1/2 Marathon Weekend!!

Headed to the finish line.
Kimberly was not able to get a picture of Todd during the race so we staged this one after the race. Haha!!

This weekend we traveled to Nashville, TN for the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. The weekend was so much fun. I took the day off on Friday so we could get to Nashville and pick up our packets. After that we got some lunch and then went to our hotel. We spent the whole afternoon relaxing and watching a movie. It was so wonderful just to lounge around with Todd. Then, that night we met Grace, EJ, Chelsea, Mindy, Emily, her mom, and her boys for a UTM "4-H" reunion at Macaroni Grill. It was so much fun to see everyone. I was really sad that the weather kept Brad and Kristen from being able to come. We missed you guys!!! After dinner, we went back to the hotel for an early nights rest. Too bad I was too excited to sleep!

Saturday, we woke up at 4:25 a.m. to get ready for the marathon. We left our hotel at 5:00 a.m. thinking we would have plenty of time to get to LP Field by 6:00 a.m. (our hotel was 15 minutes from downtown). However, it took us almost an hour because of a traffic jam. They race info said that the shuttle to the starting line would stop at 6:00 a.m., but, luckily, it really doesn't. After we finally got parked and on a shuttle to the starting line, we waited in the huge port-a-potty line. This was one time I wished I were a boy and could just go and use the bathroom in the bushes. After taking care of business, Todd and I did a quick warm up to the starting line and parted ways. I got to see Kimberly before the race started and so that was exciting. We took pictures with my cool poster (thanks Kimberly, you get “best sister-in-law of the year”; don't tell the other 2, hahaha!). I was a little anxious just because this was my first 1/2 marathon. Once our corral left the starting line, I just did what I trained to do. I did not run this race to win, only to meet a personal goal and get back in shape. I started out really strong and felt great. When I got a little past the first mile, I saw EJ and Grace (who get the “best friends of the year” award). I was so glad they were there. I got to see them 2 more times and each time I got more excited.

Todd and I got to see each other in passing around his 8-mile mark and the 5-mile mark for me, I think. It was so neat to see him. We did not train together, however, we would go at the same time and see each other and cheer each other on. He has been so encouraging and supportive through this whole process. I was glad I got to see him during the race. It was a sweet moment!!

So, around my 10 mile I was staring to feel pretty tired, but I knew I had to keep going. I was super excited to see the finish line. Once I got close enough, I gave it all I had and sprinted to the finish line. My goal was to finish the race in 2 hours and 45 minutes. I crossed the finish line in 2:45:42 seconds. I was really excited, but a little disappointed because I was only 42 seconds over. After I crossed the finish line, I saw Kimberly and freaked out because I wanted to make sure I was finished. Don't know what I was thinking!!! Then I saw my handsome husband!! I was so excited to see him but my legs were done and I was not thinking properly because I should have gone over and gave him a hug. I eventually did once we were on the same side of the fence. Right after I finished, it started to rain. I was very glad that I was able to finish before the rain came down.

After the race, we went to my brother's in-laws (he brought Adaline to Nashville to see me race but the weather kept them from coming) and took showers and then went to P.F. Chang’s with Robert, Adaline, Grace, and EJ. After lunch, we spent the afternoon with Grace and EJ. It was sooooooo wonderful to spend time with her. We went shopping and were trying to wait out the storms. After dinner, the weather finally cleared enough for us to head back to Portageville. I am very grateful for our trip and the time I got to spend with everyone. I was sad that I did not get to see Lauren because of the weather:(.

Overall, it was a great race and for only training for 3 months and no injuries I am very please with what I accomplished. However, without the Lord, my wonderful husband, and my iPod (thanks mom and dad) I would not have been able to do this. Oh, and I am looking forward to my next 1/2 marathon!!!!

Feeling Old!!!

Ok I realize that I am not that old, however lately I have started feeling that way. Here are the top reasons I feel old...(not in any order)

1. When I use to know lots of people that were engaged and now I know 16 people that are pregnant.

2. When my students are surprised that I know how to text.

3. When my students have no clue who Tom Hanks, Cindy Crawford, etc... are.

4. When the kids I use to baby-sit are graduating high school.

5. When the kids I use to teach at church are graduating.

6. When everyone calls me Mrs. Allison.

7. When I workout and my body does not bounce back like it use to.

8. When the food I eat all goes to my gut and thighs.

I know I am really not that old, but for the first time I don't feel young either.

Long Run

So today I did my longest run ever!!! It felt so great except for the three massive blisters on the sides of my feet. While I was running I could feel my shoes rubbing the side of my feet near my ankles, but did not stop to check. Even if I had, there was not much I could have done. It hurt, but I just kept going, and I did not realize that it was bad until I got home. When I took my shoes off, I had blood on my socks and my shoes. For shorter runs, my socks have been fine, but I guess over such a long distance it just rubbed too much. So we went to Hibbett Sports and bought me some new socks that cover better. I was going to post pictures, but since I have some friends (Grace and Kristen lol) that have weak stomachs I will refrain. Let's just say they are about the size of a quarter. The race is only two weeks away!!!

Video of Adaline playing ball

Catching up!

Sunday our good friends the Boyds invited us to spend Easter with them. We had a lot of fun and got out picture with the Easter bunny.

Well sorry it has been a while since I posted. I sometimes feel like I have nothing really important to say and people will not want to read about it, but oh well.

Not much has happened since the end of Feb. I am still running and the race is in less than three weeks. I am getting really excited and nervous at the same time. I super excited because some of my dearest and closest friends are going to come and cheer me on. I ran my longest run EVER last week 10.66. I never thought I would be a runner. However, I have never felt better. Not just physically but also emotionally. At first I did not know how I would find time with work, tutoring, and getting my Masters, but it has not been that difficult. It has helped me to be disciplined and not waste as much time as I probably did before.

We had a birthday party for my grandma two weeks ago and then since my spring break was last week I brought my sweet niece Adaline, back for 5 days. We had lots of fun!! Also I got to see a glimpse of what life would be like with a toddler. And I would keep her again in a heartbeat and still want my own children. We went to the park and Todd taught her how to hit the t-ball. It was so cute I will post a video and pictures.

I have wanted a new pair of running shorts, a new sleeveless running top, and new sunglasses because mine has scratches all over the lenses. When I came home from work today I had all three items lying on the bed. My sweet husband had gotten me all three things. Also they were exactly what I would have picked out. I am very grateful for the loving and supportive husband I have although I don't always show it. He has been really encouraging and supportive during my training for this race. So thanks honey!!!

Well, that’s about all that is going on. I have 32 1/2 more days of school and I just finished my 4th masters class. So thanks for reading and enjoy!!

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