Another Small Victory

On October 29th, I ran my second half-marathon.  My goal has been to run one after each baby is weaned to get back in shape.  (I actually didn't start this goal until after Heidi, so I've only done it once so far.)  This time was a little different than last time for several reasons.  I actually started training at the beginning of the summer and was set to run a race scheduled for Aug 27th, the last week of the summer.  Then, because of my own clumsiness,  I accidentally broke my toe just rushing around in the house and hitting a door frame.  This was on July 31st, less than a month before the race.  I was supposed to run a 10K the following week and had to cancel that, too.  I was devastated!   I had an ER Dr at my work look at it and he said I would need to splint and rest my foot for 4-6 weeks in order for it to heal.  Then, I vowed to start training again, depending on how quickly my toe was able to heal.  I never thought breaking a toe could be such a big deal.  It is such a silly thing, really.   And, I never realized breaking such a small thing could hurt so bad!   It was also driving me crazy to not exercise for that long.  The only thing I could do to stay in shape was ride my bike, which I did a few times a week.

Well, my toe finally healed after 6 long weeks and I started running again- yeah!!   At that point I had to run in the dark most days and I would only have 6 weeks to train for the half marathon- half of what I should have had.   I had originally planned to go down to Provo for the "Halloween Half" on Oct 29th, but for a few reasons, I decided not to go.   For one thing, it cost $55 and I didn't like the T-shirt with a skull and cross-bones.  I also knew it would be very crowded, you were supposed to dress up, and the first 5 miles were downhill, which can be very hard on your knees.   I ended up deciding to just do a local run.  You can sign up for a "virtual run" on the internet and you just tell them how far you went and they mail you a T-shirt.  It only cost me $16 instead of $55.   So, a few days before my scheduled run, Aaron and I clocked the run in our car to be sure we had the correct mileage.  It was also fun for me to show him where I would be running.  Just driving the route felt long, let alone running it!   When the day arrived, I ran the 13.1 miles and my biggest fans, my little family, were all there at the Garland Park to cheer for me.   I didn't really beat my last time, which was about the same- about 2 hrs, 20 min.  But, it didn't really matter too much.   I was just glad that I was able to do it.  With the money we saved, we went afterwards out to brunch and celebrated at the Golden Corral (my family's favorite part.)  One of my best memories will be seeing Aaron parked at the top of the last hill, cheering me on.  I was exhausted and almost just started bawling.  Actually, my first thought was, "Oh great.  I was going to walk up this hill, but now I have to run it."  That's what we do for eachother, right?  We cheer eachother on.

Aaron has always said he doesn't really understand running.  To him it is very boring and there isn't much of a point.  He would much rather play on a team where you win or there is an object to the game. I have never really been very coordinated or athletic and therefore not very good at sports.  But running (putting one foot in front of another) I can do- and for a pretty long time, I guess.   I enjoy being out there all alone, feeling so in-tune with nature and with myself.  (This area has the perfect country road to run on- almost exactly a mile square, quiet and beautiful.)  I also like it so much because it allows me to stretch myself.  I can set new goals and accomplish them.   In one way, I am conquering a part of myself, pushing myself to greater limits.  I think that's my favorite part about it.