Mayor's Marathon prep/race day!

I've never been so nervous for anything, other than the birth of my children. The knowledge that I'm about to embark on something that will be painful and take time to recover from, but that will totally be worth it is amazing! I'm thankful to report that I did finish and my medal currently sleeps through the night, unlike my children!

It's an amazing process of training for a marathon, prepping for the actual race, and then finally race day. Team in Training is an amazing organization that really is a team! I felt some amazing camaraderie from people from all over the US! I spent about 7 miles of the race with Sara from the Arizona chapter and about 11 miles of the race with Tracy from the Monterey Bay chapter.

Because I wasn't caught up in finishing within a certain time I was able to have conversations with people and really find out why they chose to run. A lot of people are out there for more than just to run a race. Sara lost her dad a year ago in December and her and I both shed a tear or two at about mile 12 when we each told our stories. We both lost someone we love yet we chose to turn that into something positive! Tracy was having a hard day and was thinking about quiting, we encouraged each other and took our minds off the pain. I know I appreciated it as much as she did.

I will never forget this experience and I'm so grateful to all help I had along the way! Will I do it again? I know I will be signing up for more races, but no full marathons as of yet. I guess we'll just have to see. Running will definitely stick with me, I'm hoping for a long long time.

Just picked up my bib and timing chip and I am so excited! It's becoming more real!

My shirt is ready! It was a privilege to run in memory of these wonderful people! Running for a reason is awesome!

Sue, Krista, and I trying not to be too nervous!

Here we go! Getting ready for real!

Running strong into Mile 9 aid station with my teammate/friend Aprille!

Mile 13 aid station with Sara and feeling the love from my guys!

Mile 20 and enjoying the encouragement from my guys! Blisters are killing at this point!

Mile 22 with Tracy! Almost there!

Coming up to West High School track were the finish is! Almost there!

Running with my coach Sara! She is amazing and helped me run up "the hill" at mile 25.5!

Running for the big finish with my little guys! They rock!

I'm a finisher and Declan wouldn't leave my side! He's such a cute little dirt ball!

FINISHER check in! Team in Training ROCKS!

My awesome teammate, Sue! WE DID IT!

Training Week #8

This week I have been really enjoying running outside! That says a lot when it's still in the 20's or colder here most of the time! It's the amazing sunshine that I feel so excited about! I didn't realize how much I love sunshine even if it's still cold outside and it's a major mood booster for me lately! I guess that's good considering I ran 15.5 miles this week and a personal best for a 10k (6.2 miles) at 77 minutes! I'm sure for you super speedy running friends of mine that's nothing but for me it is amazing!

The photos for today's post is from my run on Saturday. I'm sure it's some sort of training party foul that I'm taking pictures but I just can't help myself. I'm making it a point to enjoy this training experience instead of being too serious about it. Having fun doesn't mean I'm not trying my hardest, it just means that I am determined to appreciate the beauty of my surrounding and being thankful for every mile I'm able to run!

(along the Glen Hwy. heading toward Ft. Richardson)

(leaving Ft Richardson on Arctic Valley Rd.)

Training week #7

I can not believe I've been doing this for seven weeks already! I know I've come a long way but I still have a hard time calling myself a runner. I have noticed that if I don't run I get a little antsy! I guess that's a good thing considering that I'm due to run a marathon in June! With more running comes some different issues. I'm learning how to dress for a run in icy, snowy, and freezing weather. I'm learning that if you don't start out with hot water in your water bottles when it's 0 degrees then when you need that drink it will be frozen! I'm learning that it does matter what you eat and drink before a run. It's amazing what you learn about yourself when you're running!

It's amazing how a team seems to keep me going strong especially on the longer runs! This includes my friends and family that have been a constant encouragement on my posts and Facebook! Speaking of long runs...I surpassed my previous record of longest run this past Saturday! I ran just under 8 miles and I didn't die! It shouldn't amaze me still, but I am every time! It's such an awesome feeling!

My Team in Training Update

I have completed my second week of training for the Mayor's Marathon in June and I'm still thinking that I'm a little crazy for taking this on! I am completely proud of my motivation because I have people that have already sponsored this endeavor! Words can not express how grateful I am for that motivation!

Last week we had our Kick-off party and got to meet all my team mates from the area as well as our special honored team mate! Seana is an amazing 16 year old with Leukemia and just another inspiration for raising money to fight for a cure against this horrible disease. She has made it her personal goal to encourage and cheer up the nurses and doctors that she meets on each hospital visit. If only we could all have such a positive outlook while going through such a tough time.

We also had our first Team Run on Saturday and I was so nervous. Nothing like working yourself for no reason! It was a wonderful experience and I'm so looking forward to the amazing support from the coaches, team mates, and friends who signed up with me! This was my first run outside in the snow and it was much less intimidating than I had made it in my head, just a little cold! : )

Most of you know that my step-dad lost his fight with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma last year and I would love for my children to grown up to see a cure for all cancers, God willing! We all have something on our hearts that motivate us and we find worth fighting for and this is one of mine! Any support either in the form of a positive word, a prayer, or financial support I will be grateful! Help me fight this, one mile at a time! Thanks for checking in with me and I'll continue to keep you all updated with my progress. JUST KEEP RUNNING!