I think I can. I think I can. I think I did!

I DID IT!  I ran a half marathon!  Me.  I can't believe it!  I am not a runner, nor have I ever been.  In fact, I don't even enjoy running, but I did it!  I finished my "Race for a Soldier" in two hours and thirty-four minutes.  I realize that my time wasn't great, heck, it's not even good; in fact, it's probably considered bad, but I don't care.  I finished!  And I wasn't last!  Yahoooo!

Horrible, but only pic from race day

Some of you may be thinking "What's the big deal?!" Well, let me tell you.  I just had a baby four months ago, my fourth in five years, and I just ran 13.1 miles.  That's what!  I had never run an organized race before.  I trained for not quite 12 weeks, and was so busy that I worked out only three times in the two weeks prior to the race.  None of my friends could run it with me.  My husband was going to run it with me, but was, of course, out of town for work.  So, despite having no experience, no running partner, and very little time, I set my mind to it and did it.

The first 9 miles were pretty good.  I completed them in 87 minutes.  I was quite pleased that, that far into the race, I was still under 10 minute splits.  But then I got hungry, really hungry; the hills seemed to get steeper and more frequent; and I was just plain tired.  I walked for a few minutes and came to a stop at the next water station to consume a cup of electrolytes and a cup of water.  By the next water station, I had to use the bathroom, which took a minute or two since there was a line.  (Yes, even in the middle of a race, women have to wait to use the restroom!) I was pretty "out of it" by the time I finished and could hardly carry on a conversation with my friend, Kathy, who met me at the finish.  (Sorry girl!  And thanks again for coming!!)

I am usually not one to "blow my own horn," but I have never taken on, let alone accomplished, a physical task like this (that is if you don't count giving birth, but you know what I mean).   I don't know that I will ever run a race like this again, but I set my mind to it, and I did it.  I still don't like running, in fact, I probably like it less, but I did it! Two days later, I am still a little tight and sore, but it was worth it.  I feel great knowing that I challenged myself and I achieved a goal that even I thought I might not be able to at times.  Thanks to all of my family and friends for encouraging me throughout this experience! And, of course I'd be remiss, if I didn't give a shout out to my awesome trainer. (He took me from completely out of shape to running a half marathon in roughly 8 weeks!) Thanks Jesse and Innovative Fitness!

I guess the point to this entry is less about me and more about encouraging you.  If I can do it; you can do it! For any of you out there debating about doing something (physical, mental, or otherwise) outside of your comfort zone, just do it!   Go for it!  You won't regret it!  You get one shot at this life.  Live it!