Uncategorized

A post without pics. None needed here! My 2012 recap!

Movin' it with Michelle
It’s been quite a year…I toyed with the idea of NOT writing a recap of my 2012 journey, but quickly put a cabosh on NOT doing it…for every year I try to do more, be more, and more so IMPROVE more…
I will recap this year in bits.  Breaking it up between career, fitness goals, and self-preservation and growth.
CAREER.
I started a new career in the fall of 2011, just a few months after my retirement from the Air Force.  I still feel like a fish out of water some days, but other days I find myself learning just something small that makes me feel as if I am on top of the world.  The civilian hospital setting is so different from military.  But with perseverance I will prevail and succeed.  Some days I may want to give up, but I won’t let myself.
I completed my MBA in March of 2012…something I though NEVER possible.
I was offered a position this year as an Adjunct Professor, teaching Histology, just last month.  What is Histology most people ask?  Simply stated it is the branch of anatomy that studies biological tissues.  It is a truly artistic yet scientific field that can never be totally automated…I have been in this field for 21 ½ years now, and still find myself learning something new every day.  I look forward to this new challenge, as I know not only will it benefit me in more ways than one; it also provides me an avenue to give back to the community.
FITNESS GOALS
I started the year fresh and filled with fitness goals.  My 40th birthday would be in 2013, so finishing my first FULL marathon was looming on the horizon.  I started slow and steady with treadmill runs, building my way up to my second half marathon.  The Schaumburg ½ in May 2012.  It was one of the toughest races I’ve had to date…It hurt, I sucked, and I wanted to give up.  But…I don’t give up, and we (my sister and I) finished around the 2:33 mark.  Blah.  I got home, and feverishly looked for another ½ so I could redeem myself in order to regain confidence for FULL marathon training.  And yes…The All State 13.1 in Chicago truly was my redemption, finishing strong at 2:11, my current PR.
I also ran a few other smaller races and had a blast doing them all.
Dash in the Dark 5K-with a PR of 28:10
Fox Valley 20 miler-Best.  Race.  Ever.  3:39 finish.
Dick Pond Hot Cocoa-um, forgot my time?  Yikes!  What kind of runner am I?
Chicago Hot Chocolate 15K finished in 1:44
Turkey Trot 4 miler finished in 40:57
But biggest of all, I RAN THE CHICAGO  MARATHON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Lol…And my finishing time was 5:23.  THIS, was the hardest race of my life, quite possibly one of the hardest moments/days of my life.  I felt every emotion known to man…joy, elation, stress, worry, and nearly defeat when my knee gave out with still nearly 8 miles to run.  Thanks to my amazing sister for keeping me going!
It looks like I will not only finish out the year at 650 miles, but with more memories than I could possibly imagine.  I’ve now signed up for the Egg Shuffle ½ marathon in March, and hope to have more races on my schedule soon.
SELF-PRESERVATION AND GROWTH
I have been on depression medication for more than ½ my life.  I can proudly say I am now going over a month strong, medication FREE.
I have learned that not everyone will be truly happy for your success.  But be, happy, anyway.
I have learned that some people want nothing more than for you to fail.  Succeed, anyway.
I have learned that even when you doubt yourself, your “people” will pick you up and show you that you CAN. DO. IT.
I have learned you can’t GET support, without GIVING it in return.  Show those you love how much they mean to you, always.
I have learned that the friends I have made through my running community truly are amazing, and in turn they have changed my life for the better.  They get my butt out of bed.  They motivate me, and they inspire me to be a better person.
I have learned that even in the darkest of hours, I can always find joy.  For in the end, my joy in self-created.
Bring on 2013, I can’t wait for new adventures!
Uncategorized

Friday.

Movin' it with Michelle

Today I find myself at a loss for words.  I woke up, and saw the post from ‘Muscle Mom’ highlighting me as the “Muscle Mom” of the week.  Her page can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.dragoo.5?cropsuccess#!/MuscleMom1

My life: in a photo can be found here:

I thought, FINALLY, a good day after a couple rough weeks.  I went to work with a smile, despite being tired, yet as the day unfolded I heard the tragic news of a kindergarten class that was gunned down. 

I was beside myself with emotion.  I wanted nothing more than to LEAVE work and go get my girls.  Yet this of course couldn’t happen.  I watched the clock. I worked as hard as possible to keep my mind at bay. 

