13.1

On May 4th, I ran my first half marathon.  Like, holy cow you guys!  I have been a fish for the past 21 years, not a land animal.  It was seriously hard for me to figure out how to maneuver my body on land but now that I've got it down, I'm addicted.  I've been consistently running since last May and on the days that I don't run, I really miss it.  I'm a runner!  Can't.  Believe.  It.  

I am blessed to have some amazing running friends in my ward.  I will first acknowledge Andrea, who got me in to running.  Then Suzanne and I ran together every week throughout the dark September-December months.  And lastly, Emily, Kari, and Rebecca trained for the half with me.  We ran every Wednesday and Saturday for five months.   This picture was taken after our first 11 miler.  It was the worst run ever!  It was pouring down rain and we were soaked, soaked, soaked.  I'm glad we took this picture after because it shows how happy we were to be done ha.  

 This is my training partner Rebecca.  I CANNOT thank her enough for all that she did for me.  She ran the half last year and decided not to do it this year but was happy to lead the training effort!  She devised our training schedule and put in all of the miles.  The nicest thing of all was that she ran the last 6 miles of the half with me.  She motivated me when I was ready to give up and got me to the finish line.

 Two days before the race, a friend of mine came over to give me a massage...in my living room. Amazing.

 Post race pic.  I really can't believe I accomplished this.  It was so many early morning hours and long Saturday runs.  I couldn't have done it without Mike!  He watched the girls and supported me throughout the whole process!

 Of course, I had to eat Five Guys afterwards.

The bad news is, I lost a toenail after the race :( and I think another one is on its way out.  A friend, suggested I go another shoe size up.  Maybe I'll give it a try.  Apparently, its National Running Day.  How fitting.