Sunday, November 4, 2012

inspire hope

Have you ever agreed to something and then thought "What was I thinking?!" 
Have you ever been so anxious and excited you had butterflies and diarrea?  Yeah, me too. 
Matter of fact, that was me Friday morning when I woke up and realized I had promised a friend that I would run the Inspire Hope 8k race with her.  That's 5 miles folks!  Not only had I agreed to do it but I paid to do it.

So the thoughts started racing through my mind for the next 24 hours - "Really?!  What were you thinking?  Lisa has run 2 marathons and delivered her 5th baby in the last year.  You think you can keep up with her?  She ran her first marathon in San Francisco.  Why would she want to run with you?"  Oh.my.gosh.
(Can you say GORGEOUS?)

So, I got up bright and early Saturday morning to get ready for this great adventure.  I choked down a piece of peanut butter toast and made several trips to the bathroom.  How nice of T.O.M. (time of month - are you kidding me?!) to visit me on my last trip to the bathroom before dashing out the door.  It was 40* and the wind was blowing 289 mph.  Perfect for a run, don't you think?  Well, nothing like a sweet friend to force encourage me to face my fears.

We chatted all the way to Wichita and then sat in the car watching all the other crazy racers arrive.  Nothing like a good chat to make a girl feel comfy and forget her fears.  We hit the porta potties one last time on our way to the start line (I have totally mastered the porta potties after 2 races).  We were the VERY LAST RUNNERS to cross the start line but we were far from last to finish.  We were rock stars!

The race was exhausting, exhilerating, challenging and more fun than I could have ever imagined! One of my favorite days EVER.

I've learned a whole lot about myself and running over the last 2 1/2 months.  I know I have a lot more to learn but I want to look back on this time and smile next year when I realize how much more I can accomplish.  Here are just a few of the things I've learned:
  • You can totally justify a new pair of shoes and all sorts of accessories to run :)
  • The only thing nastier than sweat dripping down your cleavage is pee running down your leg.
  • Poise pads are a girl's best friend when she runs.
  • Apparently, I feel way more comfortable blogging about bodily functions now.  Jeesh.
  • You are stronger than you know and braver than you realize.
  • "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13
  • Sore muscles make a girl feel strong and beautiful.
  • A good support system of online friends and real-life running friends is an incredible source of inspiration, motivaton and great advice.  Thank you, Lisa and Carmen, for being so patient to run with me and share all your wisdom.  You are super heroes in my book.
  • I may not be a competitive gal but I'm very determined.
  • Rest days are as important as long run days - thank goodness!
  • 20 miles/week = more calories each week.  Big YEA!!!
  • The 1st mile of every run is the hardest.  Dang it, you have to run it every.single.time.
It's been hard to see myself as a runner but I'm beginning to wrap my chubby little brain around it.  It's hard for me to imagine my life without running now.  Never thought I'd be saying that at this stage of my life  :)

8 comments:

sarajane said...

You have always been rock star status in my book, but now I think you realize it! Congrats that is a big accomplishment. You are such an encourager to those of us that are still treadmill walker/ runners in the basement :)

Chad and Jody said...

Danielle you are such an inspiration! I love how real you are when you type about it. I could use some pointers from you about how to get started. How to keep motivated. And when to find the time to do it. Love you. So proud of you! -Jody

Chad and Jody said...

Danielle you are such an inspiration! I love how real you are when you type about it. I could use some pointers from you about how to get started. How to keep motivated. And when to find the time to do it. Love you. So proud of you! -Jody

Mitch said...

You're crazy but I love you anyways. ; )

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

Great job!!

Amy said...

You are amazing. That's all.

rentz said...

Wow! Way to go!

Heidi said...

Yea! I loved reading this. I laughed out loud and was relieved that others had some of the same bodily functions that I do. SHEW.