Yet I found myself running to my Jeep so I could get to my girls.  I tried keeping my mind off the tragedy yet it was broadcasted on every radio station.  I tried driving in silence for the hour it takes me to get home, yet I needed a distraction.  I listened to talk radio, and sobbed…for I can’t fathom anything worse than losing a child.  I know the loss to a point having several miscarriages.  Yet to not be able to hug the children I have raised for the last 13/6 years is unimaginable to me. 

I got to Sophia’s daycare and literally RAN inside…NEEDING to feel her arms wrap around me.  NEEDING to see her face light up when I walk in the door.  Once home, I called for my oldest, nearly begging for a hug that I refused to let go…”Are you ok, Mommy?”  No…Yes…I don’t know. 

I then kicked myself in the rear for my petty woes.  I have a wonderful family, a home, a job, and food on my table. 

Yet I found myself so drained I couldn’t move…I got nervous for I remembered these feelings when I was at my all-time low in life.  But I simply closed my eyes for 20 minutes, regrouped, and MADE myself get up and GET moving. 

I may have not gotten my normal Friday night chores done tonight…nope…but I relaxed with my family, and am praying for some sleep. 

I have extra prayers tonight for the lives lost, and those family members that are left behind.  I won’t worry about laundry, cleaning, or scrubbing toilets (well at least for today lol).  I will now bid you all goodnight, hug my kids one last time, and pray society gets their act together. 
Uncategorized

Amazing weekend!

Movin' it with Michelle

What a busy weekend!
First off, in my first week of the core challenge I did 1000 crunches, plus 2 cardio workouts…feeling pretty darn good.  I haven’t dropped a lb, but I am ok with that. 

Yesterday we went to Bass Pro shop to see Santa, but the line was FOUR hours long, so we opted to just Christmas shop instead.  Brian got some new clothes and a new jacket as this was on his list and it’s too hard to pick out stuff for him…I got a few new shirts as well, and we agreed we don’t need to wrap them.  LOL. 
And this, is why I smile, daily.
 

Today we went to church for the first time in quite a while with my friend Carolyn and her family.  Her boys were in the Christmas production and it was so touching to see the kids sing and perform.  Afterwards we went to our favorite local diner for breakfast, and I sadly pigged out.  Bah.  I have a weakness when it comes to breakfast foods…LOL.

So my goals this week are to eat ‘cleaner’ and avoid carbs and dairy.  My system needs a nice little flush so to speak. 

Tonight I decided to put on my Chef’s hat, and I made a pork roast with cauliflower mash as well as a side of steamed broccoli.  Simple, yet healthy. 

I seasoned the roast with basic kosher salt, pepper, and my favorite spice rub.  Then, I seared it on all sides, and threw it in the crock pot with chicken stock, onions, and garlic.  The roast was small, so it only took two hours on high, and 30 minutes on low to finish it off. 

While this cooked, I prepared my cauliflower mash.  Quick, and simple…sauté 4-6 cloves of garlic in one pat of butter and a splash of extra virgin olive oil.  Once the butter is melted and the garlic lightly browned, add in a head of roughly chopped cauliflower.  Season simply with kosher salt and pepper and let cook until soft.  I put this in my food processor and added just a spoonful of low fat cream cheese and a splash of milk.  Puree on low, and then put the mixture into a casserole dish.  Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Cook slowly for about 25 minutes
 

Next, is my cranberry reduction sauce…I have been perfecting this for weeks now, and I think I finally scored tonight.  In a wide sauté pan, add a half of a bag of fresh cranberries.  Ladle in two cups of the stock from the roast.  Bring this mixture to a boil, and add in ½ cup of Pinot Noir.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  To thicken, add 2 tablespoons of corn starch to a cup of water and whisk.  Once incorporated (with no lumps), add this mixture to the cranberries and bring to a boil.  Lower the temperature down to a simmer, and let simmer for about 15 minutes.  When ready to serve, strain all of the cranberries and add the sauce back to a small sauce pan.  Put in a small pat of butter, and warm through…

 

While this warmed, I steamed 4 servings of broccoli in the microwave.  Quick, and easy to boot!

I breadloafed the roast after letting it rest for 15 minutes…YUM.  It was so juicy!

 

Time to plate! 
 

This meal was enjoyed by my entire family, to include my six year old.  J  We paired the meal with the same Pinot Noir used to make the sauce, and it was truly delicious, and healthy!  And hearing my youngest say, “Mom, you should be the next Master Chef,” truly made the effort even that much better!
May you all have a blessed and healthy week!
Uncategorized

My story, thanks Muscle Mom

Movin' it with Michelle

I am writing this post, because I was asked to tell my story. 

