cross that one off my list....

This weekend I crossed an item off my "2012 wish list", I ran my 1st 10K.

A few of my "running buddies" and I have been training for this run for a while.  On Saturday we all loaded up and head up north for our girls running adventure.

We made it through the boarder and found our way to BC Place to pick up our running bibs.  We found matching shirts we all loved; we were officially a team.

The weather was great so we decided to walk into town for a little sight seeing and some dinner.

After dinner we, ok I ,was craving a cup cake, we found a cute little store and everyone decided to have one.  Mine was gross and was tossed after 3 bites; even though I only had a few bites, my tummy was not happy; the other ladies also didn't feel their best after treat.  Sorry ladies.

After a long and sleepless night for myself, it was time to wake up, shower and try to get some food in my tummy.   Not an easy thing to do when you feel like throwing up.  I had worked myself into a mess.

We decided to walk to the start line and it was the best thing we could have done.  With each step I began to feel much better and it was a good way to warm the body up.

It was amazing to see 49,000+ people standing there to run this race.  It really got me pumped up and excited.  It was freezing and was hard to wait 45 to start the race after the 1st of the runners had started. But finally it was our turn to step over that line and start.

I was amazed to see when I hit the 1st mile; I felt great and could not believe the 1st mile was behind me.  I did tear up a few times just looking around at the beautiful scenery and the amount of people running; I am a sap.

As I came up to the 7k mark I had to look twice.  Am I really that far?  How could I be almost done?  I never had the runners block I usually have; I was still loving each stride I was taking.  I was pretty happy at this point.

As the finish line came into view, I really got excited.  I put on my "finish" song and just enjoyed the last few mins of this race.  I am pretty sure I crossed the finish line with a smile on my face.  Once I started walking, it really began to sink in, I just finished my goal, I ran a 10k without stopping.  Did I really just do this????

Thats when the tears started to fill my eyes.  I had to push them down, to many people around, i didn't want to walk around trying to find my "team" while I cried my eyes out.  I was just so happy.  Besides giving birth, doing this race was the best thing I have ever done.  I was in awe of what I just did.

So proud of all of us!!!!!!  Cant wait for our next adventure.

it just takes one step...

It's been over seven days since i laced up my running shoes.  I'd like to forget the past two weeks.  I am really, really hoping all the bad stuff is behind us; if not, I really don't think my mental stability will hold up much longer.  Wonder who would visit me at the funny farm?

Today was the perfect day to take that first step.  The boys hit the pond to feed the ducks, while i hit the pavement.  My 10k is getting closer and I need to get this body in shape.  I did lots of hills on my run and enjoyed getting out in the fresh air (my house is starting to smell like bleach ~ I think I have cleaned every room with that stuff).

Tomorrow will hopefully bring another run and maybe some new shoes (always a plus).  As I start to drift off to sleep I will fill my head with positive thoughts only.  No more anxiety meltdowns in the middle of the night for this girl.


wish me luck.

for me, this is HUGE....

Today I ran my first 5k without stopping!!!!!

I never, ever, ever thought that I could or would do this.  When I was younger I was in track, but only was a sprinter, never a long distance runner.  I wonder what I could have achieved if I would have pushed myself at a young age. Others may not think running 3.1 miles is a thing to brag about, but for me, this is HUGE.  I overcame that little voice in my head that said "no way, just stop now".  I hope she has left for good.

I am happy to say that I can push myself at my old age and great things can come from it.  I trained with some of the best ladies I know.  We motivated each other, celebrated each small step along the way and listened to each others fears. I could have never done this race without them ~ thank you ladies.

The day before the race, Jen, Mary and I did a little pre-race getting ready.  We had our nails painted; I think the red made us move faster.

After everyone crossed the finish line and we did our little "we finished and we are cool" dances we headed to get some food.  Yummy breakfast at Little Cheerful.

And if the finishing the race was not enough, i received the icing on the cake when I came home from the store this evening.  Randy had put up Christmas lights on the back deck.  This has made me happier than anything that i have ever received (dramatic I know).  It warmed my heart that he remember that i wanted this done and that he did it as a surprise.  I can't wait to get these babies on a timer so i can enjoy them all year long and not have to go out in the cold to turn them off.

who knew...

Who knew I loved running in the rain so much. 

Thank goodness I live in the Pacific NW ~ we have an abundance of rain.  It might be a first time running thing (i am usually an inside runner), or it could be the ladies I was with, but I really enjoyed myself this morning.

I think I must have been on a runners high because I remember myself agreeing to run a half marathon in June ~ wtf!!!

When it comes to running, I tend to let me mind take over and that's not a good thing.  My mind tells me over and over that I can't do this.  My goal is to make that little voice shut up by June.  I am so thankful I have a great group of ladies that will push me in a good way.  I have this secret passion for Griffin to run track in Middle and High School.  If I can keep this up, how fun would it be to run with him!