The good - I ran for my friend Tammy, who is currently battling breast cancer. I was so happy that I was able to race in her honor. It is a gift to be able to do these races and happy that I could do this for her to help show cancer who is boss one more time!!! Tammy has a goal to complete a half marathon this year ... I know it will happen for her as she is one strong Chica!!!!! I have attached a photo before the race :-)
Another part of the good was that I was ale to see my dear friend Terri before and after the race. She is one wicked fast girly and I love her to bits!
The third part of the good was that I was able to race and spend time with my good friend Alison. Fun the night before and fun the day of!!! What more can you ask for!!!
The bad - well, this year is the first time that I have raced at my heaviest ever. 15lbs to be exact. That was not the way to start the season and to do a half marathon. My body hurt, hips hurt and it wasn't as easy to move ... Finishing this gave me the incentive to drop this post ironman/complete hysterectomy/death of my daddy wieight like no other. I cannot prepare for my marathon this fall with this hanging on.
Now to the UGLY - the race itself was going pretty well, until I hit about mile 10. I had sent my inspiration for the race, Tammy, a text (yes, I text during races) that I had seen many women that morning that I kept thinking were her ... I was looking for her beautiful smile and her long and lean body running on the course ... At times, people enter your heart more than you know.
About 15 minutes after I texted her, she replied ... Note to self, do NOT read these while running ... Well, when I read her reply I had to start walking. Such a beautiful soul and person. Her message solidified why I was running for her that day but had to stop running for a little while ... Overcome with emotion, I could not catch my breath ... I thought of her, what she is going thru, what I went thru, my Daddy and so many other things ... The UGLY cry was out there for a good 10 minutes, but I was not ashamed. That is part of what real life is all about.
As I neared the finish line, I was able to compose myself and was happy that the race was done ... This was an important one in so many ways.
So, thanks Tammy, thanks Daddy, thanks Alison, thanks Terri and thanks to my hubcap for being with me that day in more ways that you could ever know.
It's a new week next week and I am looking forward to what lies ahead. I hope you have all enjoyed yours and have been able to spend time in the sunshine! I'll be back next week, but until then, remember that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!
