#41 on Life List - Check!

I did it! I ran 13.1 miles straight - well, with one bathroom break. The Des Moines Half Marathon was this past Sunday. I've been training for 4 months now, but to be completely honest, the longest run I completed prior to Sunday was 9 miles, although my training had called for 10 miles. So, I was a little worried I might die (literally). The weather was great, the atmosphere was intense, and I was in awe of the athletes (particularly the ones who sprinted past me as they were completing the FULL marathon!) I felt great almost the entire run - miles 9 & 10 were the worst. I decided to try to stay with the 2:30 pacer and aim to complete in that time. The pacer runs with a sign in her hand the entire time and you kind of form a group around her. She told stories every now and then, or asked questions to get your mind off the run and motivated you to stay with her. So, it was nice to be in that group. I have had this goal on my 'life list' since I first wrote the list. I'm not sure why, but I guess it seemed like a very challenging goal and I just wanted to see if I could do it. Lots of people ask if I'll try a full marathon or do a half again, and to be honest, I doubt it. It's a lot of time and dedication and with two little ones, it's hard. Joe was a rock star throughout my training and he wouldn't let me give up- even when I was pretty close to quitting. He took over with the boys during my long runs and never complained. And, he was very proud of me - beaming at the finish line like I had placed first. And, he's been nursing me back to health these last few days as I can barely walk now! But, for the record, I had the greatest support team ever. My sister and Grace came down and watched (and ran to the finish line to see me)! My boys - Joey and Maddox - came with Joe, Kevin and Bobbi and saw me at the 7-mile mark and cheered me on! Their smiles kept me going! I wish I could have videotaped Maddox when he saw me running - he was SO excited! And, Kelly and Ali gave me a running care package, and my brother Jeff sent well-wishes via text, and my parents were very proud. It was so nice having other pepole who actually believed I could do it! Here are a few things I learned throughout my training:

1- When you see a girl running as you're driving past them, and you're commenting how her form is terrible and how she looks like Pheobe on 'Friends' jogging...just remember that she could be on her 12th mile...don't be so quick to judge a runner until you're out there on your own!

2- You'd be surprised how many sidewalks end right in the middle of nowhere. You'll be jogging for 7 miles straight and come to this sidewalk that just stops. What is that?

3- Look out for railroad tracks. Surprisingly, they aim to make you fall flat on your face.

4- Technology even helps runners. For the half marathon, you can have text messages sent to your friends and family giving them updates. You also run with a 'chip' on your shoe that tracks your pace, certain marks on the path, and your start/finish time.

5- You CAN do a half-marathon - but if you can't, start somewhere. Maybe it's finishing 2 miles in under 20 minutes, or maybe it's walking for 30 minutes straight, or maybe it's completing a 5k. Whatever your goal, push yourself just a little further.

6- Running or walking is a great way to clear your head, think about your day ahead, say your prayers, and actually think about nothing. It's a great stress reliever - no matter how long the run is.

In closing, I guess I would ask you - what is on your life list? What have you been putting off? Do you have a 'life list'? If not, I strongly encourage you to start one. And, one message to my friend Erin who is attempting her first half marathon in Arizona next year: I know you can do it! The work is worth it! I believe in you!

Some photos as evidence...

My stud husband....despite my efforts, he could still beat me in this race any day. (I'm looking a little exhausted in this photo!)

My running partner Terri - she's married to Joe's cousin. Ii love how we all got medals. I felt like I was in 5th grade at 'Sports Day' when they even gave the last place finishers medals!Me running as I spotted my little guys. You don't know how nice it is to see a familiar face on the sidelines! My boys cheering me on. What more inspiration do you need?And, my sister has a couple photos on her blog, as well, of me with my other fans. Someday, I have a feeling, I'll be cheering my sister - and Grace - on!