half marathon

Windermere Marathon (1/2 Marathon) May 14, 2011

(Jodee and I getting ready to get on the shuttle bus 5:30am)

This is the day I started preparing for just before the new year. Thanks to some friends, I had made the decision I was going to start running again. I had already lost 25 lbs and wanted to keep going. So off I went. The first time I went out for a "run" I couldn't even make 2.5 miles without having to stop and walk several times. And I definitely couldn't make it up Columbia Center Blvd hill near Hansen Park. The difference in my running this time around versus all the other times I was out trying to run, is that I followed a written plan. In the beginning I followed and run/walk schedule that gradually increased my consecutive running minutes over several weeks until I could run 30 minutes straight. I remember how hard that was for me, but it gave me guidelines to follow. After that, I started in on my 1/2 marathon training around the end of January, I believe. I knew I was going to need a lot of work to be able to do it. I doubted myself repeatedly during the earlier months. Seriously doubted.


Jodee was my main partner in training. We ran as often as we could together and I really enjoyed it because we have a very similar pace, but more importantly, we got to know each other really well over the last several months (a little too well sometimes) and have developed a really great friendship.

I was very excited and nervous the day of the race. So much anticipation. So much preparation. This was it! It was a beautiful, warm (very warm) day along a very beautiful course. I was able to catch up with some friends from Newport, which was a lot of fun too!

On my right in this picture is Kimberly price (purple shirt/talking with hands). She was also a running partner along this journey who helped to push me along when I didn't want to push myself.

Finish line!

WE DID IT!!!!

These next 2 pictures are of Shalise and Clay Reid. Some more friends of ours from Kennewick and very passionate runners. They did the entire Marathon. *It was all because Clay challenged me and planted the idea in my head to start training for a 1/2 Marathon. He probably doesn't even remember doing it, but it's all his fault! lol. And I am so, so glad he did! Thanks Clay!*

***POST MARATHON***

Clay: King of...drool??

We got to go play at the hotel pool the Reid's were staying at. Katelyn made me get in the water, which actually felt pretty nice. All I wanted to do was get in the hot tub, but that didn't even feel as relaxing as I thought it would. I was so tired!

NEXT...

We joined the Reid's at Chuck E Cheese's for their youngest, Kase's 3rd birthday party. Pizza, pop and lots and lots of playing. I felt like I had to keep moving (pacing) around to keep from just falling right over.

Alaina, Katelyn & Sage

Alaina has a hug for Chuck E.

Alaina really wanted to go down the slide and I was lucky enough to help her.

Thrill ride! (Sage, Katelyn and Cale)Who says Chuck E Cheese's is just for kids?!?!

Shalise was so nice and got our girls a sucker.

All in all in was such a fun, fun weekend. I am so glad I did it and I ENJOYED it! I can't wait to do another one...soon! My words of wisdom are: if you want to build some self confidence, challenge yourself to do something you NEVER thought you could do. Then do it! It will change you for the better :)