Who has time for that?

I had a completely different post in mind for today, but my plans (as so often happens) have changed.  I woke up yesterday morning with what I'm hoping is going to be a short-lived cold. 

I can't imagine I'm the only mom who thinks that they just don't have time to be sick.  I have a full time job, a husband, and three kids.  As if this weren't enough, this week is even more important!  For the last three months, I have been planning and training for a race this Saturday morning. 

So, my stubborn nature is going into overdrive.  I stayed home yesterday and today, and I'm working from home loaded down with vitamins, nyquil, chicken soup, hot tea, and lots of naps.  

Luckily, I'm starting to feel better and I'm confident that this little blip won't get in the way of me PR'ing (achieving a personal best race time) this weekend.  This is my third half marathon and the one I'm most excited about.

My first half marathon was in June 2010 with Team in Training (the ZOOMA Half Marathon) and it was full of doubt and stress and uncertainty.  Team in training helped, but nothing can prepare you for that first long distance event.  It was almost 90 degrees by the time the race gun went off at 7:30 am in Annapolis, MD.  As seasoned racers collapsed from the heat at different points on the course, I kept on my feet and moving forward.  I must have been gray at some points as people from TNT kept asking if I was ok.  No, I was not ok.  The first 8 miles were ok, but after that I started to crash.  Between my 'monthly friend' and the heat, I was limited to a fast walk with some short jogs mixed in.  Running was not even an option.  I would feel the heat wash over me whenever I tried.  So, I chugged along as best I could.  And when I saw my mother-in-law, husband, and two girls (Callie hadn't joined us yet :)) waiting for me at the finish line, I dug deep and found enough reserve to jog across the finish line. 

Taryn and Karen (MIL) at Zooma Annapolis Half Marathon

I learned a lot about myself that day.  I knew I was determined, but I didn't know how strong I was.  It took all my mental strength to finish that race.  Afterwards, I spent 30 minutes with the EMT techs, who gave me fluids and told me that they'd never seen so many people need support at a race.  From that discussion, I learned NOT to ever do a long distance run in the summer again.  I learned that chafing is no joke - and I wasn't entirely sure that I ever wanted to do a long distance run again.  That was a short-lived uncertainty.  Of course, I was going to do another run!  And another!  And another!

I found books on better training methods and fueling techniques.  And those are the things I did differently for my next event, which was significantly later.  I got pregnant with Callie and then had a newborn to care for.  It was almost two years, when I found the next race to tackle.  The Charlotte MotorSpeedway Half Marathon in March 2012!

So about 6 months ago, I was ready for my second race.  This was going to be different, though.  Mike was going to run with me :)  And every mile was going to be marked by a NASCAR stock car (motivation for Mike).  Training every Saturday was so much fun!  Mike and I would plug in our separate IPODs and take off.  It was awesome.  The entire experience was something I'll never forget.  Mike and I ran side-by-side for 13.1 miles - there were points where I wanted to hurt his 6'3" self as he appeared not to suffer at all.  Especially, when my 'monthly friend' decided to visit again!  Grrrrr....  I hit that same wall at mile 8, but I was able to power through that one with a run/walk attack, rather than walking the last 5 as I did in my first event.  And I did beat my original time by almost 30 mins!  Pretty awesome :)  But I'm hungry for more.

Thus, I've turned half marathon #3 into a girls' weekend with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law.  We're going to have a blast and no cold is going to stop that!  And bet on me beating my last time too!!!!  Stay tuned.....