Catching Up

I was so excited to post about my 11 mile run, that I forgot I had so much more to share!  Last weekend, I ran 2 separate 5Ks, one on Saturday (which I ran with Heather and proceeded to run 5 miles immediately after for a total of 8) and one on Sunday (with my daughter and my good friend from highschool who flew in to spend the weekend with my family)

Saturday's run was hard!  The hills were brutal and I think both Heather and I were extremely wornout.  We did complete the 8 miles, but I did not feel well after the run and I honestly don't know how we finished the 5K let alone add the extra 5 miles to boot!  We started later in the morning, it was hot and I think it was just an "off day" for us both.  However, we did it, and we don't regret it!

Sunday's run was emotional.  The run was organized by my friend Heather for a child of a friend's who had passed away and we JUST attended his funeral the previous Monday.  It was all so fresh.  I got to hug his amazing mom and throughout the run I thought of their strength and love.  I was happy my daugther was able to run it with me; although she surprised me in that she had a rocky start.  I think she mentally scared herself and made herself believe that it was too hard.  Around the 2 mile mark, the got a little pep in her step and finished strong. 

I cannot thank my good friend, Morgan, who also ran in the race, enough for helping to cheer her on and give her some friendly competition.  My friend, Jennifer, flew all the way in from Kansas City to spend the weekend with my family and participate in this run.  She JUST took up running and had been experiencing some shin splint pain, so I think it was smart that we did walk/run at my daughter's pace.  It was just nice for us to be out there together, even if the weather was less than stellar, and help support the family that had just suffered such a loss. 

At one moment in the race, I looked back and saw my friend, who had just lost her son.  She was runinng the race.  She is so amazing.  No parent should ever have to bury a child; but I hope that she and her husband know that through their love, courage, strength, and loss, they have inspired so many and touch the hearts of more than they can count. 

Reaching new "mile"stones

Yesterday I reached 11 miles!  I cannot believe it!  I ran 11 miles!  Wooohooo!  It was honestly the best run I have ever had and I felt pretty amazing during it and afterwards.  I'm not even as sore as I thought I might be today.  I feel awesome! 

I met my good friends Kathy and Heather in the mall parking lot and we headed out on our run.  It was really neat because about 3.5 miles into it, we found ourselves right where the cyclist were for the local TriRock triathalon.  We decided to run along side them and cheer them on.  It was amazing.  Amazing is actually an understatement.  It was inspiring!  I could not get over the variety of people participating in the triathalon.  People of all ages, shapes and sizes.  I felt extremely proud and I admit a little envious. 

We made our way through the Navy yard and out into the city dock where we were able to see the triatheletes begin their 5K.  Again, we ran alongside them on their route and cheered them on.  It was a huge distraction on our run as we shouted words of encouragement.  There were a few bands playing at various distance markers.  When we parted with the racers, we still had about 3 miles to go to get back to our cars.  I admit to feeling like I was hitting a wall at our 8 mile mark, but we pushed through and finished strong.  Keeping an 11 min mile pace and finishing right under 2 hours.  I felt so strong and so "high"!  I was extremely proud of myself and inspired by the run.  I've decided to go ahead and train for a triathalon and participate with my friends Kathy and Heather in FL this October!  Yes, I'm really going to go for it! 

Wow!  Some huge goals for me this year, a half marathon and then a triathalon!  I'm loving it!  Loving setting the goals and working hard to meet them.  I feel so good about where I am right now and I can see all the positive energy pouring into ever facet of my life.  I'm so thankful for the support and love of my family and friends and I'm overwhelmed with pride as I watch my children respond and participate in our healthy life style.

Not the greatest picture, but we were having fun and the morning was gorgeous, we had to take a quick snap shot :)  Me, Heather, and Kathy

Just when I think my life could not get any richer...I have days like yesterday and I realize that every day that I have good health, a fit body, a great attitude and positive energy I grow to be better and stronger than I ever imagined!