Check out Muscle Mom’s page:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/MuscleMom1

 

My story is only unique to ME.  I believe we all have our own stories, journeys, and paths…

I was a troubled child growing up.  There is no distinct reason that set me on my path of depression, for my life merely unfolded as everyone’s life does.  But to say I battled depression for the better part of my life is an understatement.  I lost family members to suicide which in turn put me in a downward spiral for more years than I can count. 

But in 7th grade I joined the track team more so to try and ‘fit in’ and I haven’t looked back since.  In all the trials and tribulations of my life, I have always gone back to ‘fitness’ as my source of therapy. 

I have loved, lost, been through divorce, and lived in the darkest of places. 

I am proud to say, at the age of nearly 40, for the first time in nearly 20 years I am currently weaning off depression medications.  I started taking medications to help my depression years ago, and although I have gone off of them several times-I always went back to being treated with medication. 

In 2006 I gave birth to my second child.  I suffered greatly from postpartum depression and have been on medication ever since.  But today…TODAY…I took my last pill.  I ran my first ½ marathon in 2007 because I NEEDED to…I ran my first FULL marathon this year, because I WANTED to.

My struggle has never really been with weight (give or take 10 lbs.) but more so self-confidence and peace. 

With that, I will continue to eat healthy, work out, and do all I can to inspire others.  I am now married to the love of my life, have a good career, and have high hopes for the future. 
Uncategorized

Happy Monday!

Movin' it with Michelle

I never sleep well on Sunday nights…I have no clue why…I suppose I just can’t turn my mind off and get rest.

So last night was a sleepless night, but I tried to catch a few ZZZ’s in each hour between waking up with stomach issues.  I could’ve let this ruin my day…COULD HAVE.   But I was pleasantly surprised to get not only morning cuddles from my husband (normally tough with a 60 lb. dog in the bed), but to also have my youngest crawl in bed for 5 minutes of snuggles before we had to get up.  I knew it would be a great day. 

And then I stepped on the scale for my Monday morning weigh in, and heard a terrible crack.  DID I BREAK THE SCALE???  I registered at 100 lbs. which is ridiculous, but I figured I broke the scale.  (Come to find out it was one of my daughter’s beads that broke underneath the scale, LOL). 

I have struggled with negativity ruining my mood lately, so I went into work with a new found positive attitude.  And guess what, it worked!  Will it work every day, maybe not.  But Monday is complete and I am happy.   

I was SOOOO tired today after a terrible night’s sleep.  But I made myself drive straight home from work and change into my workout gear for the gym.  I was pleasantly surprised to get a good workout in.

I ran 2.12 miles in 20 minutes and added in some weights to help strengthen my legs.

3 sets/15-30 lbs abdominals
3 sets/15-55 lbs leg extensions
3 sets/10-45 lbs leg curls

Not a huge workout, but a great start. 

I also (drum roll please) signed up for my first ½ marathon this spring. 

 

A lot of my running friends are signing up, so it should be a blast. 

Lastly, I am happy to report I’ve lost nearly all the weight I gained during marathon training!   Thank goodness, my knees were very unhappy with me.  Hard work truly pays off!  ❤
Uncategorized

Batavia “Fox and the Turkey trot” race recap. 22 Nov 2012

Movin' it with Michelle

I was nervous to sign up for another race since I knew resting my every aching knee was important.  But after the Chicago Hot Chocolate 15K, I realized I can’t quit now.  I need to run, even if it is shorter distances and not as often as a true “training regime.” 

So when my friends Carolyn and Melissa said, DOOOO ITTT, well, I did…I signed up that night, and was officially registered for the Fox and Turkey trot in Batavia, IL.  It was a simple 4 miles, and I knew no matter what I could complete the distance. 

The night before the trot I couldn’t sleep.  My IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) that I acquired back in my military days has been rearing its ugly head as of late with added “life stressors.”   I had my gear set out, and tried to go to bed at a decent hour, but was awoken to terrible stomach cramps.  I made several trips to the bathroom before being able to head out to the course. (Sorry, TMI). I prayed my stomach would hold out, as well as my knee.  Thankfully my stomach cramps helped me not think about the knee so much.  I wasn’t able to eat before running which isn’t uncommon, but I drank two bottles of water and felt, ‘ready.’

