WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Did you hear me? I said WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!. I did my half marathon this morning in Belhaven, and I'm so excited. It was the last 3 miles that got me, but it's only because my socks aren't approved for longer than 2 hours (it would seem). The bottoms of my feet got really tender and I had to sort of tenderfoot it along, but by golly it got done. I ran most of it, completed it in 2:54:22, and that includes one bathroom break and petting a couple of dogs.

I have to brag on my really sweet running buddies (they are dear friends also). I had planned to start my run at 5:00 this morning, and they had arranged to split up their runs so they could each run with me for one of my three loops. They are so cool, so thoughtful. When they told me what they were going to do, I almost teared up. Such dear friends, they are amazing. So supportive and thoughtful.

Well, 4:00 came really early this morning, but I did take a short nap this afternoon. This is the sleepiest I've been after a long run, but I know it's from lack of sleep, not lack of endorphin. I have tons to do since we fly out in the morning for Montana. I'm so excited I just can't stand it. I found out that even though our main road is closed, we will still be able to get to our favorite trails by another trailhead. What a relief. So beautiful you just can't even speak. You just stand there and try not to cry. God is so good, so imaginative, and so generous with His views. I'll post some photos when I return (once Chuck shows me how).

I have to say I wound up at Mac Grill last night in preparation for my run. I was out searching for hiking pants at Academy and needed my pasta fix, so we ate there. I found in quite funny that I was there last night and many of you will be there tonight. I saved some dessert for you.

Speaking of dessert, I vowed yesterday afternoon when I drove by the Dairy Queen WITHOUT STOPPING that after my half marathon, I'd have my own tiny party. So I'm going to eat dinner at Swenson's this afternoon, and I'm having TWO SCOOPS. I burned 1945 calories this morning, per my HR monitor, and I'm going to try to get a few of them back.

Please have a great day tomorrow. The weather was beautiful, I even got a little chilly later on, so I wish that for all of you. I'll be thinking about you, praying for all of you to run like the wind, with a smile on your faces (or at least when you finish), and that no pain will be felt by anyone. Enjoy tomorrow's huge milestone, you've earned it.

p.s. -- watch out for that emotional high, I feel so much love for y'all right now. :-)

A great day for a run

I had a very good run this morning. I wondered how my speed would be this time since I pushed myself a bit last Saturday on the 6 miler. My speed was apparently up, or my buddies were WAY slower than usual. I looped back for them a couple of times, which just gives me more mileage. It was a really nice temp, 68 or so, and felt pretty nice. Of course I eventually got hot, but at least it was more pleasant and not a smothering feeling. I'm hoping the temp will be similar Friday when I complete my half marathon.

I've finished my exam and am now in full "I'm going to Montana" mode. Ready to gather, pack, shop for the little stuff we need, etc. I'm getting really excited, but still can't believe it's just 3 days away from now. I can't wait to get there and get on the trails. And it will feel so much better this time than last time I went - wasn't in shape at all last time. This time maybe I'll hardly exert myself. :-) I just hope the road open up enough for us to get to our favorite trails. Can you believe they are still snow plowing up there? It's amazing.

Monday morning

Well, had a pretty good run Saturday, really enjoyed running with Hugh for most of it. Again made the mistake of trying to keep up with Cincha early on, which wiped me out faster. You'd think I'd learn, but she's such a tease with that "I've got to run really slow and walk some today" stuff. I'm not falling for that again.

Thanks to all of you who commented about my Grandmother's turning 95. She looked great, she stood up the whole time of her party, and is still floating on cloud 9. She said that was one of the best days of her life. She walked in with her cane, promptly hung it on the back of her chair, and then stood and walked around the entire afternoon without it, and without needing it. She's so funny. I figured she'd be wiped out after her party, but she got up, went to church and taught her Sunday School class Sunday morning. She's that kind of teacher (all of you who grew up in church had one of these) that her class is so popular that it meets in the sanctuary, or fellowship hall. That's her. She's so amazing. I'll print out your earlier comments to show her -- thanks for saying such cool stuff about her.

I skipped my run this morning. My legs have been feeling really tired since last week, so I just decided to take one more day to get back into the swing. I used to just push and push, enjoying the fact that my legs felt like tree trunks, but these days, a little more knowledge helps me to sit down when I need to. Besides, I have an exam to complete and turn in by TUesday afternoon, so I'll just work on that.

I'll miss the half marathon on Saturday as well as the party that night, as well as the carb load the night before. I'll do my half Friday morning, and then will pack for my trip to Glacier National Park. Woohoo!!!!!! Y'all have a great week and kick some butt.