1:59:57

For some strange reason..after swearing up and down that I would never

train let alone run a half marathon..ended up 8 weeks ago signing up for the

Deadwood Mickelson Trail Half.

The only reason I could come up with for this total lapse in good judgment,

is the deployment. I think it has made me a little..or most likely A LOT crazy.

The training started out good, went to daunting, and ended in utter despair and frustration.

3 weeks before the race and a few days after my 9 mile run, my calves and legs literally would not allow me to run more than 1 mile at a time with out having to stop and walk a little. I decided to take it easy that week with lighter runs and jump right back into the next week.

Long story short, I never really got back into it.

In fact two days before the race my 2 mile run was still extremely difficult.

So race day comes and I am terrified that I will not only be walking most of the race but

will probably do permanent damage to my legs.

So believe me when I say NO one is more shocked than me

that I not only RAN the ENTIRE race but I finished

it in under 2 HOURS!

 (yes I know, by only 3 seconds but guess what? It STILL counts!)

 

I am sure this lovely motivator helped...Cam was extremely thoughtful

and sent me 13 roses, one for each mile I would be running.  

I know, lets all take a moment to swoon...

*SWOON*

Okay, now if you are all done fake vomitting at my cheeziness we can get back to my race.

During the training and the actual race for that matter, trust me, the irony was not lost on me.

How many cooincedences and similarities there are between surviving a

deployment and training for a major race.

It is all about attitude, commitment, endurance and support.

Which we know these all don't come easily. But are all equally important.

However, now that the race is done and I actually have fond memories

(especially now that I can walk properly again)
I am sure just like the deployment there just might be another race in my future...

I also have a feeling that these last 6-8 weeks of deployment will be

a lot like my last 2.5 miles of the race.

When I saw the 11 mile marker I somehow found myself thinking

"I'm almost there.

Let's pick up the pace. (which I did. ALOT)

You've got this.

just give it your all."

only to get to the last 1/2 mile

and want to die. Because I completely

misjudged my distance and abilities. I wanted

to stop so badly but knew I was so close and just had to hang on,

the prize would be so sweet...and it was!

Pretty much how I think that moment will be when I get to see Cam again and hold him

in my arms. And the joy I will feel seeing me and my boys worlds complete again...

SWEET!

Pre Race... do I look nervous?? Cuz I am!

                                           My running partner Lynn who was also doing her first race
                                 Not really planning too (but hoped that we would ) ended up staying
                                                   together pretty much the entire race.

Amanda and Nicole my fellow pink ladies

So proud of all of us!