always there and hearing that song just made my heart swell with love for my dad. Nate was my technical support along the race. I was trying to start the playlist and somehow got it in the wrong menu. He ran beside me while he tried to keep me from switching the Ipod time to some South American time zone. Each one of my family members took on some special responbility to help see me through my goal. Sunday night, as I reflected on all that happened, I just felt so deeply grateful for such an amazing support system. I love you all and hope I can be that to each of you throughout life.
My second gift I walked away with is a deeper reason to run. I first started running to lose weight and get fit. That is still a huge reason for me to run. I love my ice cream and sweets. But Sunday after the race, a race organizer stopped and asked if I wanted to be interviewed about my experience. They want to put together a You Tube video about the half marathon experience. I responded right away and said "Sure." I didn't really think about the fact that I hate to speak in front of people or a camera or the fact that I looked like a drowned rat, I just stepped forward and jumped in with both feet. The gift I am realizing I am receiving as I continue to run, is an increase to my confidence level. Running gives me the chance to have some quiet time and think through life or not think at all, depending on the day. It helps me keep balance in my life and relieve stress and know that I am doing something good for myself so that I can ultimately turn around and give to others as a result. It helps me define who I am and what I want my life to be about. I didn't realize the growing process I have been going through until Sunday when I threw caution to the wind and said "Sure."
I am sorry I got a little long winded but I wanted a chance to brag about my family and pass along some insights I learned as I put one foot in front of the other. If they use my interview in a You Tube video, I will pass the link along. I will also try to one or two pictures posted of that day.
This is my rose bush. I do not have a green thumb and I don't have to work too hard to kill a spider plant. So when I got roses on my bush this year, I was very excited!!
Congrats to Jamie and Nate on their accomplishments and graduations.
Brady loved the water at Blue Marsh Lake.
Brady's first boat ride
We have been working with a physical therapist and Brady is getting stronger each day.
This is new, now what mom??
Thank you Papi for my first pony ride.
Time with my Auntie
I love the water.
Playing with my ball popper
Staring down the penguin
I love the grass and being outside!
I made a mess!
