Told You So

I told you I could do it. I have a bad habit of doing things people say I can't. I probably gave my parents a run for their money when I was younger. For example, when people said that I wouldn't be back to work right after having a baby, I did it. 1 week after having Owen I was back at the office working 8+ hours a day. I didn't have anyone tell me specifically that I couldn't run a 5k but I am sure there were people out there who doubted. Hey, part of myself doubted also. However, I worked hard for this and I did it. Here is my race day story complete with pictures thanks to my sister Sara and brother Kyle. (This was the first time I had seen my family awake this early in the morning during Tulip Festival).

So this morning I couldn't sleep, so I got up and got ready and was ready to go at 6:50. I hopped on the computer for a little bit and then everyone else got up. I waited for my sister who was gonna be my photographer. We walked up town and I got a little nervous as I saw people lining up already. Realizing it was the 10k runners I went to look for my friend Rachel. She waved me down and gave me my race number. I got it pinned on with time to spare. While waiting I see my friend Shawna!!!! It was fun to see a familiar face.

Rachel and I have time for a quick photo op

The 10k is off and running and our turn to line up

Rachel and I head towards the back of the pack to start.



Here we are

I could tell I was going faster than I should and told myself to slow down or I would never make it. About 4 blocks from the Starting line was my parents house. There was a crowd there cheering me on--my parents, Josh's parent, an Aunt and Uncle, and my most important cheerleaders Morgan and Owen!!!!!

My brother Kyle hopped on the bike to "follow" me around the course--he took some shortcuts to beat me to the next spot. This is where I told him I was done waving. So he stopped taking pictures!!!!

There were many times that I wanted to stop and walk. I kept telling myself that that wasn't an option. I kept pushing on. Next thing I knew I was at the 2 mile marker, then the 3. It was a relief knowing I was almost there. I rounded the last corner and pushed with all I had.

I had no idea what my time was. I missed the clock they had at the finish line. I went and got some water and fruit, visited with a few friends, and cheered on my 10K teammates

As we were talking we spotted the laptops they had set up to check your time. The lines were long. So I waited it out and then logged in to see my time. I was in total shock when I saw my time of 37:53. 7 minutes faster than my goal for my first 5K. I am still in shock and have no idea how I did it. I have a guess though, thanks to all my friends and family who did believe in me and encouraged me to reach for my goal. I don't think I would have even tried if it wasn't for you.