Run For the Dream

Run For the Dream and run we did! My sister and I attended the inaugural run for the half marathon that takes place in beautiful Colonial Williamsburg. While Aaron, Chris and John did not run, I felt that they were just as much a part of the event as we were. I can't describe how awesome it was to have family celebrating the journey with you and to know that your sister was out there sweating with you. I loved seeing posters with my name on them and hearing someone cheer for you, the whole thing was exhilarating. The weather was awesome, being 80 degrees and 96% humidity. I could ring my clothes out during mile two. However, I wasn't really bothered by the sun after I "warmed" up and never really thought about it again. What I did think about was my sore, scrunched toes, the rolling hills and mostly consumed with the chaffing that was taking place where the seams of my compression shorts rubbed against my inner leg. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and all the diverse terrain that we ran on.
To commemorate the event I ran with a disposable camera in my fanny pack and took pictures at places that I had good thoughts. I did run out of film and am not quite sure how that happened since I took 20 pictures on a 27 exposure camera. My muscles were tired at mile 11 and I need to somehow figure out how to train for those last three to four miles. I can see that I have a lot of work to do prior to the marathon in October. Even though my time was slower, something that I have been struggling with, this was by far my favorite half marathon up to this point. I am sure that we are going to do it again next year. One of the most inspiring and encouraging things surrounding the weekend was hearing that my brothers would like to train for one. It was so sweet at how moved they were as we crossed the finish line, maybe, if not more so, as much as we were. They thought that they might train for one this summer and do it together this fall. Just the thought of this is awesome.
I never thought that I would run 13.1 miles, and I got to do it in beautiful country, with a terrific sister. I feel like somehow this resembles the tough stuff that we have been through. While we may not have run side by side, each person making their own story and partaking of their own journey, to know that someone you love is going the distance with you makes the hard parts bearable.
Amanda and family, thank you for going the distance with me, whether you are cheering me on, celebrating with me at the end or running the path, each of you are vitally important to me and help make life worth living. Thank you all!!!!!!!!