So I Did This Thing....

So I've been doing this thing...kind of fun but kind of crazy. It's called RUNNING! I know....it's weird. I have always somewhat enjoyed running but never really got into until recently. I would run here and there for exercise but nothing of a commitment and sure as heck not very far. Couple times a month....on my good months. ;) BUT I have always wanted to run the Turkey Trot in Quincy on Thanksgiving morning (and Bridge The Gap but that's another story). So if there was one thing I learned in 2019, it's that you aren't promised a tomorrow and that if I want to do something...I should do it (well within reason;). It was their 40th year, had some decent shirts so I thought...LET'S DO THIS! So I signed up....alone. If I do something, I like to do it. Like all the way. So no walking...we were going to run this baby! So Mick kindly declined as did everyone else I knew. But it was probably best...then no one would have to wait for me. (ha). 

So I started running multiple times a week...oh....about a 2.5 weeks before Thanksgiving. On top of that I have been struggling with some feet issues and some pain there and wasn't quite sure what was going on but what else do you do when your feet hurt....you RUN on them...in a 5K! (Please do not ever take health advise from me...like EVER.) 

So I drive to Quincy, pull up the night before to get my packet. Mind you...I have never ran a race in my life. Well, in high school...around a track and the furthest I ran was 400m! I pull into the parking lot and look at the race map....say what!?!? You end this sucker with a hill. Nobody told me that. Nobody also told me that there are like a gazillion people that do this! But I was this far---I was going to push through. I woke up the next morning and set out. 32 degrees. Early in the morning. I don't do cold and I don't do mornings. And I typically don't do running. I had officially lost my mind. 

Ya'll I ran that sucker the fastest I had ever ran 3.1 miles in my life. My 32 minutes probably seems like nothing to most of you but my goal was 34 minutes so I felt like I won the whole dang thing! Yes, I am patting myself quite hard on the back. I was proud. So guess what....I'm going to do it again!........

AFTER, I get my feet fixed.

 Up ENTIRELY way too early for this!!

 I ran for my cousin. I ran for my aunt & uncle. I ran for the rest of my family.
Sometimes when you are going through something difficult, it's a nice reminder that some people have it harder, some people are struggling harder than just trying to finish a 5K.
Think of others and always be kind.

 See the girl in black...standing next to a girl in purple...in the upper right corner, freezing her butt off.
Yep, that's me! I made the news!
Side Note: This gentleman graduated with me...he really did make the news! ;)

 The night before.....should have worn this hat

 The hill and the finish. Seriously....who does a race with a hill at the finish.

Loved seeing all the families do this together. What a great memory for them.
Who knows....maybe next year Mick will run with me?!?!
(don't hold your breath)