I'm an ATHLETE!

CAN IT BE?!?!?

I did it! I ran a 5k!

I ran (well ... jogged) the entire time, and I finished in 37 minutes. I didn't set out to break any speed records. My goals were to complete said race without:

1. Fainting
2. Walking
3. Throwing up
4. Running into anyone

It was 80 degrees and overcast at 8:00 a.m. and we were all thankful that the sun wasn't out. I don't know if I would have made it with the sun beating down on me. Actually, around mile two I was cussing myself for agreeing to do this in the first place and swore that I would never do this to myself again, but as soon as I saw the finish line it was totally worth it! I sped up and ran as fast as I could and I was so happy that Husband and Toddler were there to cheer me on.

Here I am with the Toddler, pre-race. He was a good sport about the whole thing.

I had partners to keep me accountable or I never would have made it through this process.

Here we are! Athletes! From left to right: Anna, me, and Courtney. I tilted my body so I would look skinnier, as they are both smaller and speedier than I. Anna finished in 31 minutes and Courtney came in around 33. We still don't have official results yet.

 I think I'm HOOKED! The feeling you have when you set a goal and accomplish something physical that you didn't think you could do is indescribable.

 And, here I am post-race struggling not to throw up. We took a lap around the block to cool down and I felt better after that.

I plan to continue bragging about this accomplishment for the rest of the week. Maybe next time, Husband will run with me?! I have witnessed him run recreationally (meaning, for a reason other than something was on fire or he was hurrying me to Labor & Delivery) exactly TWO times since we met 7 years ago. As you can see, I have my work cut out for me. Keep your fingers crossed!

Together Day.

Some days, I feel like I have it all together.

Today was one of those days.

14 days.

My 5k race is in exactly two weeks and I'm beginning to feel a little concern. You see, I was doing just fine with my training until a few days ago when I had a really GREAT run and just knew there would be no problem with running 3.1 miles.

Since that day I have had nothing but a string of crappy runs and now I'm worried that I won't be able to do it! I'm sure the heat has something to do with it ... I have been going for 5 a.m. runs to avoid the heat and it's still 80 degrees out there. It's like trying to run in a sauna. I dislike it very much -- I do not handle heat well. I feel like I'm not able to hydrate properly beforehand, since I literally roll out of bed and out into the street. I'm not sure what to do about this problem, but drinking lots of water before bed is not the answer I'm looking for.

Lonely.

Sometimes I feel lonely even though I'm surrounded by people. It usually signals a need to see my mother.

I hope my children still need me when they are 30.

Cling-on.

Me and my Toddler were on our own again this weekend. Husband had to work Saturday and Sunday, so I did the single mom thing. Usually we have a great time when we're on our own, although I'm always exhausted by the end of the weekend. Unfortunately, this weekend, I seem to have either contracted some sort of stomach virus from my child -- or my child's poop-- or possibly ate something bad on Friday that gave me a touch of ... something. Something that seems a LOT like a close relative to food poisoning.

I have not enjoyed it.

Anyway, managing an extremely clingy 21-month-old plus repeated trips to the restroom does not a good time make. Every time I exit the room I hear "MAMA!! MAMA!!" and then tiny footsteps following me. At that point he will either beat on the door and cry, or, if I let him in, pat my thigh and stare at me while I do my business.

In fact, here he is hanging on my leg while I write this blog.

And then, moments later, he's fine again.

I think one thing I've had to learn as a mother is to just try to stay even tempered regardless of what kind of mood my child is in. And even though he's very clingy right now, I am enjoying it while I can. One day he won't even want to be seen in public with me.

Race to the Courthouse!

I just signed up for my first 5k. It's June 26th and I'm terrified.