i did it!!

I never thought I would say this, but I think I am addicted to running. Crazy. I would have never classified myself as a runner, I didn't even like to run. After Nathan was born and I was trying to get back in shape and I slowly started trying it out. I even did the Nashville Country Music Marathon in 2009 but I didn't really train with a goal in mind and I walked at least half of it. I was still proud though, I had never done something like that. It was fun, because I did it with my older sister and brother. Well, a few months after that race I found out I was pregnant with baby number three. Brandon was signed up for the Augusta Half that October and I really wanted to do it. I knew I'd be about five months pregnant at that time but thought I may still try. I continued to run right up until I was five months but my running pace progressively got slower! go figure :o) I then decided it would probably be best if I just skipped out that year. So fast forward to this year.. Rebekah was born in March so I didn't hit the gym until about May.. the Augusta Half would be just five months away and I had forty pregnancy pounds to lose! I had two goals. Lose the weight and actually RUN the race! I ran about three times a week, sometimes four and did strength training the alternating days. It took me a while to work back up to good pace; as the weight came off it became easier. With three weeks left before race day, I could run seven miles without stopping. Initially I wanted to run the entire race without stopping but as it got closer I didn't know how possible that was. So I decided that I just wanted to finish the race in two and a half hours, whether or not I had to take a few walk breaks. I sort of had the mentality that it was cheating if I walked until my husband gave me a new plan. He told me I should walk one minute after running each mile. So that is what I did and it was perfect for me! I never walked when it wasn't time to walk so I didn't feel like I was "cheating" my goal. Actually I ended up beating my goal by six mintues, finishing at two hours and twenty-four minutes. Twelve of those minutes were walking and the rest running. Not too bad in my book. I realize this may be small potatoes for those more seasoned runners (like my cousin who has been running practically is whole life! :o) He could finish an entire marathon in my half marathon time!) but for me, I was thrilled with my accomplishment. Now, I am ready for another one! Hopefully I will get better each time, but for the most part I just do it because I enjoy it and it feels great. As for my other goal of losing the weight, I still have a nagging two pounds to be at my pre-pregnancy weight. If I could just lay off the cookies and halloween candy I might just get there! I am thankful for my husband/coach who ran beside me the whole time (when he could have made a much better time). I used to not be able to carry on a conversation while running, but we actually did for the majority of the race. It wasn't until about mile ten that I had to put both earbuds in and crank up the tunes to get me up those hills! No caffeine, goo or energy drinks for me, since I am still nursing. Just pure adrenaline! It was a great experience, perfect weather and I had the perfect running partner. Can't wait to do it again!
Thanks to Alex who brought Kaitlyn and Nathan down to cheer us on and take some pictures.. she is pretty much amazing. Next year I'll be posting on how she runs it with us.. right Alex? :o)