The First Time

There is NOTHING like crossing that marathon finish line for the first time! It is the most empowering feeling...Once you do it, you KNOW you can do anything you put your mind to!

That is my brother in law Jason.. He ran his first marathon a couple of weeks ago. It was so awesome to watch him accomplish this goal! We had been talking over the past few months as I had on the "Coach Stacey" hat. (: Sharing things that work for me and giving the last minute advice was so fun. It was exciting to live that "first time" through him. It made me stop and think and put things into perspective. That nervous energy you feel that week before the race, not being able to sleep much... I have long since outgrown that, and it was fun to feel/remember those wonderfully anxious feelings. 

This race was also a first for me...I have never been on the cheering end of a race.. I have always been the runner.. It was fantastic to be able to watch the runners come in.  As I looked at each runner I knew exactly how their races had gone by the looks on their faces, and I teared up each time. It was so emotional for me. It confirmed my love for the sport! I love running! I love the way it makes me feel! I love when I can say "Yep, I ran 26.2 miles this morning!" 

Jason had a huge cheering section. Most of the family was there... And clearly, by the look of these kids, cheering for runners is tough work...ha!

Jason is signed up for his next race.. in September. Racing is so addicting!  

Congratulations again Jason!  Well done! We are all so very proud of you!

Ten

It was nearly 10 years ago that I ran my first marathon... 25 marathons later, I feel like I have learned a lifetime of lessons. So, in lew of my recent birthday and being that I have entered a new decade.. I wanted to share the top 10 things (not in any particular order) that I have learned over these past years.

1. Less is MORE. When I was a young runner I was a little okay, a lot obsessive compulsive about my running. I loved running so much that I thought I knew better than the experts and added 2 miles to each training run... *sigh* Needless to say I did not make it to the starting line of the race I was training for. Three years and three stress fractures taught me I need to listen to my body, relax, and take it a bit easier. I have learned that in training for a marathon LESS is definitely MORE. Four running days a week is perfect for me!

2. I have learned that running is not the only thing that defines me as a person... I have just in the last couple of years realized this little gem, and it is actually quite a liberating feeling.

3. We have a saying in our house, "Can't walks on won't street." I have learned that you CAN keep going long after you think you can't.

4. Being a Mom is HARD. I am so grateful to have two fabulous kidlets who bring out the best/worst in me and teach me how to be a better person.

5. Pursue your goals and never give up!

6. Believing is everything! Believe in yourself. Believe in your goals. Running is 98% mental! If you believe you can, YOU WILL ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS! It really is that simple!

7. Don't take anything for granted. Especially your abilities, your family and your friends. Always be  grateful. Let the people you care about know that they are important in your life.

8. Maintain a strong sense of humor.

9. Be flexible. I am a creature of habit and change is very hard for me. Being flexible with a training schedule or in life for that matter, is a great asset to have. If you miss a run, it isn't the end of the world. Sometimes you just have to make adjustments.

10.  Anything worth having/achieving/keeping is going to take lots of hard work and effort. Finding the joy in the journey is key!

40

I'm 40! And you know what? It wasn't as hard as turning 39 was! I must have got over the big 4-0 last year when I realized I was only a year away from that number..ha!  I was going to do a 40 Things Post but I forgot the 40 things I was going to tell you....grin. So, what does being 40 mean to me?

*I am a Master Runner!
*I feel like I have "arrived" at something...a milestone..?
*I am middle aged
*I don't feel like I am "Over the Hill"!! In fact, I don't really feel any different than I did when I turned 30...only I look better now
*I kind of like my crows feet..heaven knows I have earned them

Thank you to my family and friends for making it such a fabulous day! I am a lucky girl..well technically, I am no longer  a "girl" but I am definitely NOT a "Ma'am" either! (:

Almost Wordless Wednesday

I saw this video today and thought it was inspiring...hope you like it as well.

Easy Canvas Prints

This post has been a long time coming... I have had a little bit of crazy in my life lately...

Back a few weeks er, I mean, months ago Megan from Easy Canvas Prints contacted me and offered me a canvas print of my choice. This is what I chose...

I love this picture of my kids. I love it because they are running... on the beach! It captures perfectly some of my most favorite things in life!

The whole process of the Easy Canvas Print was just that...EASY! It took just a few minutes and it turned out great! I couldn't be happier!  So head on over to Easy Canvas Prints and create your own print! Thanks again Megan!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

My boy won his race! Yep! He took first place in his 200 meter heat this morning! He was so excited! I was so excited! And proud! Yes..watching him win made me cry! There is nothing better than seeing your kids succeed in what they do!

The Protein Bakery Giveaway WINNER!

 

The winner of The Protein Bakery Sample Box is The Happy Runner! Congratulations Felice! Email your address to me at runnergirl371 [at] gmail [dot] com.

Thanks to all of you who participated!