Run like the wind....or more of a light breeze in my case!

I went through my blog to see what all I had posted since I started in the summer and really didn't pick it up again until recently.  I loved reading my first post about training for my first 5K.  My friend, Angelee, and I worked 4 sometimes 5 days a week training to run an entire 5K.  I remember the first week of interval runs where we thought we could never run for 3 straight minutes, then 5, then 8 and then 20?  Are you kidding?  But the most amazing thing happened.....WE DID IT!!!

My first run was the Glow Run in Dallas in August.  The fear was how hot it is even at 8 p.m. in Texas but the park had a nice breeze that kept the heat down somewhat.  Angelee was unable to make the run but some other co-workers ran and the best part was my niece ran with me and encouraged me the entire time to keep running and NOT stop or walk.  It was also cool to see everyone "glowing".  We finished and was so excited until Taren said her ap calculated only 2.3 miles!  MAN!  But we went for snacks and a margarita afterwards so it was fine! :)

I was determined to run a full 5K!  So, Mary, Crystal and I signed up for the 9/11 Heroes Run at the same spot as my first run.  This time is was a full 5K and I ran every bit of it.  The men and women that serve our country every day were my inspiration to keep going when I felt like my legs could not take one more stride.  There were moments I slowed down but I was determined to run (and I use that term loosely) the entire way and you can see my excitement as I came up to the finish line.  The was a little more special because my sister's brother in law lost his life while serving in Afghanistan.  I am wearing a shirt with his picture on it.

I didn't have a run in October but was signed up for our city's Turkey Trot to benefit our DI (Destination Imagination) teams in the district.  It was a good run but I had to do a lot of self talk and turn up the radio to keep going.  I find the first mile and the last 1/2 mile the toughest and I know it is all mental!!  I try to make sure my playlist has the most upbeat songs during that time to keep my mind occupied on anything other than running! :)  Of course we treated ourselves to Mimosas and brunch after the early morning COLD run.

I had to leave my headband on because my friend, Morgan Power, said my hair looked bad for pictures! LOL.

I HATE running in cold weather so I didn't run much in December - February and every so smartly, I signed up for a run in Rockwall in Feburary.  It was for a great cause so I can't be upset about that but.... having not run for consistently for a couple of months and hardly EVER (if ever) running on inclines.... OH.MY.WORD.  About mile 2 my butt was cramping so bad.  I refused to stop but my pace was considerably slower than ever.  My wonderful Steve was at the finish line to cheer me on.  I saw him and told him that I was struggling.  He ran the last tenth of a mile with me. :)  He's a keeper.  So.... needless to say - there are NO pictures of that race.

The next race I am signed up for is the Color Run in Dallas.  I'll be doing that with my sister and the other hundreds of people in the DFW area on April 6th.  I will have pictures of that event to post!

If nothing else, this journey of running has showed me that I can do anything when I put my mind to it.  The end result may seem daunting but taking it step by step keeps the ultimate goal from seeming so overwhelming.  This has been a great life lesson for me.  And my legs have gotten pretty shapely to boot!!