I'm filled with such gratitude that I once again got to return to the New Jersey Shore to run my favorite half marathon.
This was my sixth year in a row!
4:30 AM and ready to go
The weather was good and I ran with a few good friends and we ran for fun. It gave me great joy to return once again. For a minute it looked like I might have to be away for business. And actually I was but I managed to get in the day before and still pull off running my favorite race.
Mile after mile of this race reminds me how far I've come.
I've had ups and downs along the way but I will forever be eternally grateful for that one February day in 2010 I signed up for it for the first time.
The bling
Victorious
Next stops are a few OLY triathlons over the summer and then my dream race: NYC Marathon. :)
Do you have a favorite race or a race that you try to never miss? What's your longest streak of doing the same race?
As I told you in my last post. I am woefully undertrained for this half.
And I have had some tough experiences when not properly trained.
But - WHATEVER. I am super excited for Sunday.
It's going to be a beautiful day. At race start it'll be around 58º and the high expected to be around 68º.
I'll be running through the streets of our beloved Jersey Shore, that was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy but we're showing that we are "Jersey Strong" and coming back.
I will think about the Boston Marathon. About the runners and spectators affected. And how they are coming back, "Boston Strong."
I will think about Heather Boyum, the runner (and Mom in Motion member) who lost her life when a drunk driver struck her on her bike during triathlon training.
I'll be running amongst my fellow Moms In Motion runners - many who will be running their first half and I can't wait to see the joy they experience when they cross that finish line.
And as important to me, this is a significant race for me. It'll be my fourth time running it and it was four years ago, at this race, when my life changed forever. It was my first finish line. The first goal I set in running and the first time I proved to myself that I could do things I never dreamt possible. It was a life changer for me and I will forever have a place in my heart for this race and place.
after my first half with Angela who flew in from CA to pace me!
last mile of year number two of this race and experiencing complete
joy in running
On Sunday, thanks to not being trained, I won't break any PRs, I will be doing a lot of walking, taking some breaks for stretching and will definitely be amongst the back of the pack. And it's gonna be fabulous and beautiful and awesome.
Hubby and me last year
First or last, I'll cross the finish line and I can't wait.
My friend Linda reminded me of this awesome lady this morning. There is no quit, just moving forward until you get there.
