i started running with a good friend of mine in late november. we would run several times a week, only 2-3 miles at a time and i pretty much thought i was going to die. i am NOT a born runner. i will tell you that.
well, the more we started running - the more energy i had with the boys and it was a place that was all my own. i could run all my frustrations of being a mother out. it was awesome. it was "me" time. (granted, we run at 5 in the morning so who else would really want that time?? HA!)
we decided to do something that was absolutely ridiculous. we signed up for a half marathon. at the time we were only running 4 - 5 miles at a time. boy, were we in for an awakening! but luckily, the more i ran, the more i loved it. i started to crave it and it began to be one of the highlights of my day! i swear there is something to be said once you hurdle that 6 miler, i felt unstoppable.
anyways, the day of the race finally came. we decided to sign up for this race that was called pride for health and wellness. well, it turned out to be LGBT pride race haha. there were rainbows everywhere and the funniest costumes. it was so funny! it definitely kept me going and something entertaining to watch during the race.
the race was supposed to start at 7:30 which is still pretty warm in phoenix but it ended up starting after 8, which kind of ticked everyone off because heat is the biggest killer (at least for me)!! all my long runs i had done really early in the morning or late at night. i was a little nervous about it.
the first 4 miles, i was pacing myself too fast but was loving it! around the 4 mile marker, i saw the cutest little blonde boys on their dad's shoulders and THEY WERE MINE!!! they were waving at me saying, GO MOMMA GO!! seriously, it was one of those sweet moments that you just want to curl up and die happy.
the race loop had us go to the start/finish line for the half way marker. i saw my little guys again with dev and my in-laws. i was so grateful they were there taking pictures and videos! they were the greatest cheerleaders!!!
around mile 8 or 9 i started to BOIL!!! it was starting to get so hot, i was nervous. at every water station i started pouring the water on my head to cool down and that definitely helped. but my pace had slowed WAY down.... i think it was mile 11, i saw devin loop around on his motorcycle to come give me a high five and cheer for me. how cute is he??? he's seriously been the greatest and most supportive husband in this racing business.
unfortunately, seeing him didn't cut it. (that sounds terrible huh?? haha) i had to stop for a second to regroup. this was my biggest regret that i had to walk for a second just to keep it together but i'm glad i did because i was able to keep going. oh, and while i was racing - i kept popping jelly beans for extra energy which was good for me but i was about to barf rainbow jelly beans everywhere by this point.
i was so close to the end. i could see the finish line and everyone cheering. i was really hoping to break 2 hours because in all my long runs i was pretty close to that and honestly, had it not been for the heat i think i could have. i ended up getting 2:10 which bummed me out a little but whatever!! i just wanted to finish alive!!
i wanted so badly to start sprinting at the end, and for a second i thought i was HAHA but my legs were like jello and i wasn't moving very fast! but as i came up to the finish line, i saw my family waiting for me and my running buddy had just finished and was waiting too. as soon as i crossed it, i threw my hands up in the air and hugged my friend and we both started crying. it was such a sweet moment for me. i had just accomplished something i never thought i would ever really do. i was so proud of myself! my boys ran over to me and started hugging my sweaty legs and handing me all these weeds they had picked for me (t"flowers" haha) and it was so sweet to see their dirty little faces. they had just seen their mommy do something hard. i felt like a good mom in that moment. then of course was my favorite person waiting for me. he gave me the biggest hug and told me how proud he was of me. it was such a good feeling. that, and knowing that i could beat his butt in a running contest any day now feels pretty good too :)
i definitely want to do another half, just in cooler weather. i think my favorite part was the snack table at the end HAHA. food is always my favorite. i grabbed like 5 handfuls of awesome granola energy bars and oranges and went back for seconds and thirds. i'm pretty sure they were about to cut me off. is that how it works at bars too?? overall, it was a fantastic experience and i am sold on running races. it really is empowering mentally and physically.
it just feels good.
1 comment:
Kevin and Kelly showed me their pictures but reading your blog means so much ...I'm very proud of you and your family you're the very best ......I love you and I am proud of you. Keep the blog going you are a talented writer and mother.
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