Columbus Day...a little late

Columbus Day a year ago: Mabes was in school, Dave had the day off, so we decided to go for a run. We had been working out regularly, our cardio health was great, and I've always wanted to be a runner. The idea of just going out, running, and clearing your head sounded so nice. I was in the best shape I'd been in a long time, so really, how hard could it be?

HARD. That run was terrible. We went about 4 miles (why? I don't know), but I ran maybe 1.5, mixed with lots and lots of walking. It was painful. My knees, shins, everything hurt. For a week afterwards. I had told Dave I wanted be able to run a 5K by the end of the year, but after Columbus Day, I gave up. Screw this, I am not a runner--I'll stick with workout DVDs that make me want to punch the trainer.

And then my parents decided to run a half marathon. My PARENTS. I was fine with it; that was a distance I had no desire to conquer. But when Laura came to visit in February, she casually said, "You know, Mom decided she needs to start running, so she went out and ran 3.5 miles." SERIOUSLY?!?! My mom is an awesome cyclist, but she's always said she'd never be a runner. But my mom could run 3.5?

Thanks to new shoes and significantly improved running form (who knew you could run wrong? Apparently Phoebe-like running is no good for the shins), I ran 3.5 miles with Laura. And that's where it started. I ran a 10K in April, but vowed it was my max--I got bored by mile 5. We kept running over the summer, but didn't add distance, because it's hot and humid here, even before 7 am. Once it started cooling down, though, I started adding more miles.

I had my eye on a couple of half marathons, and decided I wanted to run one as close to Columbus Day as possible. I put off registering until two days before, and as soon as I did, I became a nervous wreck. It was a hilly course, and I haven't trained on hills. Judging by the times from last year, people who run this are good. I began to realize that there was a very real possibility that I would be last.

Dave's mom had graciously offered to come out and watch the girls, so I kind of had to go through with it. As we drove to uptown Charlotte, I couldn't tell if I was shaking from nerves or the cold. Once we started running, though, I was fine. I had told Dave that he had to stay with me for the first 3 miles, as he has a tendency to start out too fast. We had an easy pace going, and took my family's advice to walk through all the water stops. I felt like I walked a fair amount, at least a little on all the hills, but I think it really helped. Dave spent a fair amount of time with me, but decided to speed up around mile 5. I had an awesome playlist (thanks to the fam) and just enjoyed running through lovely neighborhoods. Miles 6-10 were great--runner's high kicked in and I felt like a unicorn prancing on rainbows. I was sweating glitter. Then my knee started hurting and my left calf tightened up, so miles 11-12 weren't quite as fun, but still not terrible.

I LOVED the people cheering along the way. There weren't tons of people, just random people here and there, but it was really nice and very encouraging. And I giggled as I ran by a little girl who said, "Mommy, that girl is eating a snack!"--I was shoving a couple of Gu Chomps in my mouth.

As I made the final turn, I could see the 13 mile marker and the finish line not too far behind. I was not prepared for the rush of emotions. I had been running and breathing fine, but suddenly I couldn't breathe because I was fighting back sobs. I'm going to make it. And there are still people behind me! A year ago, I had completely sworn off running and here I was, finishing a half marathon. I focused on the music, regained composure, and just kept going. And then I saw Dave and promptly lost it again. But I finished.

As much as I wanted to run the whole thing without walking, I'm happy with it. Aside from some soreness in my left calf, I feel really good. I think my recovery after a 9 miler a few weeks ago was rougher. I felt good enough to go home, play with the girls, and then head out to a Halloween party and stay up way too late. And then run a 2 hour Primary program practice on Sunday--I crashed after that, though!

As Betty and Don Draper. I'm trying to look mad. Also, my hair looked
really good for about 5 minutes, then it went flat. Boo. And
that's Crystal Light in my glass.

It was a great weekend and I'm so glad I was able to do this with Dave. A HUGE thanks to Jackie for coming to visit and watch the girls for us. I never thought a half marathon would be this fun. The morning of, I was such a nervous wreck I vowed to never do anything like this again. But now? I want to do it again. Not a full--only crazy people do those (ahem, Laura). But the half was a blast.