I'm in a serious relationship

In the past, I've done nothing more than dabble in running.  Occasionally taking it up to "get in shape" or lose a couple pounds.  Running and I, we had our flings, but I never let things get too serious.  That is until this winter.  I decided to run a half marathon.  "Self, what are you thinking?  A half marathon?!?  13.1 miles.  That's crazy talk.  You've never run more than 4 miles at a time in your life!  You're not a runner."  It was true.  I wasn't a runner.  But, that didn't mean I couldn't become one, right? 

I took up the challenge, found a training plan online and got going.  I did one long run a week, tacking another mile onto the distance each time.  My Saturdays became cause for celebration as I would go to bed thinking, "Wow!  That's the farthest I've ever run!"  But, in my head, I still wasn't calling myself a runner.  I felt the same way last Sunday when I showed up for my race and surveyed all the "serious runners" with their hydration belts and compression socks.  If one of them would've said something like, "So, you're a runner too.?"  I probably would have replied with a shrug and an "Oh, not really." 

And then the race started.  And I ran.  I ran well actually.  As my mileage grew, so did my confidence.  "You really can do this."  Not that there should've been much doubt, I had run 12 miles just a couple of weeks before.  But, there was something about running this race that I had trained for.  Something about running alongside (and passing) women that had intimidated me at the starting line.  Something about having strangers cheer you on without regard for your chosen race attire or current pace.  It all came together to finally convince my stubborn self, that "Yes, self, you are a runner." 

Because running is not about how fast or far you run (or even how you look doing it).  Running is simply putting one foot in front of the other.  My husband has been saying it to me for months, "If you run, then you are a runner."  You're right babe.  Thanks for believing in me way before I did.

Now that I've paid him a compliment, I can tell you how absolutely horrid my husband is at taking pictures!  It's like he has too much pride to actually look at what he's taking a picture of.  He just holds the camera up in the air, points it in the general direction of his subject, and gives no warning whatsoever before he starts clicking away.  On that note, enjoy my race photos!!!  (The few that are actually in focus and don't have me looking like a complete goon)

A little pre-race prep talk!

Waiting to get started.

We wound our way through the parking lot for awhile before getting out onto the street.  Hubby and C had time to see me off at the start and then get to this spot to watch me pass.  C was so excited to see me.  I moved over to the edge of the street and he ran along the sidewalk.  He had the best time being able to race with me for a little while.  It was too cute.

Here's my big finish. :)  I had a little something left and actually passed 5 or 6 gals in that last quarter mile.

When I saw C and hubby cheering me on I threw my arms up in victory and had the biggest smile on my face.  And this is the shot hubs caught on camera.  I wish I could make it bigger so you could truly appreciate the awesomeness.

He ran to catch up with me and was so happy.  I think the whole race atmosphere must have had him really excited.  I never get hugs like that when I climb off the treadmill. ;)

Post race frozen yogurt.

Well, running, I think we just might make it work this time around.

*Official Results: Time 2:12:09, Overall 426th of 1,027, Female 357th of 914,  F25-29 78th of 182