Feelin' Changy

One of my girlfriends nonchalantly threw out the invitation to run the PF Chang's half marathon a while back. This is my close friend, my gym partner and neighbor... who made it seem so simple back then at our first talk of this event. I was a little hesitant, but what the heck, let's do it I thought... sounds like fun! Then as the date got closer, the 13.1 miles got just a little more intimidating. So upty up went the miles on the treadmill and surrounding streets of my house and downdy down went any little fat remaining on my body. Then a Christmas cold hits and throws a big wrench in all this training. I think the cold was sent from the same Somebody who always seems to look out for me... My body needed the rest and I believe it was the rest that got me half marathon ready towards the end of training.

It was one of my best experiences yet. Running is something I happened to fall for during this nonchalant situation. I love being active, challenging myself in anyway I can, especially now that I can. This run supported a great cause for people going through things way more difficult than running 13.1 or 26.2 miles. That's a good feeling, another good feeling comes from doing this for myself. I've accomplished a whole lot and am proud of the person I am, especially the attitude I've chosen to take. Everything happens for a reason.

What wasn't a good feeling is my body after completing that half marathon. Good feeling inside, not so much outside. It was similar to what I think it would feel like if a bus were to hit you a couple of times. Double chocolate cake, recorded episodes of Real Housewives, a good massage, and pedicure helped some.

The boys wanted to make signs to help chant for mom at the big event, so it was quite the evening of crafts before the half. The boys woke up so early and yet were filled with enthusiasm and sleepy eyes at 4:30am marathon day. Grandma, Auntie Jose and the boys were all there to support. I got to kiss my favorite lips of the boys and Dilly after the race, just the sweetness I needed to make it complete. Some sort of sick love came out of this too. My I-pod rubbed the skin off on my hip during the run... in the perfect shape of a heart. My next best part was finishing before my set goal of 2 hours... 13.1 in 1:49!! ;)