We met by the windmill near the river, and it was so awesome to get a good Carolyn hug in.  We missed meeting Melissa unfortunately, but we were able to high five on the course. 
 

The course was VERY narrow, so we started out slow and steady trying to weave through the other 2K runners that signed up for the race.  Carolyn and I stayed together for nearly the first mile, but she knows me too well and told me to go on without her as running at certain paces hurts my knee even more.  I tend to enjoy staying near the 9:30-10:00 pace to keep “warm” and comfortable, so I bid her farewell promising to meet her at the end and did my ‘take off.’  I love, love, love when the stride just hits and I find my pace.  I was doing well at a 9:30 pace until the runners who started first started at the turn around and we were forced to be squished to the right side of an already narrow path.  I had to slow to not get trampled, but managed to keep steady until the 2 mile mark where a welcomed water stopped greeted me. 

I allowed myself to walk through the water stop, and immediately took back off.  My breathing started to get the best of me as my stomach cramped, so I walked for just a few seconds around the 3 mile mark.  I allowed myself to take in the sights, and even saw a guy TAKE HIS SHOES OFF and run barefoot the last mile.  Watching him made my feet hurt, LOL.

The last corner was where I remember seeing my family cheering me on for the Fox Valley 20 miler so I gained renewed strength, and finished strong.  I finished 77thin my age group, at an official time of 40:57/4 miles.  My best race?  Definitely Not.  But was it refreshing to get back out and race?  OMG, yes.  Running has always been my therapy…and this race did wonders for my soul. 

I was able to see my Carolyn cross the line, and get more awesome hugs in.  YAHOO!  So proud of her for finishing strong at 110thin our age group at a 45:09 pace.  She rocks. 
 

Thanksgiving was spent with my family at my sister’s house, and we had an amazing spread of food and laughter.  I felt bad I have been so exhausted from work, as I had to take a quick post-turkey nap on the couch, LOL.  Yummy turkey, awesome awesome day. 
 

I had to work today, and it was a long 10 hour (plus 2 hour commute) day.  We were blessed to get AppleBee’s gift cards from my folks for our anniversary, so tonight we took the kids to dinner and came home to relax.  I sadly needed ANOTHER nap, so slept quietly on my recliner while listening to Christmas music.  After which we worked on decorating the house. 

A tradition our family has come to love is building my little Christmas village each year.  Brian loves getting me new additions for it, and we always do it together.
 
 

So despite being tired, I feel very blessed this holiday season.  I have an amazing family, and amazing friends which are family to me as well. 

Doesn’t get much better than this now, does it?
Uncategorized

Thank a Vet for your freedom

Movin' it with Michelle

Hard to believe this is my second Veterans day OUT of uniform.  I spent over half my life wearing the uniform and proudly serving among some truly amazing people. 
 

So today when hitting up a local craft fair, I saw a Korean War/Vietnam vet.  I spotted him a mile away with his Army cap on which was adorned with a Purple Heart and Bronze star medal, as well as some medals I didn’t recognize.  As we made our purchases I looked him square in the eye and said, ‘Thank you for your service.’  His smile truly lit up the room as he questioned how I knew he was a Vet.  I smiled and told him I too was a vet, as was my husband. 

He BEEMED!  His wife smile and said, “Oh no, hope you are prepared for some stories!!”  We talked for a while, and he shook both my husband’s hand as well as mine. 

 

I miss the Air Force, but it was my time to move on after 20 years…but in my heart I will always do my best to keep serving by supporting my husband and all the other amazing military members both past and present that are in my life. 

 

Take a moment, and thank a vet.  You don’t know how much it means to hear, “Thank you for your service.”  Because so many barely recognize the hardships and struggles a military member deals with every single day. 
Uncategorized

2012 Chicago Hot Chocolate Race recap

Movin' it with Michelle

Gosh, where do I start with this race recap?

9.3 miles done, in 1:44.  My best race?  No.  But after coming off an injury I am darn proud of this one. 

First and foremost, this race was more about spending time with my friends and having fun.  I wasn’t able to meet up with the bloggers because I had previous plans to run with friends, but honestly that is my only regret about the weekend. 

Yes, the packet pick up was long…and cold.  But we had fun regardless.  Are all races put together perfectly?  No…but I find it isn’t all about organization that makes the race successful.

We met at my friend Carolyn’s house the afternoon before the race, packed up my jeep and made a quick stop at Jewel for water and breakfast bars.  We hit the road to downtown, and made it to the hotel in fairly good time only hitting a small amount of traffic.  I must admit, I am in awe every time I go into the city.  The Chicago skyline is breathtaking no matter what the weather!
 

