One more half-marathon

I am in major training for another half-marathon.  Again!

My crazy sister conned me into my first marathon earlier this year.  Never in a million years did I think I could actually do one but I was shamed into doing it!  When your 70 year-old father is doing it, you kinda don’t have a leg to stand on when you try to refuse.  I had  a lot of issues when I trained.  I was in fair shape when I started training but I had a huge way to go in order to be ready for a 13.1 mile run.  I got shin splints, shooting pains through my hips, and black toenails but I managed.

The day of the race was crazy weird.  I was nervous, excited, and scared.  I realized that I couldn’t try to keep up with any of my 3 sisters or my dad.  This was MY time.  I ran/walked the entire race by myself and I am glad I did.  By doing that, I had a more spiritual experience.  I talked to myself, prayed (hello! how else was I gonna finish this?), and just got lost in my thoughts.  Every mile I completed, I was shocked and proud.  I facebooked every time I completed a mile.  It was incredible.  The adreniline kicked in and I got to the 13 mile marker.  At that point, I sprinted the rest of the way.  It felt so unbelievable crossing that finish line that I broke down crying once I crossed it.

Probably the best part was seeing my boys and my husband, my sisters and especially my mom cheering me on as I crossed. Everyone was there to see me run my first half-marathon.  That is how it should be for ANYONE who runs their first race.  I wanted my boys to see their mom set a goal, work on that goal, and complete that goal.  They did.  I don’t know if they will remember that day and I am not sure how much of a impact it had on them. I wanted them there anyway!

Well, I am about to run my second half-marathon.  It will not (and cannot) be like that first one.  I will have a blast anyway because my husband and I are going to be in a snazzy hotel and the boys are staying with their other grandparents. No matter what happens, I am so glad I was pushed into that first marathon.  It made me feel like there is nothing I can’t do if I set my mind to it.  When  people are impressed that I run half-marathons, I have to laugh and convince them that they can do it too.  Most people don’t believe me but I KNOW I will get at least one person to do it.  They too can have an incredible experience like I did. All thanks to my pushy little sister!

Wish me luck on my race!! It is in a little more than 2 weeks!!

I am a little ashamed!

I have been a little ashamed lately.  I realize not everyone is perfect and the following things drive that point home!

• I’m kinda addicted to reality shows. (Hoarders, Intervention, America’s Next Top Model,  Project Runway, The Biggest Loser, So You Think You Can Dance, Sister Wives, Little Couple, etc.) Need I say more!
• I have enormously strong will power but chocolate is my kryptonite. I accept it!

I have no idea what you are talking about. I am perfect and so is my kid”.

Imagine you are a new mom and you are having a hard time.  You have a great husband and baby, but you can’t stop crying 24/7.   When you confide to your mom, she doesn’t know what to do with you.  Your husband seems scared of you.  When you mention how you feel to some of your friends, they act like you are weird.