So fill up your lungs and just run...

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Well, you guys, I did it! I managed to jog 13.1 miles without stopping in the 2014 Tuscaloosa Half Marathon this past weekend.  I finished in 3 hours, 8 minutes and 55 seconds.  I moved like a turtle with an average pace of 14:28 per mile but I did it.  I also took videos and pictures while I was running which should surprise nobody probably because I’m such a diva but you can see those above.  I would say that the race went smoothly until I got about half way between miles 9 and 10.  It was warm out and I had eaten this energy gel about halfway through which was disgusting and had the consistency of Vaseline.  I think that, combined with all the jostling around that my stomach was doing, caused me to almost lose my breakfast.  I was able to hold it down.  There was a significant hill towards the end that wasn’t that steep but steadily inclined for a very long time.  I got really fatigued at that point.  Around mile 10 or 11, I seriously considered stopping and walking the rest of the way.  I was exhausted and in pain.  I gave myself a pep talk and reminded myself about how far I’ve come.  It was at that point I started to get a little emotional. I was able to motivate myself to keep going.  At mile 12, I saw several people that I work with.  Our company had volunteered to sit and cheer at a water station.  They were perfectly positioned because I needed their encouragement to get me through the last mile.  I was coming around the corner near the finish line, I saw my Aunt Kris and my Dad filming me, holding up a sign and cheering me on.  They were cracking me up because my Dad almost fell and my Aunt’s filming skills leave a bit to be desired but I was so grateful to have them.  When I was approaching the finish line, I saw my mom, Oma and brother, also cheering me on.  I got a tiny boost of energy and was able to run across the finish to get my medal. 

When I got done, it took me a couple minutes to catch my breath.  I was having trouble breathing at all so I was a bit panicky but I tried to calm down and take deep breaths.  I finally ran into everyone that came to support me at the finish line and when I hugged my Dad I will admit, I got emotional and may or may not have shed a tear or two.  I had six people at the finish line and a multitude of people supporting me via text, Twitter and Facebook.  It means so much to me that I have so much support in my life.  The hardest parts probably came that night and Sunday.  I have never been more sore in my entire life.  I could barely get up on my own yesterday.  I’m still incredibly sore today…mostly in my back and thighs but it is getting a little better.  My plan was to jog a bit yesterday because I read that you were supposed to do that to keep your muscles loose.  I couldn’t do it.  It was probably the first workout I’ve skipped in 5 years.  I am going to walk today and try and jog a bit tomorrow.  I’m going to let myself heal a bit this week but get right back at it next week.  I think I want to switch it up some.  I doubt I will ever run another half marathon or try and run a full one.  I guess I won’t say never but I have to say, it’s not anywhere on my radar at this point.  I will say that I figured out the secret to eating and drinking what you want.  I burned nearly 2,600 calories as you can see in the picture from my Jawbone Up app.  Unfortunately, it’s a bit unrealistic to do that every day but if you are wanting to know what it takes to get away with eating pizza and burgers all the time, I figured it out.  I am also dedicating myself to a diet renewal.  I can no longer use the training to justify all the food I’ve been eating.  I need to buckle down and reach a goal that I’ve been trying to reach for over a year.  I haven’t weighed in a while and I may wait a couple weeks before I do, just to give myself some time.  Obviously, I’ll update you all about that as I’m working on it.  I encourage you to set small and large goals for yourself.  There are few things in life more rewarding than setting a goal and accomplishing it.

In the spirit of eating better and being a less lazy blogger, I actually have a recipe for you.  It’s from Hungry Girl because she’s my favorite.  You can make this recipe with squash or zucchini but if you don’t like those, you can use the idea of making creamier vegetables by incorporating Laughing Cow cheese.  Essentially, you just slice the squash really thin, add light butter, spices and Laughing Cow cheese.  You put it all in a little aluminum foil packet and bake it.  It calls for onions and I used frozen, chopped onions.  Unfortunately, because they were frozen they made the dish a little more watery and less creamy but it still had good flavor.  It’s a simple and tasty side that I’d probably make again. 

I have so many things planned over the next few months.  I’m going to see Elton John on Saturday which I’m super excited about.  I’m busy as usual! I’m hoping to set more goals and accomplish them and share them with all of you! Thanks for all of the support! Until next week!

“You said, remember that life is

Not meant to be wasted

We can always be chasing the sun!

So fill up your lungs and just run

But always be chasing the sun!” Chasing The Sun-Sara Bareilles