LITTLE DRUMER BOY

Big J keeps us laughing all the time. He loves to play the drums and he is a one man band. I think the movie "Drum line" has nothing on this little guy.

I did it

With a pained look on my face and tears in my eyes, I completed my first half marathon. I had prerace jitters that didn't go away until after the race began. I tried to keep a 10 minute mile pace with friends, but was surprised when I had to back off from them before mile 1. Once I hit mile 1 I looked at my watch and saw that I did it in 8 mins and 58 seconds. Well that explained why I couldn't keep up with them, they were just too fast for me. I stopped for 30 to 40 seconds at each water station to drink and stretch,then kept running. I was glad to see hubby, kids and friends in between mile 5 and 6. Once I hit mile 7, I was happy to see that I had made it past the half way point. I saw the family again between mile 9 and 10 and got high fives from the kids. It really does something to your self esteem, when you have someone cheering you on. I got a little worried around mile 10, when you are going down and then up again for at least 1/2 a mile. My body started to rebel and I started to doubt myself. I didn't give up though and started to bounce my head in time with the music on the Ipod. I called the hubby at mile 12 to make sure they were at the finish, because I was almost done. He told me to step up my pace and I told him I couldn't. As I rounded the corner and saw the finish line and my family, I gave it all I had left and crossed the finish line. I then went to stretch and started to cry. I don't know really why I was crying, but it felt good. I didn't hit my goal time, (wasn't that far off) but considering the weather I think I did really well. Here are a few photos for your enjoyment.

The day has come

So tomorrow is the big day. Race day that is. I have been training for this specific event for over a month now and my only down fall is extreme cold and hills. My body doesn't respond well to running uphill. As much as I try, my body rebel's. I did some light training runs this week and then gave my body a rest the past two days. I have done alot of stretching and always have water in my hand to drink. With all this preperation you would think I am ready, but I am extremely nervous. The weather here is going to be cold, with rain and snow mix. I think once the race starts I will feel a little better. Of course when I finish I will feel alot better. I still have my goal time to finish in, but may have to adjust it due to weather. Did I mention I hate running when it is really windy out? K1 has been out of town for a couple of days and is due back tonight. So being a single parent has enough stress, but I have added to it with this race. Well, that is enough complaining for today. Toon in tomorrow for the exciting results of my first half marathon. Thanks to everyone who has offered me advise and training tips.