I ran a full marathon

I always like to make a few goals for myself around the new year. This year, one of my goals was to run a full marathon. I felt like this was a realistic goal considering, I had run 2 half marathons in the last 2 months of the 2011. We decided to run the Little Rock Marathon!!



We are the girls waving..

 

 My running partner Heather agreed to train with me. There is no way I could have done all the training runs without her. She was a wonderful encourager through out the grueling process. I am telling you guys the training is the hardest part- you have to dedicate large amounts of time to get the long runs in.

Posing for the camera

Mister R hung out with his cousin and his children. They were cheering on their momma, who was also running her first full marathon.

Hugs for Melissa- doing great



Mile 7 and going strong



 I had to separate from Heather around mile 14. I couldn't keep up with the pace. I was slowing her down. So we parted ways and I ran solo the last 12 miles. The course had a a major hill that was quite a challenge. But I made it to the finish line several hours after the race started!! I did complete the race and now I can check running a marathon off my bucket list!!

Marathoners!!

 

St. Judes Half Marathon

Friday after work Mister R. and I hopped in the car and headed to Memphis. We met up with my running buddies and had dinner Spaghetti Warehouse. Carb loading is always the fun!! Dinner was filled with fun and laughter. The service and food were sub par in my opinion.

The next morning we were up early! Race day equals big excitement!! A few per-race pictures. Mister R. doesn't run so he kind enough to take my picture. I call him my official photog. 

The weather was unseasonably warm- 70 degrees on December 1st. Crazy weather, no wonder everyone is sick.  I ran with Heather for the first couple of miles. But started feeling yucky around mile 3 with cold chills. I told her to go on without me and ran most of the race by myself. 

Luke spotted me around 3 or 4. The race atmosphere was amazing. People crowed the streets cheering all the runners on. I was touched and moved to tears at times due to the support from St. Jude's patients, their families, and hospital staff. The signs they made were amazing and provided encouragement, expressed their gratitude, and showed their appreciation for all the hard work people that put time and energy to take care of the sick children

Luke was able to capture Jeremy, Kim, and Heather crossing the finish line. He missed Holly and myself. We must have snuck by him!!

Post race photo are the best!! Everyone seemed to struggle a little for some reason or another during the race. No on set a PR. I am so glad to have participated and finished the race. I would definitely recommend this race to everyone. It supports a great cause, has a pretty course, wonderful atmosphere, and is well organized!! 

We walked back to the hotel so I could get clean up, pack, and then grab a bite to eat. We walked downtown to a local burger joint. Just what the doctor ordered. You have to refuel after running for 2 hours of your life.

Luke being a mess. He tries to act like he's not having a good time, in reality I am a ball of fun!! We had a wonderful time honoring and supporting everyone affiliated with the great works of St. Jude's Hospital. We had a great trip!! Hoping to make it an annual event at our house!

Hot Yoga

Yoga is aimed to unite the mind, the body, and the spirit. Yogis view that the mind and the body are one, and that if it is given the right tools and taken to the right environment, it can find harmony and heal itself. Yoga therefore is considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of body posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment. This is one of the foremost reasons why people want to start practicing yoga - to feel fitter, be more energetic, be happier and peaceful. 

I participated in my first ever Hot Yoga class this morning; it was awesome. I have been attending a yoga class off and on for a bit. But this morning class was completely different. The temperature in our room was about 85-90 degrees.  Sweat was dripping off every inch of my body and my mind was centered and peaceful. It was a great way to start my morning and set the tone for my whole day. I will definitely be going back next week for Hot Yoga.  Encouraging you guys to get out and move your bodies. It's so easy to be a couch potato during the winter months with the short days. Exercising and being active helps improve your mood, memory, and leaning skills. Happy Hump Day!

In less than 2 months..

I run. I run slow. I run slow half marathons. I run slow half marathons for fun. In less than 2 months I will be running the St. Jude's Half Marathon in Memphis, TN on Dec. 1st..

looks fun right?

My first half was last September in Nashville, TN. I had never run more than 6 miles. I went into it thinking " I will just do my best and walk it if needed."

wishful thinker

oh yeah..I am super star.. yeah right

It was a great experience and I finished the race. Due to my lack of training I couldn't walk straight for about a week. My body hated me. But after the soreness went away I realized that I had the fever.. the running bug bit me.

 In December, I ran the White Rock Half in Dallas, TX. It rained and rained and rained. My first half in 33 degree weather and sheets of rain. Not my favorite experience.

my biggest supporter

 Then in March I ran the Little Rock Half. I set a PR at the race. I trained with girls that I worked with and found some great running partners. Heather and I run about the same speed and have splendid time chit chatting as we run. Without my running buddies, I would be big fat lazy couch potato. Shout out to Heather for meeting me weekly and holding my accountable. 

serious dino hands.. rediculous

together every step of the way

Mister R a.k.a my photog

People often ask me why I run, because at times I whine and complain about doing long runs and or body aches and pains. I run because when I have finished a race I feel like a million dollars. I run to get the runner's high. After finishing a race my head grows about 12 sizes and I think to myself "Man, I am awesome."  If I can run 13.1 miles - I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I could be president of the USA, a world record holder, famous artist, home designer, you name it the sky is the limit. (You get the idea - I have racing grandiose thoughts and think of myself as a super star.) Gotta love a good ego boost!!