We laughed, joked, and goofed around finding ourselves the life of the party as we greeted fellow Hot Chocolaters!  We made it to our room which was amazing, and even were greeted by the staff with extra pillows, robes, and why yes, disposable slippers!  It’s the little things, right?

View from our room
 
Can you tell we were happy?

 

 

After relaxing and getting cleaned up we decided to head down to the meeting spot for dinner, which was Carmines Italian restaurant.  We decided to hail a cab because walking a mile and a half in boots while it was drizzling just didn’t seem like a good idea the night before a race.  We were surprisingly welcomed by hailing a LIMO!!!  Yeah, it cost a bit more, but I haven’t been in a LIMO in well, 20 years?  So it was worth it as we laughed and joked the entire way to the restaurant. 

We met up with our fellow runners and had a simply amazing dinner.  Thankfully we split the portions because I don’t know how one person could eat all of this!!!!

 

Amazing group of women!  Hope to get to run again with them soon!

 

After dinner we headed back to the hotel for showers and to get our stuff organized for the morning.  Bed time was around 10:30, but I couldn’t help to toss and turn trying to clear my mind.  Could I actually run 9.3 miles?  Of course other stressors crept into my mind, but that always seems to be my problem at night…thankfully I drifted off, and didn’t wake up until our wake up call. 

We got up, dressed, ate, and headed down to our corrals.  We hugged Melissa as she set off for her 5K corral and got Carolyn’s bag checked before heading to her corral.  I was corral K, but wanted to run with Carolyn at the start so we headed to corral R.  We were having fun, albeit cold, spectating the other runners and the ‘GORUCK’ guys that were carrying ruck sacks and drinking beer while they waited, LOL.  Later we found out they stopped at every mile, did pushups and other exercises to support our military.  Pretty cool, although I had no clue how they could be drinking beer and running, LOL. 

 

About 1:08 we finally crossed the start line, just to receive a text from Melissa that she had finished her 5K!  LOL.  In my opinion they should’ve started the 15K race first, but all in all it was ok.  The first 3 miles were spent in the crowd, trying to find a good place to be.  I had to pee, but didn’t want to stop so early.  My knee hurt, but it really started to feel good around mile 5…this of course when Carolyn’s hip started to get wonky so I decided my best bet would to be to go on without her, because running slow hurts my knee even more.  We parted and off I went…I found myself nearly flying past people as I found a good edge of trail that was soft…I sort of lost myself for a few miles in the run, and in the music playing in my ear.  I did stop around mile 7 for a bio break but then took right back off to run.  IT.  FELT.  GREAT.  Yes, my knee is still wonky, but that is just par for the course.  I was running, and running strong.  Mile 8 I got a text from my hubby asking how it went, and that just motivated me more to GOOOO.  I kicked it up even more around mile 9, and literally was sprinting the last .3 

I see the start!!!

 

Afterwards we all met up, got our cheesy mugs of fondue and Hot Chocolate and headed back to the hotel.  We cleaned up quickly, and headed back to the burbs.  We of course had to stop at Tom and Eddies for some amazing burgers/fries, and then it was time to say goodbye. 

 

What an amazing weekend…

Back to reality tomorrow, but it’s moments like these that make it all worthwhile. 

Thanks again, for those that support me…You are all the wind on my back, and the fire under my feet.  xoxoxoxo
Uncategorized

Chicago Hot Chocolate 15K packet pick up/expo recap!

Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t been blogging much.  I suppose this is due to the fact I haven’t been ‘doing’ much other than trying to keep my head above water while juggling a career, kids, and home life while my husband travels a lot.  Some days go smoothly of course, while others seem to whiz by in a whirlwind of errands, running kids around, and trying to keep tasks complete at work. 

So although I momentarily thought of not running my scheduled race this weekend, I quickly reminded myself that I never quit anything I set out to do in life. 

Today I was fortunate enough to take a day off work so that I could head downtown to the Chicago Hot Chocolate 15k packet pick up and expo.  I was more so fortunate to go with my dear friend Carolyn while making a new friend (Melissa)!  We had smart (so we thought) plans of getting downtown fairly early, but little did we know we would be met by HUGE lines, and said lines being formed up OUTSIDE.   This wouldn’t be a big deal for most runners across the U.S. but for us here in Chicago with blustery winds and dropping temperatures, these outside lines made things…well…interesting. 

