A tough race...

I mentioned in an earlier post that my friend, Hilary, and I were training for a half marathon. We have run one before and decided to train in the dead heat of summer for the San Antonio Rock n' Roll half marathon. Well, the race was Sunday and I could feel all weekend that I wasn't quite ready. I probably could have trained more and my allergies were terrible. When I got to the race on Sunday morning, I was sweating just standing there because of the heat/humidity. Mentally and physically, I was in for a tough race.

Hilary is a great running buddy. She keeps a good pace and positive attitude. I was already struggling by mile 7, but did my best to put on a happy face and tried to use Hilary's encouraging words to lift me up...more like lift my feet up:). Our families were waiting for us at mile 8. As soon as I saw my mom, I broke down. I was so happy when Hilary kept going and I prayed she would get to the finish safely and beat her goal! The last thing I wanted to do was hold her back. I went off to the side and the idea of giving up on the race ran through my head. As I sat with my sister and husband, who were kind and allowed me to break down for a few minutes, I gathered myself and somehow got the strength to finish. I might be walking this thing and I may faint, but I'm going to finish one way or another.

My parents taught me many, many lessons in life and one of the most important ones was "don't give up." I wanted to finish this race regardless of my time. My sister offered to walk the last 5 miles with me, but I refused. She was in sandals for goodness sakes! My husband was in sneakers and was going to finish the race with me even when I told him I can do it on my own. B is not a runner, but he put a smile on his face and in his khaki shorts and fishing shirt ran 5 miles and crossed the finish line with me! We did it and I wasn't too far behind my past half marathon time. I'll take it!

The race benefited the Susan G. Komen foundation and when I was thinking about quitting, I kept thinking of the thousands of women and men fighting cancer. They fight for days, months, even years. I can do this one fight for them. Also, it reminded me how important family and friends are in times of need and in good times. I could not have finished this race without the love and support of my friends and family. B was my strength in every way and I was so blessed to cross the finish line with my best friend and hubby.

I want to Congratulate Hilary on a race well-done! Hilary ran 5 miles by herself and did an amazing job! I'm sorry I couldn't be your accountability partner this time, friend, but I'll be there next time. She is an amazingly strong woman!

Thank you family for all of your support and encouragement. Thank you, Annie, for your kind heart and offering to walk 5 miles with me in sandals. Especially, thank you B, for running by my side for 5 miles and for being my rock in a time of need. You are a beautiful example of what a man, husband and best friend should be and always amaze me in the number of ways you reflect Christ's image.

Yes, it was a tough race, but at least we were all smiling by the end and able to finish! We also got to take a picture with Robert Earl Keen at the finish, which was exciting.