goal accomplished

Today I completed my first fairly long race! It was 10 miles on a very very straight trail. Five miles west, turn around, 5 miles east, done. Easy enough, right?! It actually felt amazing. Okay, maybe not the last 2 miles. That part was pretty rough. But I finished and I ran a good pace (for me). I finished in 1 hour 32 minutes; which averages out to 9 minute 12 second miles.

As I was running I thought about why the heck I wanted to do something like this. And this is what I came up with:

~ When I run I think of Jesus' walk to Calvary carrying his cross. How hard physically and mentally and spiritually that must have been. Although it is hardly a fair comparison, if I can challenge myself in those aspects by running then it brings me closer to my Lord.

~ I did it for my 2 boys that were there to cheer me on along the way. They were the only cheerleaders along the way and they made it to miles 0, 2, 5, 8, and 10. I think it was almost as much work for them! I want to be healthy and fit for my boys and I want it to be a part of our lifestyle.

~ I did it because I can. Today I have my physical health. One day I may not. So between now and then I am not going to waste it. One evening when I was running (downhill) there was a young man that was pushing himself (uphill) in his wheelchair. He was also out getting a work out in. It was so inspiring to me.

~ I did it because it has been on my list of things to do for way too long. I have always had a lot of really great excuses as to why it wasn't the right time. I decided that right now, with a 1 year old, and coming off of the hottest summer ever, was the perfect time. The perfect time to stop making excuses that is.

I am excited to say that there will be more races in my future.

My sweet mom and mother in law drove an hour to watch me!

Love this little man. And I'm pretty sure it is mutual.