Cowtown

Saturday I ran the Cowtown half marathon. It was altogether a great day. The weather was glorious (sunny and 45 degrees), the crowds were enthusiastic (20,000 participants), the route was unique (winding through downtown Fort Worth and some neighboring communities), and the goodie bags at the end had doughnuts...does it get any better than that?

Yes. Yes it does. The only thing that could top all of that is running this race with a great friend by my side. This was my third half marathon, but it was the first time I have ever trained and run the race with a friend. I'll never go back to running alone. Running this race with my friend Jen is something I will cherish for a lifetime. I couldn't have done it without you, Lady!!!

My time wasn't impressive, but it was decent. But to be quite honest, it's never been about beating the clock. I love this sport. I love the feel of the wind on my face, the pavement under my feet, the rhythm of my pace- I love it all.

Crossing the finish line was exhilarating, but for a couple of different reasons. Two months ago, the tendinitis in my knee flared up so badly that I couldn't run more than three miles. I was devastated, and was uncertain if I would be able to complete my goal. Lucky for me, my home teacher is an occupational therapist. His visits looked more like PT (physical therapy) than HT (home teaching). He taught me some new stretches and provided me with a few tools to help out. Each run I had a strict regimen of warming up, stretching, and rolling tight muscles both before and after the run. So while I know that running 13.1 miles isn't that big of a deal, I feel like I had to fight for it. So when I crossed that finish line, I felt like I had won the fight.

The other reason why crossing the finish line was so exhilarating was because I was reminded of how blessed I am to have such a dear friend in my life. Training with Jen has been therapeutic. For the last 4 months I got to spend more than a few hours each week talking about anything and everything (literally). At least three times a week, I got to share ideas, vent frustrations, discuss my worries, reveal my aspirations, and laugh, laugh, laugh during each of our runs. Those moments have kept me happy, sane, and thriving.

The last reason why crossing the finish line was a thrill was because I shared this experience with so many people I love. My cute boys were at the finish line the cheer for me. I was so happy to see their sweet, little faces light up when they saw me. Tyler lit up like a light bulb-so cute!

And they even had some awesome signs to hold up for us!I was so proud of how patient they were waiting for us to come across the finish line. Seriously, how cute are these two waiting for their mommas?!?

I'm so proud of several other friends who finished various races that day. We were lucky enough to find Tiffany (who also ran the half marathon and who posted a very impressive time, I might add). I only wish I could have seen a few of you others so that I could give you a big hug and tell you how proud I am of you for reaching your goals! You impress and inspire me.

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And Jen, this last part is for you.

Remember that one time when...

*we told that dude we were going to kick his dog?

*we ran 12 miles in a foot of snow, and spent most of the run trying to figure out how we were going to get 12 miles in without running on sidewalks, major roads, or connecting trails?

*we tried many times (unsuccessfully) to run and laugh at the same time?

*we both almost peed our pants (okay, maybe one of us did a little) when that huge dog tried to attack us from under the fence?

*we wondered what happened to the lights on Shiver (did those people all stop paying their taxes)?

*we were afraid we were going to get passed by the old lady on Heritage wearing hot pink sweat pants?

*we wondered which article of clothing would be easiest to sacrifice if needs be (a glove. For sure a glove)?

*we talked extensively about our favorite Gu flavors as if it was a four course meal?

*we thought you were hilarious at mile 7?

...Yeah, that was awesome!
Thanks for lots of good times and for pushing me to be better.