Painter's Half Marathon 2010

My mom and I ran the Painter's Half Marathon this morning. I always love the way I feel after I finish a race. Exercise really is wonderful for my happiness. I did not prepare properly for this race and I paid the price during the race and now. The last time I ran was on Thanksgiving. I do have reasons for this....I do not enjoy running on a Treadmill for long distances and I don't like to be outside when it is cold. Lame excuses, I know.

When the race started I felt heavy. It was like my feet were ferrous and the earth was magnetic. This lasted until almost Mile 3. Then there was an aid station and that gave me a boost of motivation. I drank Gatorade and that helped me (during the TOU Half I only drank water and after I felt so light headed and dizzy afterward). From Mile 3 to Mile 5 we ran on a trail by a muddy river and behind some enourmous homes (which kept my mind off the race). Then up some hills (and I sang my heart out during that time).

A lot of this race was on trails and there were a lot of ups and downs. I felt like I hit a wall around Mile 8. I could not take a deep breath. My chest and lungs hurt so bad. Then my hips and knees hurt. My mom was about a block ahead of me. She looked back to see how I was doing. She started walking backwards. I looked at her face and ran to her. When I got to her I asked her to stay with me. I did start to cry (just a little). She told me to take some deep breaths.

Darwin and the kids were at Mile 11 and that was such a welcoming sight. I got a boost of energy. It is nice to have support. My mom and I mostly walked the rest of the way (because of me). I feel bad that ruined her time. I don't know what I would have done if she wasn't with me though. I wanted to quit.

My mom and I right before the race started. My mom was fantastic. Everyone needs a mom like mine. It was rainy and kind of chilly. I was always a comfortable temperature because of the clothes I wore.

Me and Jensyn at Mile 11. That was wonderful. I am grateful for Darwin and my kids and how positive they are.



FINISHED. As soon as we crossed the finish line the volunteers wrapped us in the blankets. It sure kept us warm. Jensyn ran the last stretch with us and we all held hands across the finish line. Jensyn even got a medal (thanks to Grandma Nancy).

Getting ready to finish.

I think there are a lot of things that make running for me enjoyable. There are some very specific things that I am especially grateful for during this race.

#1 My iPod Suffle. It is the perfect size and I love to sing out

loud when my favorite songs are on.

#2 Ibprofen. I don't always use pain medicine but I sure am grateful for it today.

My bones were hurting.

#3 Taylor Swift. I love all of her songs and will press replay on my iPod. I always feel good when I am listening to and singing out loud to Taylor Swift.

#4 Gatorade. I normally don't drink Gatorade while I am training but it sure made a difference in the way that I felt when the race was over. My body hurt but I did not feel sick and dizzy.

#5 Hot Tubs. The hotel we are staying at has a nice hot tub and heated outdoor pool. It sure felt good to relax in the hot tub after the run. I am pretty sure that after every race the participants deserve to stay in a nice hotel and relax.

My next half is in May. I encourage everyone to run a race! It is not always fun but it sure feels like a great accomplishment. (And if I can do it, I am pretty sure you can too.)