 

 

We could have complained, and we did allow ourselves some negative banter…but for the most part we just enjoyed each other’s company while moving slowing through the lines.  About ¾ quarters of the way through we were delighted in the fact we got a tiny shot of hot cocoa but sadly by then my fingers and toes were numb. This packet pick up was POORLY organized we realized after heading inside the tent to find only 9 stations for 15k’rs, and 6 stations for the 5k’rs.  WHAT?  The tent was sprawled out with nearly 90% of the space being occupied by vendors, and only 10% being coordinated for packet pick up.  Once you got your packet in hand the space was nearly unoccupied.  This being said while thousands of people were wrapped around the parking lot near Solider Field.  (And to the guy who showed up in flip flops, I have to ask, REALLY???)

 

All said and done, we got our packets and headed back towards the burbs to find lunch…nearly dinner at this point, but laughed, talked, and shared funny stories while of course Jeep waving everyone possible.  Once home I started nearly immediately packing for the weekend festivities and my heart felt good…I know this race won’t be a PR, but it will be miles underneath my feet. 

 

I have missed running terribly.  I not only do it for the physical aspect of being in shape, but running truly is my therapy.  Although I am a bit out of the running circuit since the marathon, I hope this race is my jump start to redemption.  The best part of it all is that I get to stay downtown with some amazing women, and I get to run with some awesome people.  I have learned that if you surround yourself with amazing people, you in turn feel AMAZING.  Isn’t that what life is all about?

Last tid bit, I have to give kudos to the volunteers that helped out today.  I know they must have gotten pummeled by irritated runners, but I quietly thanked them with a smile and a nod, and one guy nearly got teary because he was so thankful for my positive attitude.  It can’t be easy to volunteer for such a huge event, so way to go guys and gals.  You may not have organized this event, but your diligence to put up with thousands of cranky people is amazing.  ❤
Uncategorized

A recap of my marathon journey…

Movin' it with Michelle

 

A recap of my marathon journey…

As a young child I would watch the infamous Grandma’s marathon every year in awe of these amazing athletes, every day people, and runners who decided one day that they would RUN 26.2 miles.  I can attest to the fact that this dream derives NO WHERE from a simple place.  This dream isn’t about a sticker on a car, a medal around your neck, or a bib number you file away for a rainy day. 

This dream comes from within, and it is safe to say very few have this dream/goal in their midst.  But this dream is very alive for those who train to finish 26.2 miles.  The desire is in your gut, and it drives your heart, mind, and body to keep moving forward. 

After years of suffering from Patella femoral syndrome, as well as arthritis and Chondromalacia of the patella I knew I couldn’t train for this goal pain free.  See here for more information: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000452.htm

I struggled, but trained smart (for the most part) in my opinion.  My only down fall was possibly training with a full marathon group with that marathon being scheduled 3 weeks prior to the CM12.  But I can’t look back with regret now.  I trained…with every ounce of my being, to be able to finish this race.  And you know what?  I met lifelong friends during this training process that I wouldn’t trade for a sub 5 marathon.  Ever. 

I wanted to finish “strong.”  I wanted my 4:40 finish that held true to my times and pace my entire 10 months of training.  I wanted…but didn’t achieve this goal. 

But, that’s ok…because guess what?  I finished.  Did I have a stellar race?  Nope.  Did my body want to run 26.2 miles on the 7th of October?  HELL NO.  But even at the brink of collapsing due to sheer pain, I.  Kept.  Running.  Maybe it was a shuffle to some at a 12 minute mile pace, but it was running to me. 

I have a photo that captures my determination perfectly…
 

 

And a photo that shows the tears of joy in my eyes. 
 

 

The best part?  I got to share this journey with newfound friends, lifelong friends, and my family.  I am now I different person in a way…in lots of ways I can honestly say.  Because even on the darkest of days, no one can take crossing that finish line hand in hand with my sister, away from me.  I could have quit…I could have succumbed to the day, the weather ( I could NOT warm up, AT ALL), and the pain I felt…But I didn’t QUIT.  I. KEPT. RUNNING.  If I never am able to run another full marathon I am totally at peace with that…as long as I can run, be me, and live my life, I know nothing can stop me now. 
 
Lastly, my new goal is to do a minimum of 100 situps per day, for the rest of the month.  I hope to achieve 200+ daily and get my body back to where it was before this madness.

Rock on friends.  Rock.  On.