Still Running

Exactly two months ago I blogged about my new found love of running and  set the goal to run in a half marathon by summer of 2011.  Of course, things never go as "planned." In August, after immense pain and swelling in both ankles, I finally broke down and went back to the podiatrist. The last time I went was August 2008 and I didn't like what I heard (surgery) so I didn't do anything. I stopped exercising, got pregnant and pretended my ankles were fine. This time around the news wasn't any different and surgery was recommended to break my foot in two places. Luckily, Dr. Etcheverry is so fantastic and wanted to enable me to keep me doing what I love (even though we both know surgery is the inevitable option). I now sport fancy-smancy orthotics in my running shoes for my really high arches. Those, along with steroid shots in the ankle, have helped immensely!! I am feeling pretty good.
My orthotic insert:)

So...today I ran my first 5K race and it went so much better than I could have hoped for. Also, being that it falls on September 11th, I will never forget the date. Its a special date for all of us in this country!
How it started:
Three weeks ago a co-worker tried recruiting me to participate in the Volkslauf mud-run in October. When I informed her I was not insane and do not run and climb obstacles in the mud, she e-mailed me about the "5K/10K Safari Fun Run." I was really excited because the short notice meant I didn't have much time to worry about it or reconsider. I filled out the registration form and mailed it in the next day. Super excited!  (Call me silly....getting excited about exercise) :)
Luke has been super supportive of my running and that helps keep me committed when I start to hit a lull or doubt myself.

I have been tracking my runs in nikerunning.com and since July 14th I have ran 86 miles. I can hardly believe it! But I have a lot more to do....a half marathon is 13 miles. AHHHH!

Luke dropped me off at the race check-in 30 minutes before the face and he took the kids to get donuts. When he pulled back up I had a few minutes before the race started. He snapped a few pictures and I tried to give silly poses to keep my mind off the race.

I did manage to get out of the "out-house" about 60 seconds before the race started---thank goodness. Apparently I wasn't the only person who thought it would be a good idea to hit "the can" before running, because the line was LONG. When I stepped out, for a second I thought I missed the beginning of the race. That would of sucked. :)

And we're off......

  















I finished the 3.1 mile race in 27:22 with an 8:49 pace. It felt good to see the family there smiling and cheering me on. I am very blessed to have my supportive husband and family encouraging me to do my best.
Blowing kisses at Luke and the kids as I cross the finish line. xoxo

Tubbs was first in line to give me a squeeze after I finished. Thanks Tubbs.

Petunia was next in line for a squeeze......

Bubba was too busy playing with his friends, but thats OK.

Tubbs participated in the 1/4 mile kids' dash....and he loved it. I don't really think it was quite a 1/4 mile, but the kids had fun! It was fun to watch the expressions on their faces. Tubbs was motivated to do the race when I told him all of the participants got a ribbon. Bubba couldn't be bothered with it! :)

There were a total of 92 runners in my 5K race and 54 runners in the 10K race. Surprisingly, I got third in the my age division (30-39) for women--- so I got a ribbon too. Tubbs was really excited because we both had ribbons. It was a great way for the morning to end and to make "our" first race even more memorable.

I was also very happy to be able to run with a few friends. They really helped calm my nerves before the race.....so thank you!! I am looking forward to our next race.