Thursday, March 20, 2014

Blogging Break, St. Paddy's Day 5k, First Half Marathon

Hallelujah! I made it to Spring Break!

I've really enjoyed the extra time to play with Billy, pamper myself a little and get my housework caught up.

First, Life got a little overwhelming there for a second so I focused on the must haves and went from there.  Work sorted itself all out, as it always does, and now I'm all caught up and sitting pretty to conquer the remainder of the school year.

For the last few months I've been following my half marathon training plan and getting my long runs in on the weekend.  Here are a few things I've learned during this process:  I know I don't enjoy running during the first mile or two, but after that it's pretty awesome.  If I set my mind to it, I do it. Setting a goal, and going after it gives a feeling of accomplishment I don't even know how to describe.  I also know I haven't been this nervous about something in quite a long while.

Before entering my last week before the BIG 13.1, I ran a 5k with my running partner, Shara.  She's a boss at all this running business and I feel like a newborn horse running next to her.  Even though she can run circles around me, she stayed with me the entire race, walked with me when I needed to and shared victory smoothies with me post race.  She's super awesome and a great friend.



In these last few days of preparation, I've been trying to get in a lot of water and good carbs.  I've also been taking it easy with exercise.  I did get out yesterday and jog over to my sister's house and back.  It's right at two miles.  :)  It makes me super happy to say that my sister is that close to me.  We've lived over 100 miles apart for the last six years.

A while back I saw where people dedicate miles of their run to people in their lives that have inspired them, that they love, etc.  I think it's a cool idea so I'm stealing it.

Here's to 13.1...

Mile 1:  This one is going to be for me.  Selfish, maybe, but I decided to do this a long time ago for many reasons and one of those for me.  To say that I can.  I CAN.

Mile 2: This is for my husband.  Even though he's remained pretty quiet about all of this, I know he's my biggest fan and he's a big part of the reason I started on my fitness journey over a year ago.

Mile 3: Billy.  THE reason I'm here.  THE reason I'm a mommy and the most joy-filled I've ever been.  For him I want to be the healthiest example and in the best health so that I can live a long, long time.

Mile 4: Shara.  Oh, Shara.  Without your support and encouragement I wouldn't have been fired up enough, or believed in myself enough to sign up to torture myself like this. :)  Every text, message on map my run, and pep talk have lifted me up when I was unsure on this journey.  I would have thrown in the towel a long time ago without you cheering me on!

Mile 5:  Brandi Laughlin.  We've only met once, but your healthy choices that you blog about, your goals you've set for yourself, and your 26.2 miles have pushed me out of my comfort zone and have been a great catalyst in my journey.

Mile 6:  Megan Stoeckl.  Your positivity is simply infectious.  I've gone back and read your half marathon recaps over and over.  Last summer the bug was put in my head about running this half, and that was because of you. 

Mile 7: Mom.  If I can, YOU can.  I've watched you struggle my whole life.  The ups and downs in your own journey.  I want you to know how much I love you and that you are bigger and better than your struggle, you are more than your diagnosis, and you CAN and WILL feel good again.

Mile 8: Dad.  During my training runs I was really afraid of my long run of 8 miles.  I don't know why it loomed like a dark scary cloud, but it did, and it made me mad.  I was stubborn, super hard-headed, I wanted to quit during that run a million times, but thanks to those German genes we share, I angrily and defiantly made every step.  I love you and all that you've taught be about meaning what you say and saying what you mean.  Setting a goal and sticking to it. 

Mile 9: Sister.  Watching you grow up has been fun, frustrating, and exciting.  I've seen you overcome situations that I know I would have crumbled under.  You inspire me to take it one day at a time, that only YOU can control how you act/react, and that NOBODY can push you around.  I'm so proud of you and the mother and wife you are.  I love you.

Brother from another mother.  You can piss me off like no other.  You frustrate me to no end with your confrontational personality and your love for a good debate.  This mile is also dedicated to you.  Your strength over seas, your leadership in your family, and your support for my journey are very appreciated.  If you can spend a year in the desert, I CAN do this!

Mile 10:  Mama Janice and Papa Bill.  I couldn't ask for better in-laws.  If I had my pick of anyone, I'd always pick you.  Thank you for your encouraging words, for keeping Billy when I needed to go to the gym, get in a run at the park, and letting me go on and on and on about my plans for these races.  I love you both so much.

Mile 11: Sister from another mister.  Name twin. Maid of honor.  Finisher of my sentences.  Amy Forbes.  Mile 11 is for you for so many reasons.  You're the Carrie to my Charlotte.  I love you.

Mile 12: Talbert Family.  When I married Bill I only knew a little about what a wonderful family I was receiving.  I'm thankful for all of you every. single. day.  I'm so blessed to have such loving people support me and my little family.  I love you all!

Mile 13: Casey, Mary and Mike.  You're family.  Even though we don't share blood, we share heart.  I love you and I'm thankful for the role you all have played in my life over the last 29 years.  I wouldn't be me with out you.

Point 1: Me...this last part is about me.  Enjoying the journey.  Celebrating the destination.  And earning that sticker. :)

Only 3 more days!

Dallas here I come!!

I'm out!
Mrs. T

2 comments:

  1. Thank you Amy! You're going to do great girl!
    Wishing you the best of luck!!!!

    ReplyDelete