On the other side of The Half

The update you've all been waiting for! :)

(Catch up here)

Saturday, the 17th, we ran our very first half marathon.

WOOT!! It was SO FUN! I highly recommend it :)

I'm still having trouble believing it myself.

My parents came over before 6am Saturday morning so our babies could sleep.

((I have the best parents))

I don't eat that early in the morning. Yuck. Add serious nervousness and I was willing myself not to vomit. And I ate anyway. Yuck.

But by 7:30am we were pounding the pavement.

As usual, before we even finished the first mile, I wanted to walk. But I pushed through it and kept moving for 13.1 full miles! And at a consistent pace that was complimented :)

Every few miles we were cheered on by a sweet friend who's in our Life Group! It's amazing how encouraging it is to see a familiar face throughout the run!

At 10 miles, when I officially passed into uncharted territory, Derek seemed to develop a bounce in his step. He had a sort of giddy pride. If you know him, you know what I'm talking about.

He was an amazing running partner. I was a little afraid he'd spend the empty time encouraging me to breath and have good posture and relax, etc. But instead it was a very pleasant all morning date! I love him.

We were coming around the pond and approaching the finish line searching for Marie's bright pink vest but couldn't find it! Just as we were about to cross the finish line we spotted my momma snapping a pic...

Ends up they had trouble finding the finish line and managed to pull up just as we were finishing! So the kids were still in the car. But Marie was very happy to see us and the cookies we (by we I mean me) were willing to share.

The official time was 2:17:05

I accomplished both my goals:
1. Ran the entire time
2. Did not come in last

I was back on the road yesterday. Wow, I really love running.

But I pulled a tendon or something in my foot and was told by the chiro today that I need to take a week off. We'll see.

Thank you for following us on this journey! It was seriously so amazing. I couldn't have done it without all of your prayers! I felt them! I'm not just saying that! I've got a cold now, but the day of the race I felt great. I was so encouraged by all the support.

Thank you.

Thinking about doing another half end of October. Who's with me? :)

Halfway to the Half

We're approaching the halfway mark. So it's time for an update!

Can I just tell you...

I LOVE RUNNING!!!

It has become an addiction. Derek told me last night about turning a corner in running. We have both turned our first corner. One day 3 miles about killed me. Couple days later I run 4 miles and was tempted to rerun the loop!

This Sunday I will run my first 6 miles ever!

I'M SO EXCITED!!!

Sometimes I think I'm going bipolar when I run. I'll look at the loooong shade-less road ahead and think "oh man, there's no way," while in basically the same thought... "Bring it on!" I'll barely be able to breath because of the humidity and long to quit and smile because I LOVE it all at the same time!

It's weird what this running does to me.

I LOVE IT!!!

I've only had one major disappointment... After more than 2 months of training I not only haven't lost a single pound, I've gained 2-4lbs! When is the muscle going to start burning the fat??? Grrr.

Anyway, check out some of my favorite things...

Running with my neighbor and amazing friend:

My gear:

(Running shoes the husband got on ebay for $20!!)
(Belt to hold water and my phone)
(My mini computer, aka iPhone and headphones)

Sunsets:

And of course a long stretch of road! (Picture to come?)

The Half-Marathon is at the Nappanee Apple Festival on September 17th. There are two ways for you to support us on this endeavor. Choose one or both. Both is my favorite.

COME! Make a sign, stand on the side of the road, and cheer us on!!!
DONATE! Go to The Crossing website and donate any amount of money. The money will go to support The Crossing!!!

Why I Run

5. I gotta finish what I started.

4. I'm significantly overweight and running is my favorite workout.


3. I want to be a good example for my children of being active and healthy.

2. I'm a better wife and mother when I consistently work out.

And my main motivation...

1. Our future children. 

If I were to get pregnant at this weight, I would be guaranteed another csection. I have to know that I've done everything possible to have the option of a vbac. Crossing the finish line will give me the hope and extra determination to have that elusive vbac if at all possible.

Vbac = better possibility of having more babies!

I'll take a couple more of these please...

Just keep running...

Right after Jack was born, I told Derek that I wanted to run a half marathon before having another little goober. Lo and behold, The Crossing is participating in a half-marathon on September 17.

*Insert foot in mouth*

So right now is the "pre-training" time. We have to be able to somewhat comfortably run a 5k by July 26. I can do that. It's the 13.1 miles that make me a little nervous.

Derek and I are going to run it together, but his schedule and our having 2 babies doesn't allow for us to train together. That's where you come in!

There are multiple ways for you to participate simply because you love me!

1. Be one of those seriously irritating people who makes me feel really guilty every time I miss a training day. I won't like you much for the next 4 months, but I'll love you after it's all over!

2. PRAY for me. I couldn't even consider this whole endeavor without loads prayer!

3. Run with me!

• We could just be in touch every day to keep each other accountable
• We could find a couple times a week to run together
• We could trade babysitting and take turns running
• Or all of the above!
• And then we'll start the race together, cheer each other on, and celebrate together after!

4. Donate a new pair of running shoes to the cause :)

Another goal of this venture is to be 30 lbs lighter by the time I cross the finish line. It will make it a lot easier to cross the finish line! And I only have one more opportunity for a vbac. I have to know that I have big babies because God made me that way, not because I gain too much weight.

Thank you in advance for all your support! I'll keep you all updated on this crazy adventure!

I'm hesitating to post this because I know that once it's out in blog-o-sphere, I will have to do it. Irritating people will make me.

Oh I hope I don't regret this...