Hard to cry and run at the same time...

WOUNDED WARRIOR 5K - Schertz, TX

What an amazing experience Saturday was. I had absolutely NO motivation to lace up and get out to run, but a co-worker of mine was determined to get started again and so I decided to join her. I am so glad I did.

The morning was pretty chilly and realizing that this race had a LOT of military/ex-military running coupled with me not having laced up since November, made it that more intimidating. All that faded into oblivion when the National Anthem played pre-race and I say all our military and their families salute our Stars and Stripes. It sent a chill down my spine and brought tears to my eyes. As we all lined up, the Wounded Warriors went first. Again, crying at their determination and guts. I felt so small at how I complained over my notion of not being "ready" for this race. Hell, if these individuals with their challenges could get out and run, I could, too.

This race felt so different. Maybe it was the inspiration that surrounded me. Maybe it was my readiness to get back out and get into race mode. Maybe it was the good Lord showing me the various blessing that surrounded me at that time. IDK. All I know is I ran this race in 35 minutes. Am I ready to break 30 minutes? Ehhhhh...not quite, but I sure am ready to try.

Now...get out there and RYAO!!!

Shaved off time!!!

I am soooooo excited! I shaved 29 minutes off my half marathon time! I guess not making a MILLION potty stops makes a difference. My feet almost detached from my ankles right about mile 11, but I managed to keep it together 'til the end.

Will I run it again next year? You bet! I want to try and shave off another 15 minutes. In order to do that, I have to keep training. I know I keep saying that I don't have time, but I need to make the time if I want to accomplish that goal.

Thought about a 5k for this Saturday, but NO WAY. I really just want to do NOTHING for the next few weeks. So I went out and ran a half marathon today. Did you get out and RYAO?

A running legend

As I shopped at the RNRSA Expo, I looked over my shoulder and saw MARSHALL ULRICH! I could not believe my eyes! I felt sort of crazy and nerdy asking if he'd be willing to take a picture with me, but I am sooooooo glad I did! I can only HOPE that a small percentage of his running energy was transferred to me during this exchange. If so, then I should have a GREAT run tomorrow. I'll keep you updated...

Night before race day

T'was the night before race day
and all through my place
I was nervous as all get out
so stressed I got a zit on my face!

My outfit's laid out
and ready to wear.
Haven't gone to packet pick up.
I've got to get there!

I check online
for times for the expo.
Nine to five o'clock.
Ugh, gotta drive to the Alamo (dome). **I know, doesn't really rhyme - whatever**

Have to go to packet pick up
then watch UT play.
Get to church by 4:30.
It's gonna be a busy day.

I will pray for strength,
I will pray for fast feet,
I will pray that I come in
quicker than my last meet.

I will go to bed early.
I'll get a good night's rest.
I will wake up and get ready
prepared to DO MY BEST!!!

Please, Lord, be with me tomorrow.
Please stay in my thoughts.
Keep those angels among me
yelling, "RYAO!!!"

~amen

Oh alright!!!

I woke up feeling pretty terrible. My mind started racing through all the reasons why I should wimp out of running my half on Sunday (my back hurts, it's a long distance, 3:00 is EARLY) then I get this email:

I'm just very lucky and blessed and do what I love. I'm also a positive person, which helps. Nothing gets me down. I have to live up to my name.
~Joy Johnson, 84-year0old marathoner

OH ALRIGHT!!! I'll run it already...sheesh.

Rattlesnakes

Indulge me for a moment, won't you?

Last night I had a dream about snakes. Not just any snake, RATTLESNAKES. Matt and I were in Tahiti and as I was walking back to my apartment (yes, we were staying in a dorm-like arrangement), I took a shortcut through some bushes and came upon a rattlesnake. I froze, closed my eyes, prayed to God that I would be spared it's venomous bite. When I opened my eyes again, I grabbed the snake, tossed it aside and went inside. I, of course, had to call 911 because I had indeed been bitten in the thigh. A local doctor brought me the antivenin and I pulled through. Thank goodness because later that day Matt and I had to go have lunch with a bunch of rich people where we feasted on crab and drank hibiscus tea (don't ask). But I noticed that rattlesnakes surrounded our apartment so making out to lunch was tricky. At lunch, Matt and I got the news from Jennifer Aniston that we would be going scuba diving with her and Owen Wilson. (???) I of course was worried about rattlesnakes in the ocean. Hello!!! There aren't rattlesnakes in the ocean! *whew* But there are SEA SNAKES!!! Then my alarm went off. *double whew* What could all of that mean???

Spoiled

That's the only way I can describe my attitude during this morning's run. It's about in the mid to upper 60s and super duper humid. I could only run 1.5 miles. I wimped out and came home. NOT what I was trying to accomplish today, but I at least went out and ran, right? How about you? Get out and RYAO people!!!