My friend Heather and I got a crazy idea that we should run our first half marathon together. Both being mother's of 4 children, with busy husbands...the doubts started filling my head. But regardless, we signed up, so we were committed. After the first few long runs I still had my doubts. But hung in there-- squeezing in runs anytime I could to keep on top the schedule. Until the day came.
After a sleepless night, wondering if this whole ordeal was worth the trouble... I woke up at 3:30 a.m., ate a bowl of cereal and geared up to go. Ran out the door by 4:00 to pick up Heather and make the 5:30 shuttle in Austin. The whole time I was rethinking my motives, and thinking about my husband and kids nice and cozy in a warm bed. Seriously, why would anyone want to get up at this dark cold and early hour to run up and down 13 miles of hilly terrain? Shane left me a note along with a cooler stocked with drinks and snacks in the car...and it lifted my spirits. What a sweetheart. Great husband tip #102:
Don't you love how he had to sign his whole name... SDLewis? (I'm surprised he didn't put an M.D. at the end)
After making it to the shuttle they drove us into the resort on a road that felt like a roller coaster. All of the runners looking at each other like, I REALLY hope this isn't the road we are going to be running on. It wasn't... but the one we did run on, was almost as bad. Heather and I hung around in the resort hallway trying to keep warm as long as possible and gag down a GU gel before getting out to the start line.
We finished in 2:01 and were cursing ourselves for the 2 minute potty break we had to take ... so 9 minute mile average from start to finish. I was so glad to have Heather to keep my spirits up the whole way. It was a joyful finish, the feeling of accomplishment was infectious. I won't bore you with cheesy running metaphors about life's ups and downs...etc. but... I have loved running for a long time but convinced myself that I absolutely could not run more than a 10K. I gave myself so many legitimate excuses not to do it (have 4 kids, busy husband, yada, yada,)... I have since discovered that it is within my power to do hard things, and enjoy it. We all can. Bring on 26.2!
